Research Archives | Ģý /category/research/ Ģý Mon, 22 Sep 2025 14:19:30 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9 /wp-content/uploads/2021/01/cropped-acu-solid-purple-favicon-32x32.png Research Archives | Ģý /category/research/ 32 32 DOE taps Ģý, Natura to receive critical nuclear reactor fuel /2025/08/28/doe-taps-acu-natura-to-receive-critical-nuclear-reactor-fuel/ Thu, 28 Aug 2025 22:44:31 +0000 /?p=98027 The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a plan to provide high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) to Ģý and its partner, Natura Resources, for their cutting-edge nuclear research. This crucial fuel allocation will support the university’s Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing (NEXT) Lab in the development of a next-generation molten salt reactor. Ģý’s research … Continued

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The Dillard Science and Engineering Research Center on Ģý’s campus is home to NEXT Lab.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has a plan to provide high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) to Ģý and its partner, , for their cutting-edge nuclear research. This crucial fuel allocation will support the university’s Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing (NEXT) Lab in the development of a next-generation molten salt reactor.

Ģý’s research reactor will be the first deployment of the Natura MSR-1 – a 1-megawatt thermal molten salt reactor system. Access to HALEU is essential for advancing the design and testing phases of this pioneering project.

Because HALEU is not yet commercially available from domestic suppliers, the DOE established a process for nuclear developers to request the material. Ģý is one of just three new entities selected to receive an allocation, following an initial round of awards to five companies earlier this year. The DOE is expected to finalize the contracting process and potentially deliver HALEU to recipients later this year.

This announcement follows another significant milestone as the DOE recently named Natura Resources as one of only 11 projects nationwide to participate in the new . This federal initiative is designed to fast-track the development and deployment of advanced nuclear reactors by 2026.

NEXT Lab research engineers work on the molten salt test system.

These recent federal announcements propel Ģý’s NEXT Lab into the national spotlight, solidifying the university’s position as a key contributor to U.S. nuclear energy innovation. The Ģý research reactor project is the only university-led reactor project in the country with a construction permit from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. It also marks the first time a liquid salt-fueled reactor has been licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

“Ģý is grateful to the Department of Energy and Secretary Wright for their leadership in advancing America’s nuclear energy future, and we deeply appreciate Congressman Jodey Arrington, Senator John Cornyn and Senator Ted Cruz for their continued support of our groundbreaking nuclear research,” said Ģý president Dr. Phil Schubert. “This access to fuel enables Ģý and our partners at Natura Resources to take the critical next steps in designing and testing advanced nuclear technology – paving the way for safe, clean and reliable energy while creating extraordinary opportunities for our students and faculty to contribute to innovative research with global impact and strengthening our nation’s energy security.”

The project has also received significant support at the state level, as the 89th Texas legislature’s recently approved budget directed $120 million to benefit the NEXT Lab and Natura partnership, in conjunction with Texas Tech University and the Texas Produced Water Consortium.

— Wendy Kilmer
Aug. 28, 2025

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Ģý Dallas Launches Applied Research Center to Foster Transformative, Faith-Inspired Research /2025/07/09/acu-dallas-launches-applied-research-center/ Wed, 09 Jul 2025 16:54:01 +0000 /?p=96775 Ģý (Ģý) proudly announces the launch of the Applied Research Center (ARC), a new initiative that empowers students and faculty to engage in meaningful, high-quality research that addresses real-world challenges and generates innovative, community-driven solutions. Rooted in Ģý’s commitment to faith and scholarship, the ARC serves as both a resource hub and a … Continued

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Ģý (Ģý) proudly announces the launch of the Applied Research Center (ARC), a new initiative that empowers students and faculty to engage in meaningful, high-quality research that addresses real-world challenges and generates innovative, community-driven solutions.

Rooted in Ģý’s commitment to faith and scholarship, the ARC serves as both a resource hub and a collaborative space for research that impacts local and global communities. The center provides a range of services, including research education and training, support for faculty and doctoral student research, seed funding and facilitation of community-based research partnerships.

