Abilene Christian University

History

Abilene Christian University grew from an idea held by A. B. Barret and Charles Roberson to form a school in West Texas. The Church of Christ in Abilene agreed to back the project. J. W. Childers sold Barret land and a large house west of the town and lowered the price with the stipulation that the school would be named in his honor. Childers Classical Institute opened in the fall of 1906, with 25 students.

Related Topics:
West Texas - 1906

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When Jesse P. Sewell became president of the institute in 1912, the school began using "Abilene Christian College" on all its printed material. In 1920, the school paid the Childers family $4,000 and formally changed the name.

Related Topics:
1912 - 1920

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The Optimist, the university's student-run newspaper, was founded in 1912. The Prickly Pear, the school yearbook, was founded in 1916. The campus literary-arts magazine (now The Shinnery Review, formerly The Pickwicker) has been in production since 1933.

Related Topics:
1912 - 1916 - 1933

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In 1927, with the help of a $75,000 contribution from the city of Abilene, the board of trustees purchased 680 acres (2.8 km²) northeast of Abilene. In addition, residents donated 75 acres (304,000 m²) of adjoining land. The new campus opened in the fall of 1929.

Related Topics:
1927 - 1929

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From the time its founding to the present, the university has been governed by a board of trustees made up of members of the Churches of Christ. Abilene Christian College operated as an unaffiliated church-related school until December of 1951, when it was granted full accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Related Topics:
December - 1951 - Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

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On February 22, 1976 the name was changed to Abilene Christian University. The school is preparing to celebrate its centennial in the 2005-06 school year.

Related Topics:
February 22 - 1976

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