Embedded Files
Every year, the ACU Alumni Association presents awards to a select few who bring honor and recognition to the university through their personal and professional service.
The three alumni awards are:
Outstanding Alumnus of the Year
Timely recognition of lifetime achievement that brings honor to the university through personal and professional excellence and service to the university, church or community. Click here to view a list of former award recipients.
The 2026 Outstanding Alumnus of the Year is John Warner, M.D. (’87).
2025: Greg Feasel (’81)
2024: Dr. Scott Acton (’84)
2023: Justice Jeff Boyd (’83)
2022: Kathy (Gay ’78) Halbert
2021: Fred Asare (’09 M.A.C.M.)
2020: Wes Kittley (’81)
2019: Michael Blanton (’73)
2018: April (Bullock ’89) Anthony
2017: David Vanderpool, M.D. (’82) and Laurie (Stallings ’81) Vanderpool
2016: Dr. H. Jeff Kimble (’71)
2015: Elise (Smith ’83) Mitchell
2014: Rick Atchley (’78)
2013: Cmdr. David Bynum (’84)
2012: Mike Calvert (’67)
2010: John Bailey, D.M.D. (’57)
2009: U.S. Rep. Ted Poe (’70)
2008: Lance Barrow (’77)
2007: Chris (White ’46) Kyker
2006: Dr. James Womack (’63)
2005: Don W. Crisp (’64)
2004: David Leeson (’78)
2003: Max Lucado (’77)
2002: Dr. Jack Scott (’54)
2001: Wayne Massey, M.D. (’66) and Janice (Munn ’68) Massey, M.D
2000: Royce Caldwell (’61)
1999: James Muns (’53)
1998: Doug Smith (’60)
1997: Nancy R. Miller (’60)
1996: Dr. Ira Hill (’56)
1995: Wilson C. “Dub” Orr (’50)
1994: Dr. Joe Ritchie (’59)
1993: Robert J. Hall (’51)
1992: Ray Hansen (’53)
1991: G. Randy Nicholson (’59)
1990: Robert J. “Jerry” Strader Sr., D.D.S. (’52)
1989: Mary Prudie (Story ’43) Brown
1988: Dr. R. Gerald Turner (’68)
1987: B. David Vanderpool, M.D. (’52)
1986: J. McDonald “Don” Williams (’63)
1985: Dr. Don C. Jackson (’53)
1984: Dr. H. Lynn Packer (’50)
1983: Dr. Malcolm E. “Mac” Pruitt (’37)
1982: Winnie Jo (Sosebee ’50) Crump
1981: John Paul Gibson, M.D. (’25)
1980: Parker Henderson (’50)
1979: G.W. “Bill” Knight (’55)
1978: John W. Holton (’39)
1977: A. Clifford Thornton Sr. (’35)
1976: Dr. Ray McGlothlin Jr. (’49)
1975: Chesley McDonald (’40)
1974: Dr. Ira North (’43)
1973: A.E. Wells (’31)
1972: Dr. Rita (Foster ’27) Stocking
1971: Dr. Burton Coffman (’27)
1970: U.S. Rep. Omar Burleson (’28)
1969: Dr. Reuel Lemmons (’35)
1968: Willard Paine (’48)
1967: Dr. Orbin V. Melton (’41)
1966: A.M. “Tonto” Coleman (’28)
1965: Dr. Louie Welch (’40)
1964: Jack Pope, J.D. (’34)
1963: Dr. Lee Powell (’33)
1962: Leslie G. Huff (’30)
1961: Dr. Batsell Barrett Baxter (’37)
1960: Oliver Jackson (’42)
1959: Dr. Dean Walling (’30)
1958: Dr. M. Norvel Young (’36)
Young Alumnus of the Year
Recognizes professional achievement and/or distinguished service to Abilene Christian University. To be eligible, a recipient must not be over 40 years of age at the time of selection. Click here to view a list of former award recipients.
The 2026 Young Alumnus of the Year is Tim Holt (’15).
2025: April (Ward ’06) Farris
2024: Dr. David Todd Harmon (’05)
2023: Zach Garza (’04)
2022: Brandon Osborne (’05)
2021: Hon. Shelton Gibbs IV (’02)
2020: Joel Wells, M.D. (’06)
2019: Kara Wilson García (’07)
2018: Serge Gasore (’09)
2017: Chelsea (Thornton ’01) Buchholtz, J.D.
2016: Gilbert Tuhabonye (’01)
2015: Kent Brantly, M.D. (’03) & Amber (Carroll ’06) Brantly
2014: Randy Brown, M.D. (’95) and Anda (Adams ’95) Brown
2013: Dr. Marcus Nelson (’94)
2012: Sean Adams (’93)
2011: Aaron Watson (’00)
2010: Randy Brewer (’93)
2009: Lori (Halstead ’01) Windham, J.D.