“Research at Ģý Dallas is more than academic—it’s a reflection of our commitment to serve, to question deeply, and to innovate with purpose,” said Dr. Jennifer Butcher, Vice Provost for Research, Writing & Special Initiatives.The Applied Research Center is a vital expression of that mission, empowering our community to seek knowledge that transforms lives and creates meaningful impact.” 

Inspired by the biblical story of Noah’s Ark (Genesis 6:14–22), the ARC symbolizes a vessel of preservation, renewal and hope. In this spirit, the ARC is a sanctuary for ideas, fostering resilience and forward-thinking solutions in a rapidly changing world.

Key features of the ARC include:

  • Training and Resources: Workshops and materials to enhance research knowledge and skills for students and faculty.
  • Funding Support: Seed grants for faculty research and guidance in securing external funding.
  • Student Fellowships: Research opportunities and mentoring for students at all levels.
  • Recognition and Publication: Annual research conferences, awards for research excellence and publication opportunities.
  • Collaborative Research: Support for student-faculty partnerships and multidisciplinary research through ARC Collectives.
  • Community Engagement: Partnerships with local organizations to co-create research that addresses shared challenges.

“Through the ARC, we are equipping researchers not only with knowledge and tools, but with a deeper purpose—to serve others through discovery and innovation,” said Dr. Raquel Ellis, ARC Director.

The ARC Collectives, composed of faculty, students and community partners, are a cornerstone of ARC’s collaborative approach. These groups work across disciplines to pursue research, apply for external grants, present at conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals.

“The ARC is more than a center—it’s a movement to harness academic inquiry in service to others, guided by our Christian faith,” said Dr. George Saltsman, Provost & Vice President of Academic Affairs for Ģý’s Dallas campus.

For more information about the Applied Research Center and how to get involved, visit acu.edu/arc or contact arc@acu.edu.

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Texas legislature funds water desalination through Texas Tech, Ģý, Natura Resources partnership /2025/07/01/texas-legislature-funds-water-desalination-through-texas-tech-acu-natura-resources-partnership/ Tue, 01 Jul 2025 17:29:29 +0000 /?p=96705 A recent appropriation from the Texas Legislature, signed by Gov. Greg Abbott, focuses on water desalination and directs research funding to Texas Tech University to help accelerate their research partnership with Ģý and its molten salt reactor project, sponsored by Natura Resources. In January, Ģý entered into a memorandum of understanding with Texas … Continued

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NRC Construction Permit
In September 2024, the NRC issued a construction permit to Ģý to build the Natura MSR-1, marking the first liquid salt fueled reactor licensed by the NRC in American history and the first U.S. university research reactor approved in more than 30 years.

A recent appropriation from the Texas Legislature, signed by Gov. Greg Abbott, focuses on water desalination and directs research funding to to help accelerate their research partnership with Ģý and its molten salt reactor project, sponsored by .

In January, Ģý entered into a memorandum of understanding with Texas Tech, Natura and the to address Texas’ most pressing water and energy challenges. A key goal of the collaboration is to integrate MSR technology with water desalination systems, aiming to purify produced water from oil and gas operations for beneficial use.

The Natura Resources MSR-1, a liquid-fueled molten salt reactor that was licensed last year by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to be constructed on Ģý’s campus as a university research reactor – the nation’s first in more than 30 years – is the first step toward commercial deployment of the technology in the Permian Basin to provide energy and beneficial use of produced water. The appropriation to Texas Tech will include a subaward to Ģý for research, development, permitting, licensing and construction of the MSR-1 the university’s Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing Laboratory.

“Texas Tech University is proud to partner with Ģý and Natura Resources in advancing desalination of produced water through cutting-edge molten salt reactor technology,” said Lawrence Schovanec, president of Texas Tech University. “This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to innovation, sustainability and addressing critical energy and water security challenges.”

SERC research bay from above
A view from above the research bay at the grand opening of Ģý’s Dillard Science and Engineering Research Center where a molten salt research reactor will be housed.

