For Dr. Sara Salkil, a 16-year career dedicated to marriage and family therapy has led to an opportunity to help shape the future of the field on a national level. The

The appointment marks a significant milestone for Dr. Salkil, whose career has centered on educating future marriage and family therapists and strengthening the profession that transformed her own life. In her new leadership role, she鈥檒l have the opportunity to help guide the organization responsible for setting the accreditation standards for marriage and family therapy education across the country.

鈥淚 felt extremely honored to be selected,鈥� Dr. Salkil beamed. 鈥淭he COAMFTE accreditation is the gold standard. To be involved is so deeply humbling.鈥澛�

Giving Back to Marriage And Family Therapy

For Dr. Salkil, this new achievement carries personal significance. Before building her career as an educator and therapist, she was an 精东影业 student and graduated with a Master of Marriage and Family Therapy (惭惭贵罢).听

鈥淓arning my degree with 精东影业 has changed my life,鈥� Dr. Salkil beamed. Over the past 16 years, her work has given her opportunities to return that investment by supporting students, colleagues and the broader marriage and family therapy profession. Her upcoming COAMFTE leadership role will allow her to continue that commitment on a larger scale.

COAMFTE establishes accreditation standards for marriage and family therapy education programs, helping to ensure that students receive an education that prepares them with the knowledge and competencies needed to help couples and families.聽

Dr. Salkil will serve one year as Chair-Elect before assuming the role of Chair. As part of the leadership team, she will work alongside fellow Commissioners and COAMFTE staff on strategic operations and priorities for the organization. Part of the work will include helping develop the commission鈥檚 annual charge, which identifies areas of focus for standing committees and helps determine what the organization wants to accomplish moving forward.

鈥淚 really appreciate the opportunity to give back to the discipline and tradition,鈥� Dr. Salkil shared. 鈥淚t also means a lot to me to give back to the people I work with.鈥澛�

That responsibility comes at an important time for marriage and family therapy education. As educational models and students’ needs evolve, Dr. Salkil believes programs must find ways to expand opportunities for future marriage and family therapists without sacrificing the rigor that prepares them to serve their clients. She sees the future of MMFT education and accreditation as a balance between increasing access for students, encouraging innovation and maintaining high standards.

鈥淲e always think about the best practice for the field,鈥� Dr. Salkil reaffirmed.

Looking Toward the Future of MMFT Education

As marriage and family therapy education continues to change, Dr. Salkil sees both opportunities and challenges ahead. One of the most important parts of her new role will be finding the right balance between expanding access to education, embracing innovation and maintaining quality and professional competencies expected of future MMFT therapists.聽

Dr. Salkil鈥檚 role with COAMFTE will give her the chance to contribute to those conversations and work alongside her peers as they consider how accreditation can respond. This role is also relevant to Dr. Salkil鈥檚 responsibilities as the MMFT program director at 精东影业. The university鈥檚 online MMFT program is undergoing reaccreditation, and Dr. Salkil is helping to ensure the program is prepared for review. Reaccreditation for MFT programs occurs every seven years to ensure that their programs continually meet established standards for quality and academic rigor. Her involvement gives her a unique perspective as both an educator working directly with students and Chair-Elect to the COAMFTE.聽

Ultimately, Dr. Salkil views her election as another way for her to serve the profession and future generations of therapists. From earning her own MMFT degree at 精东影业 to teaching future therapists and now preparing for her new role, Dr. Salkil鈥檚 career reflects a continued commitment to strengthening the MMFT field and education.

The post Dr. Sara Salkil Elected Chair of COAMFTE appeared first on Abilene Christian University.

