About Abilene Christian University
History
Abilene Christian University was founded as Childers Classical Institute on Sept. 10, 1906 with 25 students enrolled for classes. Though many individuals were involved with the creation of Abilene Christian University, A.B. Barret and Col. J.W. Childers get credit for getting things started. With their dedication and through various donations and the help of the Church of Christ in Abilene, Childers Classical Institute was able to survive the tough first years.
The name Abilene Christian College was officially adopted in 1912 by then President Jesse P. Sewell.
In 1927, it was decided that a growing student body needed a bigger campus. Outside pressure to move Abilene Christian College persuaded the city of Abilene to contribute $75,000 to help keep the college in Abilene. With this contribution, the college trustees decided to purchase 680 acres on a hill one mile northeast of Abilene known as the Hashknife Ranch. With this purchase, nearby residents donated 75 additional acres.
Abilene Christian College officially became known as Abilene Christian University on February 22, 1976 by a unanimous vote in the board of trustees.
In 2006, Abilene Christian University celebrated their Centennial Celebration which included 100 different events celebrating all aspects of ACU's past, present and future.
Mission
"The mission of Abilene Christian University is to educate students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world."
Religious Heritage
ACU is a religiously affiliated private university associated with the Churches of Christ. The university is welcoming of all students who value a Christian atmosphere along with outstanding faculty and staff on campus. Daily chapel and Bible courses are required of all students and help facilitate the open recognition of Christian faith as an ever-important aspect of the lives of most ACU students. All faculty, staff, administrators and members of the Board of Trustees are Christians who take a personal interest in the students' lives.
Student Life
With a student population of more than 4,800 and students from across the US and representing more than 60 countries, ACU embraces a diverse and global environment. ACU has a faculty of close to 200, making the student/faculty ratio less than 17:1. ACU students participate in everything from intramurals and spring break missions to the annual Sing Song event in February. There are over 90 student organizations that students may plug into to get the college experience they want.