Natura’s MSR technology will also generate life-saving medical isotopes essential for cancer treatment, diagnostic imaging and other advanced medical procedures, which will help alleviate global shortages and establish Texas as a leader in medical innovation.

“We are deeply grateful to the Texas Legislature for their historic commitment to advanced nuclear innovation,” said Doug Robison, founder and CEO of Natura Resources. “This appropriation allows Natura and Ģý to deploy the nation’s first advanced, liquid-fueled reactor in late 2026. Such milestones position Natura as the leader in the advanced reactor space and Texas as the leader in clean energy, water technology and the production of life-saving medical isotopes. Thanks to this unprecedented support, Texas is poised to shape the future of energy, water and medical science for the world.”

The ongoing partnership between Texas Tech, Ģý and Natura Resources also contributes to workforce development, research and the establishment of a robust supply chain within Texas. These efforts, supported by the state’s recent investment, will help ensure reliable, affordable and sustainable energy, water and medical resources for Texas communities and beyond.

“Ģý is honored to partner in this historic initiative with Texas Tech University and Natura Resources,” said Dr. Phil Schubert, Ģý president. “Ģý, along with our partners, is positioned to become a national leader in advanced nuclear training and research, setting a global standard for clean energy and medical advancements. We are especially grateful to Sen. Perry, Rep. Lambert and Rep. Darby for their leadership and support in making this partnership possible.”

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Ģý receives $2.1 million through grant project with Pepperdine /2025/02/19/acu-receives-2-1-million-through-grant-project-with-pepperdine/ Wed, 19 Feb 2025 19:00:22 +0000 /?p=93615 Ģý’s Siburt Institute for Church Ministry will receive $2.1 million as part of a collaboration with Pepperdine University’s Empower and Equip program, designed to strengthen the ministries and leadership of Churches of Christ in rural areas and small towns. Lilly Endowment Inc. granted Pepperdine $7.5 million for the Empower and Equip initiative, which … Continued

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Ģý’s will receive $2.1 million as part of a collaboration with Pepperdine University’s Empower and Equip program, designed to strengthen the ministries and leadership of Churches of Christ in rural areas and small towns.

Lilly Endowment Inc. granted Pepperdine $7.5 million for the Empower and Equip initiative, which aims to enhance the vitality of rural ministries by providing encouragement, updated data, leadership training, opportunities for collaboration and resources to expand ecclesial imaginations. Pepperdine is collaborating with ministry leaders and organizations, including Ģý’s Siburt Institute, through sub-granting and partnerships.

“The national scope of the Siburt Institute positions us well to serve the aims of this initiative,” said Carson Reed, vice president for church relations at Ģý and executive director for the Siburt Institute. “We are excited about partnering with Pepperdine and with an array of other institutions and colleges to resource rural and small town congregations.”

 The Siburt Institute’s role in the project involves conducting and gathering fresh research and data, training leaders, and building a publicly accessible library featuring sermons, educational classes and community engagement guidance.

Other aspects of Pepperdine’s initiative include:

  • Ten regional hub partnerships to provide targeted training and encouragement for for equipping ministers and lay leaders within their communities
  • An annual conference bringing together leaders from project partners nationwide to share updates, identify community needs and provide a platform for strategic planning to address future challenges facing rural ministries.
  • A research component led by Pepperdine’s research team to investigate the causes of declining church attendance and religious sentiment, not only within Churches of Christ, but across various denominations.

Pepperdine University is one of 20 organizations from across the United States receiving grants through the Lilly Endowment’s Ministry in Rural Areas and Small Towns Initiative.

“We are honored to receive support from  Lilly Endowment Inc. as it invests in the future of Churches of Christ in rural areas and small towns,” said Mike Cope, director of ministry outreach at Pepperdine University, who will be the director of the initiative. “We believe our work will help reignite a passion for ministry and bring renewed energy to these vital congregations, and we’re eager to work in collaboration with the Siburt Institute in both national and regional efforts to accomplish the goals.”

Learn more about Ģý’s .