Abilene Christian University junior 鈥� a triple major, an honors student, a trumpeter in 精东影业鈥檚 Big Purple Band 鈥� has now added 鈥渨orld champion dunker鈥� to his resume, taking home the trophy and $500,000 in the

After winning a preliminary round of the competition in July, Hazzard was one of eight dunkers competing on national television in a bracket-style competition Tuesday in Atlanta, Georgia.聽

Originally a high school basketball player in his hometown of Little Elm, Hazzard’s path shifted in his sophomore year after he tore both hamstrings. During his recovery and a subsequent growth spurt, he discovered the niche world of professional dunking. He is largely self-taught, having spent years recording his progress solo, often in a gym at the 精东影业 Money Student Recreation and Wellness Center.聽

His breakthrough came in May 2025 when a viral video led to an invitation to a Jumpman 23 showcase in London hosted by Jordan Brand, which was convenient, as he was already in Oxford, England, as part of 精东影业鈥檚 Study Abroad program. He now competes in O鈥橬eal鈥檚 Dunkman league.

Hazzard describes his surreal entry into that organization: 鈥淚 received a call from this guy named Chuck, and he was like, 鈥楬ey, Shaq saw one of your videos and said, 鈥楪et this man on Dunkman.鈥欌��

Despite being a lesser-known name in the field, Hazzard was a second-seed favorite entering the competition. Hazzard remained unphased ahead of the live, televised competition event.聽

“I just enjoy the moment, because it’s not like I’m doing something that I don’t love,鈥� he said. 鈥淚’m doing the thing I find the most joy in, and I get to do it in front of everyone else. So, I actually feel really relaxed in situations like that. My mental mindset is that I’m just excited to get back out there and compete.鈥�

Meanwhile, the 精东影业 community rallyed to support a fellow Wildcat with an on-campus watch party in Moody Coliseum 罢耻别蝉诲补测.听

鈥淚t鈥檚 a great feeling to know that I have a lot of supporters on campus,鈥� Hazzard said 鈥淧eople are willing to take time out of their night to watch me. I’m super lucky to have that.鈥�

鈥� Wendy Kilmer
Aug. 26, 2026

The post 精东影业 Student Cam Hazzard Wins World Championship Dunking Competition appeared first on Abilene Christian University.

Strong leadership is more than having the natural ability to lead. It develops through intentional learning and the willingness to grow alongside others. Whether you鈥檙e stepping into your first management role or leading an entire organization, the challenges of today鈥檚 workplace require leaders who can communicate, navigate change and inspire high-performing teams.聽

To help new and senior professionals build their leadership skills, Abilene Christian University (精东影业) is launching two new in-person leadership workshops at its Dallas campus. Designed for leaders at different stages of their careers, the Leadership Foundations Workshop and Executive Leadership Workshop provide research-based strategies that participants can apply within their organizations.聽

Leadership Foundations Workshop

The Leadership Foundations Workshop is an immersive two-day event on October 28-29, 2026, for new and emerging leaders who want to build their leadership. The workshop’s main goal is to equip these new leaders with the core skills needed to build teams and relationships.聽

Throughout the two-day experience, participants will explore practical leadership strategies for communicating effectively, coaching employees and fostering trust within their organizations. Topics discussed include:聽

• Leading with confidence
• Navigating difficult conversations
• Coaching and developing employees聽
• Building trust and accountability

Participants will also leave with a personalized 30-day Leadership Practice Plan, coaching tools, stronger emotional intelligence and strategies they can implement to boost team performance.

Executive Leadership Workshop

Experienced leaders face increasingly complex challenges that extend beyond daily operations. Executive leadership requires the ability to shape culture, strengthen organizational resilience and guide teams through periods of change.聽

The Executive Leadership Workshop on October 7-9, 2026, was designed for senior leaders, directors, vice presidents and executives wanting to take their skills to the next level. The workshop covers topics in:聽

• Strengthening executive presence聽
• Shaping organizational culture
• Cultivating a resilient team聽
• Leading through change

At the end of the workshop, participants will develop an Organizational Resilience Blueprint, a 90-day Leadership Commitment, strategies that promote culture within the organization and the tools needed to continue leading in the evolving workplace.聽

Learn From Experience Leadership Experts

Accomplished leadership professionals with decades of experience in business, government and organizational development lead each workshop, creating an engaging learning environment where participants collaborate on real-world challenges, receive personalized feedback and leave with practical strategies they can immediately implement in their organizations. The instructional team includes:

Brenda McAdoo, J.D., a former FBI hostage negotiator with more than 22 years of experience in leadership, conflict resolution and executive coaching.聽

