ABILENE, Texas — Abilene Christian University will soon have another graduating class.
On Dec. 15 and 16, the university plans to present approximately 496 bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees to its newest upcoming graduates.
The first ceremony is set for 7 p.m. and the second is scheduled for 10 a.m., both of which are located at Moody Coliseum.
Friday's graduates can expect to hear from online marriage and family therapy program associate director Dr. Jackie Halstead, a 1998 ACU graduate and author of Leaning Into God’s Embrace: A Guidebook for Contemplative Prayer.
Previously, Halstead worked on campus for 12 years, acting as Department of Marriage and Family Therapy program chair and director.
She has also been practicing as a licensed marriage and family therapist for 37 years and a spiritual director for more than 20.
As of late, Halstead lives in Nashville and works as the CEO of the Selah Center for Spiritual Formation while continuing her role online with ACU.
On Saturday, guest speaker and ACU 2023 Teacher of the Year Dr. Pricilla Wyatt will be speaking to the graduating class.
Wyatt currently teaches juniors and seniors while overseeing clinical practicums in her role as ACU Dallas School of Nursing assistant professor and R.N. to B.S.N. track manager.
In her current role, she is part of the Faculty Senate and also sponsors Ko Jo Kai sorority, while she recently worked as part of the University Scholars and suspension appeals committees.
A 1998 graduate, Wyatt spent the first 13 years of her post-college career working for Abilene's Hendrick Health System as a cardiac acute care nurse and charge nurse.
From there, she began working for ACU in 2013 and in 2023, her position still stands.
During commencement, some students will be given awards.
Those who cannot attend in-person can stream the ceremony online.
Click here for more information.