— Wendy Kilmer
Feb. 19, 2025

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Ģý achieves elite academic recognition with Carnegie Research 2 status /2025/02/13/acu-achieves-elite-academic-recognition-with-carnegie-research-2-status/ Thu, 13 Feb 2025 12:05:30 +0000 /?p=93381 Ģý has earned Research 2 (R2) status in the latest update from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education – a milestone that reflects Ģý’s intentional commitment to research growth and academic excellence. The prestigious R2 designation places Abilene Christian among top research universities in the nation, recognizing high spending and doctorate … Continued

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Student in Ģý's Department of Engineering and Physics conduct research
Students in Ģý’s Department of Engineering and Physics regularly engage in research in collaboration with national laboratories.

Ģý has earned Research 2 (R2) status in the latest update from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education – a milestone that reflects Ģý’s intentional commitment to research growth and academic excellence.

The prestigious R2 designation places Abilene Christian among top research universities in the nation, recognizing . Among 120 governing members of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities – a higher education association of Christian institutions around the world – Ģý is one of only two to achieve R2 or R1 status.

“This recognition affirms our commitment to academic excellence, research, innovation, and empowering students and faculty to make a real-world impact,” said Dr. Phil Schubert, Ģý president.

Strategic Growth

Achieving this status is a key element of the university’s and the result of a broad institutional focus. Ģý was first included in the Doctoral Universities grouping as a Research 3 university in 2022 and immediately had its sights set on moving up to R2.

“We set an aggressive goal to become R2 because we believe our mission calls us to examine carefully the challenges society and the world face and to provide solutions and hope,” said Dr. Robert Rhodes, senior vice president for academic affairs. “We want our students to gain these same skills, and we want our current and future faculty to have a passion for our mission and this work.”

Ģý’s research expansion has been fueled by significant growth in the last decade:

  • $8.18 million in research spending for 2022-23
  • An average of 68 research doctorates awarded per year
  • More than 800% increase in research and development expenditures from 2010-22, ranking Ģý among the nation’s top 10 fastest-growing research programs, according to
  • Named among the Top 50 nationally for Undergraduate Teaching and Undergraduate Research by U.S. News & World Report
  • Establishment of vice president for research position in Fall 2020
  • Dr. Kay Tindle hired as vice president for research in Fall 2024

Excellence for the Future

Rhoden Field Lab is Ģý’s own working farm. The 400-acre property, with large and small livestock, provides plentiful hands-on learning and research opportunities for students

With only 133 universities nationwide classified as R2 this past year and just 40 private institutions among them – including Villanova, TCU, Marquette and Wake Forest – Ģý’s achievement places it in elite company and promises to enhance the student experience and faculty development.

“Our faculty – with students working right alongside them – are engaged in world-class research and finding solutions to relevant, pressing problems,” Tindle said. “R2 status allows us to attract even more renowned scholars and researchers who share our Christian mission, and it opens new doors to collaborative research opportunities that benefit both the university and the broader community.

Learn more about Ģý’s innovative research programs and student involvement.

— Wendy Kilmer
Feb. 13, 2025

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AI Research at Ģý, funded by Google: Transforming Computer Science Education /2025/02/12/ai-research-at-acu-transforming-computer-science-education/ Wed, 12 Feb 2025 21:25:56 +0000 /?p=93355 As a high school student, Gweneth Barbre was intrigued by psychology, design and computer science and she knew she wanted to explore the interaction between people and computers. So she looked for a university with a similar research focus and opportunity. Less than a year later, as a freshman computer science major at Abilene Christian … Continued

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Musa Blake and Gweneth Barbre conduct AI research as part of Ģý’s Design and Interaction in Computing Education (DICE) Lab

As a high school student, Gweneth Barbre was intrigued by psychology, design and computer science and she knew she wanted to explore the interaction between people and computers. So she looked for a university with a similar research focus and opportunity. Less than a year later, as a freshman computer science major at Ģý, she works as a research assistant to Dr. James Prather, analyzing data about how novice programmers interact with Artificial Intelligence tools, and she’s preparing for a paper submission to an international academic conference.