Matt Daniel, Ed.D., a leadership expert with over 25 years of experience in organizational change, team effectiveness, and executive leadership development.聽

Reagan Waggoner, M.S., M.Div, a leadership trainer specializing in emotional intelligence, organizational development and team effectiveness.聽

Register and Elevate Your Leadership

Leadership is one of the most valuable investments professionals and organizations can make. By improving communication and growing teams, effective leaders bring meaningful change that benefits employees, customers and communities. Each workshop is intentionally designed to be interactive, allowing participants to engage in meaningful discussion, collaborate on leadership challenges and leave with personalized strategies for their own organizations.聽

Every registration comes with expert instruction, workshop materials, lunch and refreshments, a certificate of completion and a digital badge recognizing your professional development. Participants will also have numerous opportunities to network with fellow leaders, exchange ideas and foster meaningful connections throughout the experience. 精东影业鈥檚 leadership workshops provide practical tools, expert guidance and meaningful connections to help you lead with confidence.

Both workshops will be held at 精东影业鈥檚 Dallas campus in Addison, Texas during October 2026. Eligible 精东影业 partners, employees, students and alumni can also receive a $500 registration discount.

For more information about the workshops, visit our .

The post Invest in Your Career with 精东影业鈥檚 New Professional Leadership Workshops appeared first on Abilene Christian University.

He recorded his first Broadway cast album. He performed with the cast of Ragtime in the Macy鈥檚 Thanksgiving Day Parade. And, most recently, he stepped onto the stage at Radio City Music Hall for the Tony Awards, where Ragtime received 11 nominations and won four awards, including Best Revival of a Musical.

For Cochran, who joined the cast in August 2025 as a swing and dance captain, the role was both a professional milestone and an act of trust.

As a swing, Cochran is responsible for learning multiple roles and being ready to step in when needed, a demanding job that requires precision, flexibility and a deep understanding of the production. He was offered the opportunity without auditioning, and although he was working as a swing for the Broadway production of Hamilton at the time, his agent recognized that Ragtime was the kind of opportunity he should not pass up.

鈥淲hen it鈥檚 meant to be, it鈥檚 meant to be,鈥� Cochran said. 鈥淎nd I can rest in that.鈥�

That quiet confidence has shaped much of Cochran鈥檚 career, which has included three Broadway shows in three years. Dawne Swearingen-Meeks, chair of 精东影业 Theatre, said Cochran has long carried 鈥渁 deep-rooted sense of trust and conviction in the Lord, leading with gratitude and positivity.鈥�

His decision to step into Ragtime led to some of the most memorable moments of his career so far. The cast knew there was Tony Award buzz around the production, but Cochran also knew it had been a strong Broadway season, filled with deserving shows and artists. So when he watched the nominations announced, he was stunned to see Ragtime recognized 11 times, including in the category of Best Revival of a Musical.

The nominations meant the cast would perform during the Tony Awards, first as part of the opening number with host P!NK and later in the broadcast with a performance from Ragtime.

Cochran made sure the people who had supported him along the way could share in the moment. His friend Kakos styled him for the occasion, and another friend filmed the experience so his family and friends back home could feel part of it, too.

That impulse to bring others along is true to who Cochran is, Swearingen-Meeks said. His family has 鈥渁lways been right there with him, supporting him, and it is so beautiful,鈥� she said. 鈥淏eing with the Cochran family is like being at church.鈥�

Cochran was also thinking about his 精东影业 family as he stood among Broadway鈥檚 best.

鈥淏eing up there and getting to hold a Tony Award feels like an 精东影业 win,鈥� he said.

He credits much of his growth as an artist to the relationships and experiences he found at 精东影业. When Cochran arrived on campus, he said he was not especially familiar with classic musicals like Ragtime. Through the influence of faculty and fellow Theatre students, he developed a deeper appreciation for the shows that have shaped American musical theatre.

鈥淚鈥檝e infiltrated a world that I didn鈥檛 know I would ever exist in,鈥� Cochran said, 鈥渁nd the only way I know it is by the friends that I made those years.鈥�

精东影业 also gave Cochran room to grow as a choreographer. One of his formative opportunities came when he choreographed the Homecoming Musical Big Fish. That experience helped him learn to trust his instincts, a confidence that now carries into his work with Broadway choreographers.