2008: Jarrod Brown (’00)
2007: Mitch Wilburn (’90)
2006: Kasey Pipes (’95)
2005: Hurley Miller (’93)
2004: Brandon Scott Thomas (’92)
2003: Karen (Sublett ’86) Mitchell, J.D.
2002: Bingiee Shiu (’84)
2001: Holt Lunsford (’85)
2000: Kari (Dorsey ’84) Leong
1999: April (Bullock ’89) Anthony
1998: Steve Mack (’82)
1997: Cohn Drennan (’80)
1996: Nelson Coates (’84)
1995: Lance Barrow (’77)
1994: William “Bill” McClellan (’81)
1993: Cleotha Montgomery (’78)
1992: Jeff Knight (’77), J.D.
1991: Max Lucado (’77)
1990: Guy “Mojo” Lewis, D.D.S. (’80)
Distinguished Alumni Citation
Recognizes distinctive personal and professional achievement that has merited the honor and praise of peers and colleagues. Three alumni are honored with DACs each calendar year. Click here to view a list of former award recipients.
The 2025 Distinguished Alumni Citation recipients are:
Larry Autrey (’18 MBA)
Dr. Dudley Chancey Jr. (’92 M.S.)
Denise Allen Hamilton (’02)
Dr. Larry Long (’72)
Jared Mosley (’00)
2024
Katie (Banta ’99) Alford
Dr. Charles (’65) and Darlene (Wright ’67) Coulston
Tony Roach Jr. (’01)
2023
Michael (’65) and Dorris (West ’66) Fortson
Paula Harris (’18 M.Ed.)
2022
Jessica (Reese ’00) Goudeau
Jackson Griggs, M.D. (’99)
Mark (’04) and Ali (Gonçalves ’04) Kaiser
Ryan (’98) and Holly (Carrell ’98) Morris
Jordan Swim (’07)
2021
Essie (Charles ’75) Childers
Randy Clinton (’77)
Todd Lollar (’00 M.S.)
Glen Villanueva, D.O. (’88)
2020
Dr. Will (’93) and Allison (Smith ’95) Caire
Tobie Hatfield (’87)
Dr. Darrell Wesley (’88)
2019
Katie Coldwell (’00)
Doug Ferguson (’83)
Lara Seibert Young (’06)
2018
Sharon (Johnston ’84) Epps
Greg Feasel (’81)
Branden Gibson (’04)
2017
Dr. Shaun Casey (’79)
Tasha (French ’02) Lemley
Kevin Starks (’98)
2016
Jennifer (England ’85) Allen
Ben Jeffrey (’06)
Scotty (’52) and June (’56) Witt
2015
Abel Alvarez (’82)
Reg Cox (’84)
Dave (’98) and Amy (Berry ’95) Fuller
2014
Brent (’93) and Julie (Griggs ’94) Pennington
Mark Smith (’98)
Matt (’00) and Nikki (Schweikard ’98) Wallace
2013
Chad Baker (’99)
Rob Thomas (’96)
Shannon (McKnight ’92) Wilburn
2012
Curt Cloninger (’76)
Leon McNeil (’93)
Hal Runkel (’00)
2011
Stephen Mansfield (’88)
Elise (Smith ’83) Mitchell
Russell Pennington (’89)
Dr. Kathy Pulley (’80)
Michael Willoughby (’86)
2010
Dr. Nathalie (Akin ’60) Bartle
Marcus Brecheen (’84)
Dr. Dale Brown (’68)
Dr. Gayle Crowe (’63)
Lisa (Lawrence ’90) Holland
2009
Norman Bales (’57)
Dr. John Crosby (’58)
Duke Jung (’64)
Robert Reagan (’84)
John Samuel (’85)
2008
Sally (Strader ’77) Frazier
Brad Gautney (’91)
Dr. Joyce (Smith ’57) Hardin
Scott Orr (’84)
Dr. John York (’75)
2007
Rolando Diaz (’79)
Dr. James P. Hughes (’66)
Barbara (Wyres Bates ’61) Johnston
Greg Sheppard (’74)
Joe Shirley Jr. (’73)
2006
James Bankes (’72)
Dr. Allen (’59) and Mikey (’58) Isbell
Dale (’66) and Pat (’67) Ward
Bill (’67 and Deanna (’67) Wilson
2005
William Adrian (’59)
Rick Atchley (’78)
Randal Boggs (’80)
John Clovis (’54)
Doc Cornutt (’70)