“Dr. Prather’s experience in that field was very relevant to my interest and made Ģý a very strong option for what I want to do,” Barbre said. “The research questions we’re exploring are very interesting, considering AI is still pretty new. But the most important thing is seeing the research process first hand – how questions get brought up and answered, learning about research design and methodology.”

Prather, associate professor of computer science, has been researching AI’s impact on computer science since 2021. Even prior to the public launch of ChatGPT, he co-authored an initial paper, The Robots Are Coming, published in early 2022, establishing him as an early voice in the field. Other researchers have cited that paper 458 times, and it’s been downloaded nearly 20,000 times.

Dr. Brent Reeves, professor of computer science and management sciences, soon joined him in the research, and the two have since honed in on AI’s role in education, particularly in programming courses.

“AI is transforming how we teach programming,” Prather said. “It’s not just about coding anymore – it’s about learning how to prompt, analyze and refine AI-generated work responsibly.”

Jared Wright came to Ģý planning to study video game development but decided to focus on the more technical side of the field and along the way found a new love for learning and higher education, thanks to his involvement in the research team focused on novice programmers interaction with Artificial Intelligence.

“I did not expect or intend to do research or any higher academics,” said Wright, who graduated in December 2024. “I switched to a computer science major and didn’t know precisely what I wanted to do. But getting to work on that initial research project and attend the conference where the paper was presented lit a fire underneath me. It seemed like an exciting place to be and a community of people I wanted to be around. I realized I did want to pursue a professorship and an academic career. I hadn’t thought about doing research before, but now it is the main plan.”

Drs. James Prather and Brent Reeves in Milan, Italy
Drs. James Prather and Brent Reeves at the 29th annual Association of Computing Machinery conference on Innovation and Technology in Computer Science Education in Milan, Italy

With undergraduate students like Wright and Barbre working alongside them, Reeves and Prather have earned best paper awards, presented at prestigious conferences, and received invitations to give keynote lectures on the subject. They’ve explored AI’s effectiveness in solving complex coding problems, reshaped curriculum design – at Ģý and universities around the world – and addressed how students interact with AI tools. Their studies reveal advantages, such as accelerated learning for advanced students, and risks, such as over-reliance and an illusion of competence among struggling learners.

“We thought AI would help struggling students catch up, but instead, it widened the gap,” Prather says. “Those with strong metacognitive skills excelled, while others became more dependent and fell further behind.”

In 2023, Google took notice of Ģý’s groundbreaking research, awarding their team $60,000 initially and another $100,000 the next year, in unrestricted grants. That funding allowed them to purchase eye-tracking systems, which they’re currently using for experiments in how novice users adapt to AI.

The grant collaboration also led to Prather taking part in Google.org’s philanthropic efforts in curriculum development for K-12 schools and universities, ensuring AI integration into modern education.

Their influence isn’t limited to the U.S. In 2023, Reeves and Prather were part of an international working group — including colleagues from Canada, Germany, Ireland, Jordan, the U.S., Finland and New Zealand – assessing the state of AI in computer science education and preparing recommendations to educators. Their ongoing work tackles pressing questions and looks toward solutions: 

  • How can AI be leveraged for effective learning while mitigating its pitfalls? 
  • How should curriculum evolve in an era where AI can write code? 
  • How can AI reshape programming accessibility across human languages?

These faculty members’ findings are shaping the future of AI-integrated education worldwide, and at Ģý, undergraduate students are engaged in real-world research and problem solving all along the way.

Learn more about research at Ģý.

Learn more about Ģý’s School of Information Technology.