It is a lesson he hopes current Theatre students will carry with them, too. Cochran encourages young performers to trust themselves, believing actors are at their strongest when they bring their full selves to the characters they play.

Even as his Broadway career continues to grow, Cochran remains connected to the 精东影业 Theatre program by 鈥渟upporting students and alumni, praying over our showcases, and showing up to perform and encourage,鈥� Swearingen-Meeks said. He regularly shares his experiences with 精东影业 students who come to New York to study with professional artists as part of the Tepper residency program.聽

For Cochran, the journey from 精东影业 stages to Broadway has never been his alone. It has been shaped by a community that continues to cheer him on from Abilene to New York. And he聽is moving forward with the same trust that brought him here: grateful for the dream, grounded in his calling and ready for whatever comes next.

鈥� Kayla Hewitt

July 8, 2026

The post 精东影业 Theatre Alum Shines on Broadway’s Biggest Night appeared first on Abilene Christian University.

Gasore addressed the United Nations General Assembly on April 7 as part of a ceremony marking the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. In a powerful account of survival, he urged the audience to remember the victims and pursue 鈥渦nity, reconciliation and dignity.鈥�

He said he hopes the UN will remain vigilant against ongoing hate and division, refusing to turn away. In doing so, he says, 鈥渨e can all proclaim 鈥榥ever again鈥� in an authentic way,鈥� not only in words but in action.聽

While revisiting his story can be painful, Gasore also finds it therapeutic to share. 鈥淔or survivors, every time someone is willing to listen to you, it helps you make it to the next day,鈥� he says. 鈥淚t helps you feel like, 鈥榃hat I went through, someone wants to listen to.鈥欌�澛�

In his day-to-day life, Gasore lives out the message of his speech. He and his wife, Esperance, founded , a holistic ministry serving the physical and spiritual needs of children and their families, regardless of their background. The ministry now serves over 1,500 people per day.聽

Gasore envisions those children growing up to transform their communities. 鈥淲e are all called to serve and bring peace and bring justice,鈥� he says.聽

Each year, groups of 精东影业 students partner with Gasore and Rwanda Children to serve these families. Engineering students surveyed the property for an erosion control project. Nursing students assist in the medical clinic. The 精东影业 women鈥檚 basketball team will host a basketball clinic in August.聽

Gasore, who received in 2018, is grateful for these partnerships and the relationships he built during his seven years at 精东影业.聽

鈥溇耙� not only gave me an education and prepared me to go to serve God, they also transformed my community,鈥� he said.聽

Whether on the world stage, at home in Abilene or back in his home village, Gasore continues to share a message of restoration: 鈥淓ven in the darkest moment, hope can survive.鈥�

鈥� Kayla Hewitt

May 4, 2026

The post Alumnus Shares Story of Survival at United Nations appeared first on Abilene Christian University.

These moments define the first-year experience at 精东影业, where relationship-building is as essential as class attendance.聽

This intentional community-building begins on move-in day, when students are immediately welcomed into the 精东影业 family. Faculty, staff and upperclassmen unload cars and carry belongings up stairs, creating an atmosphere of celebration rather than drudgery.聽

After a goodbye blessing with families, Wildcat Week officially begins. Students are immediately welcomed into one of 精东影业鈥檚 most meaningful traditions, the Candlelight Devo, which will bookend their university journey.聽

鈥淲ildcat week serves as the foundation of the student experience,鈥� says PJ Martinez, dean of student engagement. 鈥淚t equips first-year students through them learning the 精东影业 traditions, experiencing Abilene, a place they鈥檒l call home for the next 4-5 years, and meeting people who are on a journey similar to theirs.鈥澛�

Throughout the week, students participate in concerts, service projects, communal worship and creative activities. Martinez points to 精东影业 Fest as a highlight, where students connect with local churches, non-profits and businesses, as well as more than 75 student organizations.

