Educating Christian Leaders for the World

THE2 1 S T -C ENTURY

V I S ION

ACU’s 21st-Century Vision

Educating ChristianLeaders for theWorld

There is a growing need for a Christianuniversity focused with laser intensity onchallenging academics and leadershippreparation for talented students whodesire to become “salt and light” in theworld. Abilene Christian University willfill that need in the coming decade.

The university will move into adistinctive niche among quality highereducation institutions where ACU’s faithfoundation will become rare and greatly valued.Clearly stated, by 2020, ACU will becomethe premier university for the education ofChrist-centered, global leaders.

1. ACU will produce leaders who think critically,globally and missionally. We believe ACU is in aunique position to educate the next generation ofChristian leaders – individuals who understand thatleadership is service, as modeled by Jesus. ACU willbecome increasingly attractive to a broad spectrum oftalented Christian students from across the nation andaround the world who believe faith is about personalcommitment as well as community. A strong liberalarts core curriculum will ensure these future leaderslearn how to learn, and leadership opportunities willbe woven into the student experience. We believeall students have leadership potential – potential touse their God-given strengths and talents to theirfullest in His service.

2. ACU will build distinctive and innovativeprograms. To attract more Christian scholars amongthe student body and faculty, ACU will significantlystrengthen our most distinctive programs and developnew, innovative programs in the coming decade.Partnerships with corporate America and the nonprofitsector will provide uncharacteristic opportunities forstudent research and hands-on learning. ACU willinvest in a fully-developed Honors College andcreate highly-attractive academic programs thatset the university apart.

3. ACU will deliver a unique, Christ-centeredexperience that draws students intocommunity. For residential students, ACU’sculture and physical environment will be shapedto encourage spontaneous, deep discussions withfellow students, faculty and staff about a wide varietyof topics. Discussing great books and big ideas willbecome as common as playing intramural sports orvolunteering in the community. The ability to engagein meaningful relationships and work in teams willbecome characteristic of ACU graduates. For ournon-residential students, innovative technologieswill be used to develop those same meaningfulrelationships and team-building skills.

4. ACU will expand its Christian influenceand educational reach nationally andinternationally. ACU will emerge as a thoughtleader among those interested in Christianity andculture. Our faculty will engage in research andscholarly activities that not only promote theirexpertise, but also serve as a resource to mainstreamChristian constituencies. Students, faculty and staffwill do more than talk about community and globalissues – they will be strongly encouraged to tacklethem head-on, with passion. At least half ourundergraduate students will study abroad. Mentorswill help ACU’s highly involved students find ways tobalance all aspects of their purposeful lives.

The type of graduate and undergraduatestudents drawn to the ACU experience will belearners, Christ-followers, friend-makers, andworld-changers. These leaders will learn to applytheir Christian faith to their field of study, andthey will engage the world as critical thinkers,creative problem-solvers, global citizens andvolunteers – alongside faculty, staff and alumni.

We believe people around the globe willbenefit from a distinctive ACU education.Therefore, we will enthusiastically pursueavenues to take the university to the world –and to bring the world to ACU.

Abilene Christian will educate leaderswho believe God calls us to love with all ourhearts, lead with all our minds, and servewith all our strength.

Approved Aug. 25, 2007, by Abilene Christian University Board of Trustees

Our EnduringCore Values

As we launch the 21st-Century Vision, manyaspects of ACU will remain foundational to all we do.These core values describe who we are – and willremain – as a university. At ACU, we will:

anchor to our faithAbilene Christian University is an institution

of higher learning committed to biblical principles.The educational experience we provide is groundedin core Christian values. We welcome all studentsof character and ability who share our Christianvalues. ACU was established in 1906 by membersof Churches of Christ, and we highly value thislong-term affiliation. In all we do, we aspire to benon-sectarian in character. We seek to be Christiansonly, guided in our relationships by gentleness andrespect. Central to our faith is the belief that Godis the Father and the Creator, and Jesus is His Son;the belief in the Lordship of Jesus Christ and theindwelling of the Holy Spirit, which comes to thebeliever through baptism for the remission of sins;and affirmation of the central authority of theBible, which is the fully inspired Word of Godand our only creed.

engage in learningWe connect faith, learning and living,

valuing education in and out of the classroom.We also emphasize development of the wholestudent. Students are sharpened and refined bytheir interactions with faculty and peers and throughopportunities to apply what they learn – on campus,in the community and around the globe. We engagestudents in learning through writing, speaking,team projects, study abroad, learning communities,internships, service-learning and other experientiallearning opportunities in and out of the classroom.Our graduates demonstrate well-developedteamwork, critical thinking, problem solvingand decision-making skills.

Challenge to excelWe believe Christian commitment demands

the highest standards of academic and personalexcellence. Faculty focus on shaping students’intellect and character. Our students are challengedthrough rigorous classes, research with faculty,honors courses, selective internships and fellowships,

cross-cultural experiences, and national studentcompetitions. We expect students to investthemselves in their education, and we help allstudents to hone and leverage their talents.ACU provides a high-quality learning environmentthrough its programs, facilities, technology andstudent support. Graduates demonstrate integrity,a desire to give their best, and knowledge thatenables them to actively contribute in a widevariety of settings, making them highly attractiveto employers and graduate schools.

equip to serve and leadACU encourages students to participate in

service and leadership opportunities that helpthem grow intellectually, spiritually and socially.We teach students that Christian leaders are servants,as modeled by Jesus. Students examine the role ofleadership through academic coursework, workshopsand conferences and through participation inservice-learning and leadership opportunities.Because our students understand the connectionsbetween academics, service and leadership,they are prepared for lives that make a positivecontribution in the world. We encourage our alumnito be active servant-leaders throughout their lives.

COnnect for lifeStudents who enroll at ACU join a powerful

network that spans the globe and links thousandsof Christian friends. We continually seek ways toactively engage our students, alumni and friends;to connect them to one another; and to help themgrow spiritually, intellectually and professionally.This network opens doors for current students andprovides career, spiritual and social connections foralumni. Involved alumni and friends supply goodwill,help recruit students, and provide financial supportfor our mission.

COMMIT TO STEWARDSHIPOur greatest stewardship responsibility is to

prepare graduates for productive Christian lives.We are stewards of God’s gifts: our Christian heritage,the talents of our students and employees, financialand physical resources, and our reputation, toname a few. We highly value our faculty and staff.We balance innovation and efficiency, always seekingways to become more effective in educating students.Our stewardship enables us to enhance academicprograms, maintain affordability, treat faculty andstaff well, and provide excellent services, facilitiesand technology.

070617-0510