— Wendy Kilmer
Feb. 12, 2025

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Ģý partners with Texas Tech, Natura to advance cutting-edge technology /2025/01/28/acu-partners-with-texas-tech-natura-to-advance-cutting-edge-technology/ Tue, 28 Jan 2025 15:26:07 +0000 /?p=92929 Ģý and Texas Tech University announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Natura Resources LLC of Abilene to seek business opportunities and funding for projects related to Natura’s molten salt reactor (MSR) currently under construction on the Ģý campus. The collaboration, which includes the Texas Produced Water Consortium (TxPWC) located at Texas Tech, … Continued

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Research engineers work on the Molten Salt Test System at Ģý’s Nuclear eXperimental Testing Laboratory, part of the research toward construction of the Natura Resources-sponsored Molten Salt Reactor. Photo by Jeremy Enlow.

Ģý and Texas Tech University announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with of Abilene to seek business opportunities and funding for projects related to Natura’s molten salt reactor (MSR) currently under construction on the Ģý campus.

The collaboration, which includes the located at Texas Tech, builds on the rapid progress of the Natura MSR-1 system, which has become one of the nation’s leading advanced reactor projects. Together, the partners will demonstrate the potential for Natura’s commercial reactors to address Texas’ critical water and energy needs by integrating MSR technology with water desalination and energy production systems.

“This partnership will address critical challenges we face as a state,” said Texas Tech President Lawrence Schovanec. “By working with Natura and Ģý, we’re securing crucial water resources and driving innovation in energy. By creating greater access to water, energy and jobs, we will contribute to a stronger future for our communities. Texas Tech is proud to be part of this collaborative effort.”

Texas faces significant challenges in meeting its growing demand for clean energy and water. Small modular MSRs offer a promising and scalable solution and could become a valuable asset to purify produced water generated by oil and gas wells, which is then available for agricultural and other beneficial uses. The integration of MSR technology with desalination systems will provide a sustainable and efficient way to address these needs.

“Natura Resources’ MSR technology represents a significant advancement in clean energy innovation, equipping Texas with the tools to meet its energy and water needs for decades to come,” said Doug Robison, founder and president of Natura Resources. “Our partnership with Texas Tech University and Ģý exemplifies our collaborative approach to addressing critical challenges and driving technological advancements. This collaboration will pave the way for the commercial development and deployment of MSR technology in Texas and beyond.”

Texas Tech’s faculty members bring extensive expertise in chemical process engineering, separation technologies and the high-temperature environments required for MSRs. The university has developed a strong reputation for research in extreme conditions, drawing from its experience with oil well technology. The TxPWC is leading research and development of purification of produced water and its beneficial use for Texans. Additionally, Reese Center, located west of the university’s main campus in Lubbock, provides a secure and specialized environment for conducting the research necessary to advance MSR systems.

“Ģý has long standing relationships with Natura and Texas Tech, so it’s exciting when our research and technology initiatives align in this kind of unique partnership,” said Phil Schubert, Ģý president. “We look forward to growing opportunities and making a real difference in Texas and around the world.”

The next steps for this partnership include the completion of the demonstration reactor and the development of systems to integrate Natura’s reactors with water desalination and energy production technologies.

Why This Matters:

  • Water Security: The integration of MSRs with desalination technology offers a sustainable solution to Texas’ growing water scarcity through purification of produced water generated by oil and gas production.
  • Energy Innovation: Small modular MSRs provide a scalable, clean energy source, helping meet the state’s increasing energy demands.
  • Economic Growth: The partnership will accelerate the commercial development of MSRs and fosters business opportunities, research funding and job creation, strengthening Texas’ leadership in advanced energy and water technologies.
  • Workforce Development: This project aims to create a workforce trained in chemical operations at extreme conditions, directly benefiting Texas

About Natura Resources
Natura Resources LLC is a leading advanced reactor developer committed to answering the world’s increased demand for reliable energy, medical isotopes and clean water by developing commercially deployable molten salt reactors. Natura’s small modular reactors are liquid-fueled and molten salt-cooled, which increases efficiency and reduces waste. The Natura MSR-1 being deployed at Ģý is the first liquid-fueled reactor design to receive a construction permit from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. In less than five years, Natura has established itself as a leading force in the advanced nuclear industry, fueled by a commitment to performance.