鈥淎 sense of joy鈥� permeates the event, Martinez says, as incoming students meet alumni and begin to understand the strength of the 精东影业 community.聽

All of these activities are intentional, 鈥渄esigned to create a sense of belonging from the very beginning of a student鈥檚 college experience,鈥� says Lillie Goode, Student Director of Wildcat Week for 2026.聽

鈥淏y the end of the week, it is our hope that 精东影业 starts to feel like home because of the relationships, traditions, and shared experiences new students develop during those first few days on campus.鈥�

That community doesn鈥檛 end when classes begin. Students stay with their Wildcat Week groups throughout the first semester in Cornerstone, a foundational course that shapes the rest of their 精东影业 experience. Led by faculty from across disciplines, the class invites students to explore the purpose of a liberal arts education.

Additionally, Cornerstone faculty involve students in community-building activities, such as service projects, shared meals and class outings to 精东影业 events. Each class has a dedicated peer mentor, an upperclassman who guides students through their first semester.聽

For Merit Gamertsfelder, a business management major and Cornerstone peer leader, the transition from Wildcat Week to Cornerstone is critical in building community: 鈥�Cornerstone helps freshmen get connected with others right off the bat. Wildcat Week plays a big part of this too, establishing friendships first and then growing into them in the classroom.鈥�

Seeing the same small group several times a week in the classroom and beyond helps students build confidence, Gamertsfelder says. 鈥淎t first everyone is shy and timid, but by the end they have all become comfortable and have let their inner selves shine.鈥�

Together, Wildcat Week and Cornerstone propel students through their first year with a foundation of belonging. As Martinez puts it, 鈥淥nce Wildcat Week is done, the growth and the enjoyment doesn鈥檛 end 鈥� it鈥檚 only beginning!鈥�

鈥� Kayla Hewitt

May 1, 2026

The post Building Belonging Through the First-Year Experience appeared first on Abilene Christian University.

精东影业鈥檚 student film festival returned to the historic Paramount Theatre this spring for the 22nd premiere event to celebrate student achievement in film. The event featured projects from 14 teams, including narrative, documentary and animated films represented.聽

The theme of FilmFest 2026 was 鈥淥n Set,鈥� and the evening included past and present judges and mentors describing the experience of being on a film set. Tim Holt (鈥�15), a past FilmFest participant and 精东影业鈥檚 Young Alumnus of the Year, described the challenge of stepping onto a new set.

鈥淲e鈥檙e always trying to make bigger and better videos, and the sets change from shoot to shoot from smaller sets of teams of three to four to bigger shoots which will have probably 50 to 60 people on set. The roles might be carried over but you鈥檙e always going to be learning something new based on the type of content that you鈥檙e trying to produce.鈥澛�

More than 100 students participated in producing this year鈥檚 films, with a third of those students working on more than one film. In fact, five students this year contributed to at least five films, including Brooke Musia and Lauren Burris who won Best Direction for their film After Emmy and Abbey Monroe who directed the Best Picture winner Courting, along with writer, editor and sound roles on other films.聽

Joshua Varner won Best Cinematography for Sins and Cinders, but shot or helped shoot three other films. One of the stand-out-performances this year came from a sophomore multimedia major participating in FilmFest for the first time. Jaden Frecka won Best Original Score for his film Keeping up with the King but also wrote original music for six other films or, in all, half of all submitted films.聽

During the event, students also heard from Randy Brewer (鈥�93), long-time producer with Revolution Pictures in Nashville now in Abilene as 精东影业鈥檚 chief storyteller. Brewer told students it鈥檚 鈥渋mportant to network long before you graduate.鈥� He partnered with FilmFest last May on a road trip to Nashville that included visits to sets and production studios where students met professionals in a range of fields. 鈥淵ou may think, like I did, 鈥業 want to be a director,鈥� and then when you get out there, you may change your mind and think, 鈥楳aybe I鈥檇 be better at what they do.鈥� I think everyone should look for a mentor.鈥�

This year’s judges were industry mentors from production hubs in L.A., Tulsa and Atlanta. Sommerly Simser (鈥�10) is a returning judge and finance executive at Netflix. She is a member of the Television Academy and Women in Film and is the founder of the Tinseltown Scholarship Society, a nonprofit supporting aspiring college filmmakers.聽

Two new mentors joined the FilmFest Gala this year. Amy Teague is a set decorator and production designer from Tulsa whose credits include Twisters, Reservation Dogs, The Low Down and The Great Awakening currently in theatres. Nate Corrona comes from Dustbrand Films in Atlanta having directed and produced more than 200 music videos with Grammy-winning artists like Crowder, PJ Morton and Lecrae. Both met with students this year to share their experience and provide feedback leading up to the FilmFest Gala.

