By Loretta Fulton Abilene’s three university campuses are already buzzing with activity in preparation for the beginning of classes on Aug. 25. Among the highlights of the opening of the fall semester are: ACU students are in for two treats this week during Wildcat Week. A candlelight devotional will begin at 9:15 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 19, in Beauchamp Amphitheatre in
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By Loretta Fulton Abilenians will have a choice of services to attend on the National Day of Prayer Thursday, May 1. And, a breakfast that is free and open to the public will be held on Wednesday, April 30, at Hardin-Simmons University. Theme for this year’s National Day of Prayer is “Pour Out to the God of Hope and Be
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Hardin-Simmons University announced on its website that it is making Logsdon School of Theology its own distinct college, effective June 1, 2025. Logsdon will be elevated from a school within the Cynthia Ann Parker College of Liberal Arts, where it has resided It since 2020 when Logsdon Seminary closed. The Board of Trustees issued the following statement: “Since its founding
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By Loretta Fulton Abilene’s three universities recorded fall enrollment increases over previous years, with McMurry and Abilene Christian universities setting consecutive records. For the first time in several years, Hardin-Simmons University showed an increase, with 1,665 students. That number reflects an 8.5 percent increase in first-time freshman, the university reported. “This growth, along with steady retention rates, has contributed to
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By Loretta Fulton Once Hannah Albin was cast as the lead role in a play at Hardin-Simmons University earlier this year, she started intensely researching the character, a person she had never heard of before. The play, “The Ballad of Maria Marten,” was staged at HSU in February and is now bound for the stage at a massive theater festival in
Read moreLoretta Fulton, creator of Spirit of Abilene, and a longtime Abilene journalist, has written a biography of the late Dr. Robert Barnes, Dr. Bob: The Remarkable Story of Dr. Robert Carroll Barnes–A Life of Meaning, Resilience, Courage, and Inspiration. Published by Hardin-Simmons University, the book is available at Texas Star Trading Company, 174 Cypress St. https://texasstartrading.com/product-category/texas-books/our-recommendations/ By LORETTA FULTON Dr.
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By LORETTA FULTON Abilene Christian and McMurry universities enrolled record numbers of students for the fall semester, the sixth record fall enrollment in a row for ACU, while Hardin-Simmons University hasn’t released its fall numbers to the public. A year ago, HSU recorded its third consecutive enrollment decrease, as ACU and McMurry recorded gains in enrollment. In fall 2022, Hardin-Simmons
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By LORETTA FULTON Among the new faces at Hardin-Simmons University this fall is Shelli Presley, who will serve the students, faculty and staff as director of spiritual formation. She is a product of Abilene Christian University and most recently was Associate Pastor Family Freedom Ministry at Beltway Church. Presley is excited about the opportunity to lead the university in service
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By LORETTA FULTON Construction and instruction will be going on at the same time when students return Monday, Aug. 28, for fall classes at Abilene’s three church-affiliated universities. Classes and opening chapel services, along with the sounds of power tools and heavy equipment, await students at United Methodist-affiliated McMurry University, Baptist affiliated Hardin-Simmons University, and Churches of Christ-affiliated Abilene Christian
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Spirit Of Abilene 