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Ģý names Tech AVP Kay Tindle as new VP for research /2024/10/22/acu-names-tech-avp-kay-tindle-as-new-vp-for-research/ Wed, 23 Oct 2024 02:01:05 +0000 /?p=90110 Ģý announced the hiring of Dr. Kay Tindle as vice president for research. Tindle will begin work at Ģý on Nov. 11. The vice president for research role, with a joint reporting relationship to the senior vice president for academic affairs and the president, promotes and facilitates scholarship and research, strengthens external funding … Continued

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Dr. Kay Tindle, Ģý vice president for researchĢý announced the hiring of Dr. Kay Tindle as vice president for research. Tindle will begin work at Ģý on Nov. 11.

The vice president for research role, with a joint reporting relationship to the senior vice president for academic affairs and the president, promotes and facilitates scholarship and research, strengthens external funding and strategic partnerships, and enhances the research infrastructure.

“Ģý has seen remarkable growth in research over the last decade, and we are fortunate to welcome Dr. Tindle’s leadership in our continued rise as a national research university,” said Dr. Robert Rhodes, senior vice president for academic affairs. “She is truly the right person at the right time. Her years of experience in research as well as strategic leadership are a great fit for this role.”

Tindle currently serves as the associate vice president for research strategy in the Office of Research and Innovation at Texas Tech University. In this role, she facilitates collaborations that cross departmental and institutional boundaries, liaises with industry and federal and state agencies, and provides project management for the development of major research strategies for Texas Tech. Tindle also oversees the Office of Research Development and Communications, Strategic Research Intelligence, the Texas Produced Water Consortium, and the STEM Center for Outreach, Research and Education. She is also a research assistant professor in the renewable energy program in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Prior to joining Texas Tech, Tindle served at the University of Central Oklahoma, interned at the Oklahoma State Regents of Higher Education and taught English around the world (Japan, China, Saudi Arabia, South Korea).

“I am truly grateful for the opportunity to serve all Ģý faculty who desire to conduct research and provide expanded opportunities for their students,” Tindle said. “God has big plans for Ģý, and I look forward to serving the mission.”

— Wendy Kilmer
Oct. 22, 2024

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U.S. Department of Education grants $3.6 million to Ģý /2024/10/22/u-s-department-of-education-grants-3-6-million-to-acu/ Tue, 22 Oct 2024 21:18:09 +0000 /?p=90102 Ģý’s Department of Psychology has been awarded $3.6 million in research funding from the U.S. Department of Education as part of the recently announced Mental Health Service Professionals Demonstration Grant. The award is the largest federal grant Ģý has received in the last 15 years. Under the leadership of Dr. Rachel Team, associate … Continued

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Dr. Brit'ny Stein
Dr. Brit’ny Stein
Dr. Rachel Team
Dr. Rachel Team

Ģý’s Department of Psychology has been awarded $3.6 million in research funding from the U.S. Department of Education as part of the . The award is the largest federal grant Ģý has received in the last 15 years.

Under the leadership of Dr. Rachel Team, associate professor and director of the school psychology program, and Dr. Brit’ny Stein, associate professor of psychology, the grant funding will be used by Ģý’s school psychology program to support mental health services in local public schools. The grant will also provide financial support for recruiting and retaining graduate students in the program and help address the current shortage of school psychologists across the nation and state. 

For the 2024 fiscal year, Ģý will receive $662,758, with additional funding allotted for each of the next four years, totalling $3,672,972. Ģý is the only Texas university included in this grant and one of 30 total.

“World-changing research and projects take place at Ģý every day, and this award from the Department of Education affirms and supports those efforts,” said Dr. Phil Schubert, Ģý president. “I’m so proud of our team and excited for the implementation of this program that will make a difference in our local community and have long-term influence to prioritize mental health nationwide.”

Ģý’s innovative recruiting efforts and immersive training program, named Project SMILE (School psychologists Molded into Interdisciplinary Leaders in Education), will increase school-based mental health services in the Abilene and Wylie Independent School Districts through a partnership with Communities in Schools of the Big Country.