Brewer advised students that opportunities to connect with mentors or get chances to be on set exist through FilmFest. 鈥淲ho are the mentors at FilmFest who are people you can go up to and ask could I have coffee with you? What are some ways I should be on set? You have the opportunity to be mentored more, but you just need to step out.鈥�

Visit acu.edu/filmfest to learn more.

鈥� Kyle Dickson

April 20, 2026

The post FilmFest Gets Students on Set in Abilene and Beyond appeared first on Abilene Christian University.

For Kyla Karleskint, associate director of career development at 精东影业, witnessing students鈥� progression is the most rewarding part of the job.聽

鈥淚 love watching the students throughout their career journey,鈥� she says, 鈥渟eeing them come in as freshmen and work on their first-year items and then seeing them walk into the career fair with their suits on and engage with those employers and then watching that translate into full-time work.鈥�

Holistic Career Development

Everyone on campus has a role to play in helping students achieve their career goals. Offices like and the partner with 鈥渃areer champions鈥� in academic departments to provide skill- and character-building experiences.聽

Custom departmental roadmaps guide students through career development activities, such as internships and research, throughout their degree plan.聽

In first-semester Cornerstone classes, students explore the idea of calling and vocation from the perspectives of different disciplines. They discover their unique combination of interests and skills with the guidance of faculty and peer mentors.聽

Through departmental service-learning projects, students directly practice career-essential skills. Agricultural and environmental sciences majors build vertical gardens in Nicaragua. Business majors partner with students in Ghana to explore community-enhancing start-ups.聽

Students even have the ability to combine Study Abroad and an internship in the international nonprofit sector through 精东影业鈥檚 program in Leipzig, Germany.聽

By applying classroom knowledge to real-world problems and engaging in collaborative, intercultural projects, students develop the 21st-century skills employers are looking for.聽

Outcomes Focused

The Career Development office helps students synthesize and reflect on their experiences and provides guidance on communicating the skills they鈥檝e developed to future employers.聽

Karleskint and her team confidently connect students with an enthusiastic network of Wildcat alumni and other industry contacts through career fairs, internships and a custom employer directory.

To ensure that tangible outcomes remain a focus, the career development team administers the NACE First Destination Survey each year. In 2025, 92% of 精东影业 undergraduate students were employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months.聽

With all of this intentional preparation, it鈥檚 no wonder that Karleskint鈥檚 parting advice to graduating students is full of encouragement: 鈥淵ou have everything within you to do it. You are prepared. Go in peace and confidence.鈥�

鈥� Kayla Hewitt

April 20, 2025

The post First Year to First Job: 精东影业鈥檚 Career Development Model Prepares Students for Success appeared first on Abilene Christian University.

Abilene Christian University presented six-time Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Amy Grant with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree March 28 at the university鈥檚 annual President鈥檚 Circle Dinner. Grant also performed at the event, which honors 精东影业鈥檚 most generous donors.

