The Optimist
  • Home
  • About
    • Advertise
    • Policies
    • Staff Contacts
    • Jobs
  • News
  • Sports
  • Opinion
    • Columns
    • Editorials
  • Multimedia
    • Photo Galleries
    • Videos
  • Features
  • Print Edition
    • The Pessimist
    • Special Projects
  • Police Log
  • Classifieds

Graduating seniors earn University Scholars honors

Fifty seniors were recognized as University Scholars on Thursday, ahead of graduation. The university recognizes students every year for their hard work and scholarship.  Dr. […]

University to offer its first Ph.D. program through degree in nuclear science, engineering

Women’s tennis makes historic finish in WAC tournament

History was made for the women’s tennis team this season as the Wildcats advanced further than ever in the WAC tournament, finishing as the runner-up […]

Softball loses eighth straight, moves on to must-win series vs Utah Tech

Softball lost its eighth consecutive game after being swept in a conference series for the second time this season against the California Baptist Lancers on […]

Intramurals build community beyond the classroom

As May rolled in and finals week crept closer, students hurried to finish the last set of assignments and prepare for exams, but even amid the whirl of academics, many […]

News

Concert culture shifts as students document more

May 7, 2026 By Nele Huth Leave a Comment

Ella Kelso, junior psychology major from North Carolina, drove 160 miles with a group of friends to Globe Life Field in Arlington last month for a Bruno Mars concert. The ticket price: $300 each. “It was 100% worth it,” Kelso said. “Bruno Mars is ... [Read More…]

Open letter resisting ‘Christian nationalism’ signed by over 1,000

May 7, 2026 By Leslie Carrigan Leave a Comment

Nearly three dozen faculty and staff members, as well as others associated with the university and former and current members of the university’s Board of Trustees, have signed an open letter resisting the rise of “Christian nationalism” and ... [Read More…]

ACU Gives raises $1.4 million in annual day of giving

May 7, 2026 By Carter Calvin Leave a Comment

Alumni, parents and other donors raised over $1.4 million during ACU Gives, the university’s annual day of giving, designed to support scholarships, campus programs and student organizations. The campaign, which now runs for two days, encourages ... [Read More…]

Sports

Abilene native inspires next generation of baseball players

May 7, 2026 By Hayden DeLand Leave a Comment

Long before sophomore outfielder and Abilene native Braden Regala was standing in the outfield of Crutcher Scott Field with his Little League teammates, he didn’t even know if he wanted to play college baseball. Now, he is a starter for the Wildcats, inspiring the next generation. Regala grew up wanting to play soccer in college, […]

Softball ends season with loss in must-win series

May 7, 2026 By Hayden DeLand Leave a Comment

Entering the sixth inning on Saturday, the Wildcats led 8-6 over the Utah Tech Trailblazers in a must-win game to go to the conference tournament. The third batter of the inning hit a triple to right field, bringing in one run; the next batter doubled to center field, bringing in the tying run. With the […]

Men’s golf ends season with third-place finish at WAC tournament

May 1, 2026 By Roman Raffaeli Leave a Comment

The men’s golf team finished third in the Western Athletic Conference tournament in McKinney, hosted by Stonebridge Ranch Country Club. The third-place finish is the team’s highest since the 2022 season. Ahead of the tournament, the Wildcats had finished fifth at the Robert Kepler Invitational, hosted by Ohio State University, and won the Seattle University […]

Features

Abilene native inspires next generation of baseball players

May 7, 2026 By Hayden DeLand Leave a Comment

Long before sophomore outfielder and Abilene native Braden Regala was standing in the outfield of Crutcher Scott Field with his Little League teammates, he didn’t even know if he wanted to play ... [Read More…]

Opinion

Online classes are not as effective as they seem

April 16, 2026 By Fermin Moreno Leave a Comment

Athletes today face pressure from every angle

April 15, 2026 By Nele Huth Leave a Comment

A strong March jobs report, but a slower path for new graduates

April 10, 2026 By Daniel Curd Leave a Comment

Borders, Strangers, the Bible

April 9, 2026 By Benjamin Peterson Leave a Comment

Follow us online

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Optimist on Twitter

acuoptimist The Optimist @acuoptimist ·
4 May

BREAKING NEWS: James Bradshaw and Maddie Grace Fridge are the 2026 Mr. ACU and Miss ACU.

Reply on Twitter 2051110655172784350 Retweet on Twitter 2051110655172784350 Like on Twitter 2051110655172784350 4 Twitter 2051110655172784350
acuoptimist The Optimist @acuoptimist ·
22 Apr

NEWS: Students can now vote for the 2026 Mr. ACU and Miss ACU. The link to vote can be found through an email sent out by the Student Government Association.

Reply on Twitter 2046989639165042798 Retweet on Twitter 2046989639165042798 1 Like on Twitter 2046989639165042798 Twitter 2046989639165042798

Optimist on Facebook

The Optimist updated their status.

6 days ago

The Optimist

This content isn't available right now

When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.
View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

The Optimist

2 weeks ago

The Optimist
Click the link in our bio to nominate a graduating senior for the Optimist to feature in our print issue. ... See MoreSee Less

Video

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Videos

Optimist Newscast Feb. 28, 2024

Our top stories today include a recap of The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940, the ... [Read More…]

  • Optimist Newscast Feb. 21, 2024
  • Optimist Newscast Feb. 14, 2024
  • Optimist Newscast Jan. 24, 2024

Latest Photos

  • Home
  • About
    • Contact
    • Subscribe
    • Policies
    • Advertising Policy
    • Letters to the Editor and Reader Comments
  • News
  • Sports
  • Opinion
    • Columns
    • Editorials
  • Multimedia
    • Videos
    • Photo Galleries
  • Features
  • Advertise
    • Paid Advertisement
  • Police Log

© 2026 ACU Optimist · All Rights Reserved