Dr. Tim Allen
Dr. Tim Allen

Dr. Tim Allen, associate professor of psychology at Ģý, will serve as the coordinator of school psychology training for the project and will start by expanding the diversity of school-based mental health professionals through intentional recruitment to Ģý’s school psychology program and partnership building with other universities. Project SMILE will then work to empower relationships, as the school psychology graduate students serve as interdisciplinary school-based mental health leaders in high-needs schools. These students will receive stipends to support their training, funding for professional conferences and unique practicum experiences providing school-based mental health services. Ultimately, Project SMILE will develop these Ģý graduate students into highly trained school psychologists ready to serve schools and improve mental health outcomes for children and adolescents across the state and country. The SMILE program is funded solely through this Department of Education grant.

“We are beyond excited for this grant and the opportunity it provides for our community, our program and the profession of school psychology,” Team said. “This funding allows us to provide additional mental health services to both Abilene and Wylie ISD students and address the critical shortage of school psychologists across the state and country.”

— Wendy Kilmer
Oct. 22, 2024

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Ģý named top 50 nationally in Undergraduate Teaching and Undergraduate Research by U.S. News & World Report /2024/09/24/acu-named-top-50-nationally-in-undergraduate-teaching-and-undergraduate-research-by-u-s-news-world-report-2/ Tue, 24 Sep 2024 11:51:03 +0000 /?p=87564   Ģý joined an elite group of colleges nationwide to be honored for both teaching and research in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings. Only 26 U.S. institutions ranked in the top 50 nationally in both “Undergraduate Research/Creative Projects” and “Undergraduate Teaching,” including only two Texas universities – Ģý and … Continued

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USNWR-2025-acu.edu-News-Graphic-1Ģý joined an elite group of colleges nationwide to be honored for both teaching and research in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings.

Only 26 U.S. institutions ranked in the top 50 nationally in both “Undergraduate Research/Creative Projects” and “Undergraduate Teaching,” including only two Texas universities – Ģý and Baylor. Among other institutions on both lists were Carnegie Mellon, Dartmouth, Duke, Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, Vanderbilt and Yale. Ģý is also the only member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities to be named to both lists.

“Being honored in both of these categories affirms what we’re accomplishing at Abilene Christian,” said Dr. Phil Schubert, president. “Students experience world-class academics and opportunities for research alongside a focus on teaching and mentoring and relationships, which is at the heart of our mission. It’s exciting that U.S. News & World Report and our peers recognize our commitment to a holistic student experience, excellent academics, top-tier research opportunities and talented faculty.”

In addition, Ģý continued to rank among the nation’s best in the “Programs That Enhance Student Experience” benchmarks focused on the student experience and student success – placing in six of eight categories this year and in the top 25 in five of them, including Study Abroad. Abilene Christian has been recognized nationally in multiple categories each year since the benchmark’s debut in 2020.

Ģý Study Abroad
U.S. News & World Report ranked Ģý’s Study Abroad program No. 18 in the nation.

“Programs That Enhance Student Experience” national rankings:

  • #7 in Service Learning [highest-ranked Texas university]
  • #11 in First-Year Experiences
  • #14 in Learning Communities
  • #18 in Study Abroad [highest-ranked Texas university]
  •  #21 in Senior Capstone [highest-ranked Texas university]
  • #42 in Undergraduate Research/Creative Projects 

Other categories in which Abilene Christian was honored:

  • Undergraduate Teaching – National Universities #45
  • Best Undergraduate Nursing #254

In the Best National Universities list, Ģý is #296 (tied) out of 434 institutions, one of seven private Texas universities in the top 300.

“This list isn’t just 434 general universities but the top tier of doctoral research universities in the nation,” said Dr. Robert Rhodes, senior vice president for academic affairs. “Out of approximately 4,000 colleges and universities across the country, the National University category comprises, in essence, the top 10% – and it’s a significant honor to be climbing these ranks.”

The 2025 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges assessed nearly 1,500 U.S. bachelor’s degree-granting institutions.

— Wendy Kilmer
Sept. 24, 2024

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