The honorary degree recognizes her extraordinary contributions to contemporary Christian music and her enduring impact as an entertainer, storyteller and artist, said Dr. Phil Schubert (鈥�91), 精东影业 president.聽

Though not an alumna, Grant has historic connections to Abilene Christian. The late Jeanette (Scruggs 鈥�50) Lipford, a beloved voice teacher at 精东影业, was a close family friend and coached Grant in her early career. Three Abilene Christian alumni were instrumental in managing or producing some of Grant鈥檚 first albums: , 2019 Outstanding Alumnus of the Year; Brown Bannister (鈥�75), who received an honorary doctorate from the university last year; and Chris Christian (鈥�73), a Distinguished Alumni Award winner in 2015. Another alumnus, Nashville author and minister Don Finto (鈥�50), encouraged Grant in her career, and Grant was a close friend of the late Dr. Bob Hunter (’52), longtime administrator at 精东影业.聽

In addition, one of Grant鈥檚 early performances 鈥� as a 19-year-old English-major college student in 1980 鈥� took place in 精东影业鈥檚 Cullen Auditorium, now known as Boone Family Theatre.聽

鈥淭onight, in the presence of so many members of the 精东影业 community, I am excited to award you the university鈥檚 oldest and longest-running recognition 鈥� an honorary doctorate,鈥� Schubert said to Grant in presenting the degree Saturday. 鈥淚t鈥檚 our hope that this recognition not only honors your remarkable career but also inspires future generations of artists 鈥� perhaps some in this room with us tonight 鈥� to pursue their calling with the same level of dedication and integrity. Thank you, Amy, for all you鈥檝e done to impact the Kingdom and spread the Gospel.鈥�

Other recipients of an honorary degree from 精东影业 include Charlton Heston; Byron Nelson; Tom Landry; Kent Brantly, M.D.; and Laura Bush.

About Amy Grant

Grant鈥檚 career spans more than 40 years and stretches from her roots in gospel into becoming an iconic pop star, songwriter, television personality and philanthropist. With three multi-platinum albums, six platinum albums and four gold albums, her total career album sales have exceeded 30 million and over 1 billion global streams. Grant鈥檚 chart success includes six No. 1 hits, 10 Top 40 pop singles, 17 Top 40 Adult Contemporary tracks and multiple Contemporary Christian chart-toppers. In addition to her six Grammy Awards, Grant has earned 26 GMA Dove Awards (including four Artist of the Year Awards) and has been awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame as well as the Music City Walk of Fame and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. She also is a member of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

鈥� Wendy Kilmer

March 30, 2026

The post 精东影业 Awards Honorary Doctorate to Entertainer Amy Grant appeared first on Abilene Christian University.

When Langley Smith boarded her flight to Uruguay to study abroad, she expected a semester of travel and new scenery. What she didn鈥檛 anticipate was how deeply the experience would reshape her sense of identity, community and calling.

Smith鈥檚 first study abroad experience was to 精东影业鈥檚 hub location in Montevideo, Uruguay, in Fall 2023. Later, she interned in Leipzig, Germany, with Leipzig Notenspur, a public-history organization dedicated to preserving the city鈥檚 musical heritage. Her research focused on how music helped two Jewish girls survive forced labor during the Holocaust.

The academic learning was only part of the experience for Smith, a senior from Murrieta, California, with a double major in political science and history.

鈥淚 believe there are many different purposes of education,鈥� she says, ranging from acquiring hard skills and field knowledge to 鈥渓earning how to present oneself, navigating independence, and developing our emotional boundaries and moral beliefs, all while introducing us to a diverse set of ideas and individuals.鈥�

Smith found her study abroad experience was a catalyst for all of those aspects of her education, she says. Her time in Montevideo challenged assumptions and expanded her cultural understanding. Leipzig strengthened her research abilities and gave her professional experience in an international workplace.聽

鈥淭o put it simply, studying abroad made my education bigger than simply my classes or extracurricular activities,鈥� she says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a cringy statement, but I really do feel like the world is my classroom now.鈥�

A competitive edge

Smith, a Rhodes Scholar finalist for 2026, believes her global experiences elevated her application for the prestigious award. 鈥淪tudying abroad provided the opportunities to practice cross-cultural and interdisciplinary communication,鈥� she says. 鈥淪tudying abroad also developed my global perspective. I believe that this global perspective also contributed to my application and ultimate selection as a finalist.鈥�

And as a bonus, she adds, 鈥淚 made lifelong friends and had life-changing experiences all before I turned 21.鈥�

Smith鈥檚 reflection echoes a pattern 精东影业 sees year after year 鈥� students discovering not just new places, but new parts of themselves. It鈥檚 a defining strength of 精东影业鈥檚 student experience, and one the university has been nationally recognized for once again in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report 谤补苍办颈苍驳蝉.听

精东影业 earned honors in four categories that spotlight programs proven to enhance the student experience: Learning Communities (#11), Service Learning (#11 and highest-ranked in Texas), First-Year Experiences (#13) and Study Abroad (#36).

A broader worldview聽

鈥淪tudy Abroad is widely recognized by educational researchers as one of the 鈥榟ighest impact practices鈥� a student can engage in as a college student,鈥� says Dr. Mark Barneche, director of 精东影业鈥檚 program. 鈥淲hen students step onto 精东影业鈥檚 global campuses in Leipzig, Oxford or Valencia, or when they attend one of our other international programs around the world, they鈥檙e invited to engage their faith, intellect and curiosity in new and meaningful ways.鈥�

Barneche stresses that immersion changes how students learn and who they become.聽

鈥淟earning in another culture strengthens independence and resilience, deepens relationships with faculty and peers, and helps students connect their academic work with the realities of an interconnected world,鈥� he says.

鈥淏ecause high-impact practices are proven to strengthen engagement and personal growth, 精东影业 students often return from Study Abroad with a clearer sense of calling, renewed confidence, and a broadened understanding of how their education can serve God and neighbor across cultures,鈥� he notes. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not just a semester or short-term program away from home 鈥� it鈥檚 a formative experience that shapes students for life.鈥�

For Smith, the practical and the personal came together across two continents. Her semester in Montevideo offered community and language practice; the Leipzig internship provided workplace experience and specialized archival research tied to her double majors in political science and history.

The support before, during and after the experience 鈥渞eally makes it feel like there鈥檚 a slice of the Abilene campus abroad,鈥� she says.

The 精东影业 difference

Barneche echoes the importance of that support. 鈥淲hat truly sets 精东影业鈥檚 Study Abroad program apart is the level of care, intentionality and community woven into every part of the experience,鈥� he says.

Because 精东影业 owns its global properties and employs its own faculty abroad, he explains, 鈥渨e have an unusually high degree of control over the environment in which students live and learn.鈥�

Each location is directed by 精东影业 alumni who were once Study Abroad students themselves. Faculty-in-residence accompany students overseas, living, learning, worshiping and traveling alongside them.

鈥淓ach site becomes a vibrant living-learning community marked by strong relationships, shared experiences and a genuine sense of belonging,鈥� Barneche says. 鈥淲e find this chapter abroad becomes a defining part of a student鈥檚 精东影业 story.鈥�

A program built on purpose

At many universities, studying abroad is a luxury. At 精东影业, it is a deeply integrated educational strategy, one that shapes students academically, spiritually and personally.

The program鈥檚 national recognition aligns with measurable outcomes: 46% of 精东影业鈥檚 university scholars last year were Study Abroad alumni and聽applications for 2025, released in November, reached 302, an increase of 60 over the previous year.

Students also participate in spiritual formation overseas, including baptisms, small groups, and communal worship. Earlier this year, two students were baptized at Cenchrae, a sacred site visited during the Leipzig program.

The recognition by U.S. News and World Report affirms what he sees every day, Barneche says 鈥� that the depth of care, creativity and excellence poured into 精东影业鈥檚 global education programs is genuinely making a difference in students鈥� lives.

鈥淔or our team, this ranking isn鈥檛 just a badge of honor 鈥� it鈥檚 external confirmation that the intentional work of resourcing and improving our global campuses, investing in spiritual and academic formation, and creating a transformative community abroad is being noticed beyond our own walls,鈥� he notes. 鈥淚t validates the long hours, the behind-the-scenes work, the cross-cultural partnerships, and the commitment to delivering a high-impact educational experience shaped by 精东影业鈥檚 mission. Most of all, it encourages us to keep innovating and expanding the opportunities our students have to engage the world with curiosity, courage, and Christian purpose.鈥�

For students like Langley Smith, the journey has been both academic and deeply personal.

And for 精东影业, that journey is exactly the point.

The post A defining 精东影业 experience: Study Abroad in action appeared first on Abilene Christian University.