John (’59) & Diane (’62) Duncum
Steven Green (’77)
Don Hall (’51)
Rick Marrs (’73)
Sandra (Johnson ’66) Morrow
Charme Robarts (MS ’97)
Hugh Sandifer (’77)
2004
Bob Allen (’70)
Stan Denman (’86)
Mary Hollingsworth (’70)
Stephen Kenney (’86)
2003
Paul Cox (’56)
Antenor Goncalves (’86)
Carl Holladay (’65)
Leroy Sisco (’67)
2002
Kay Dawdy (’72)
Kenneth Greene (’78)
Dee Travis (’73)
Alton Watson (’32)
2001
Eldred Echols (’42)
Bill Petty (’64)
Bob Randolph (’62)
Kenny Wilson (’74)
1999-2000
Bob Griggs (’71)
Marilyn McDermett (’61)
Mark Rowland (’92) (posthumous)
Craig Stone (’85)
Wimon Walker (’79)
Jim Womack (’63)
1998
Dan Anders (’58)
Janet Ardoyno (’75)
Tom Bost (’64)
Rosalind Shields (’67)
1997
Howard Justiss (’37)
Andrew Starck (’69)
Frances Thompson (’63)
William Turner (’87)
1996
Sharon Drury (’72)
Richard Hughes (’67)
David Hurley (’77)
Leslie Wyatt (’67)
1995
Royce S. Caldwell (’61)
Lane T. Cubstead (’56)
James Culp (’49)
Ross S. Dawkins Sr. (’26)
Otis Gatewood (’36)
Carolyn Gilbert (’65)
Jack P. Lewis (’40)
Stanley J. Smith (’67)
Byron D. Williamson (’68)
1994
Kathryn Forrest Blakey (’87)
Marvin Crowe (’39)
Wendy Cullar (’61)
Dan T. Garrett (’81)
Abraham J. Malherbe (’54)
Linda Parrish (’66)
Paul Parrish (’66)
James C. Sorrells (’48)
1993
Elden R. Barrett (’61)
Al Cogburn (’72)
Kenny Link (’70)
Stanley Lockhart (’49)
Robert Oglesby Sr. (’55)
David T. Pullias (’59)
Stites Family:
John D. and Evelyn Flatt Stites
Johnny (’68) and Rosemary Tillman Stites (’68)
Jack (’71) and Mary Norris Stites (’71)
Donnie (’74) and Sarah Stites Davidson (’74)
1992
Herb Butrum (’71)
Michael R. “Mike” Calvert (’67)
Karyn McGlothlin Henley (’74)
Leon Locke (’42)
Ron Tyler (’64)
R.H. “Tex” Williams (’50)
1991
Todd Barfield Jr. (’52)
Michael Blanton (’73)
Wendell Broom (’45)
David Leeson (’78)
Donna Rankin Reynolds (’65)
Douglas Smith (’60)
1990
Cullen Johnson (’61)
Paul W. Johnson (’57)
Wayne Massey (’66)
Harvey Porter (’52)
George M. Foster Takemoto (’59)
Gary Thompson (’60)
1988
Jane Varner Beard (’74)
1986
Dr. Ron Sosebee (’64)
1984-85
Thane Akins (’55)
Chris Christian (’73)
Janice Massey (’68)
James Muns (’53)
Tom Teague (’71)
R. Gerald Turner (’68)
1983
Betty Bell Muns (’53)
Ted Poe (’70)
Gene Sosebee (’41)
J. McDonald “Don” Williams (’63)
James Womack (’63)
1982
Geoffrey H. Ellis (’54)
Noel Grisham (’44)
Nancy Miller (’60)
Glenn Owen (’58)
Ura Mae Haggard Parnell (’32)
Robert J. “Jerry” Strader Sr. (’52)
James Ronald Walcher (’57)
Bill Waugh (’59)
1981
Carrell Anderson (’52)
Guy V. Caskey (’42)
Jack A. Griggs (’64)
Claude Guild (’39)
Jerry Hill (’52)
Harris Latham (’31)
Kay Patton (’47)
Don Shultz (’52)
John B. White (’34)
1980
Joe Baisden (’59)
Jack Crabtree (’28)
Hettie Lee Ewing (’37)
Ed Howard (’59)
Chris Kyker (’46)
Wilson C. “Dub” Orr (’50)
Joe Ritchie (’59)
W.E. “Bill” Vaught (’48)
1979
R.C. Cobb (’41)
Mike Ezzell (’66)
Johnny J. Johnston (’50)
Ivan Kirk (’58)
Wilbert Montgomery (’77)
H. Lynn Packer (’50)
1978
Pat Agnew (’64)
Lea Goodman (’55)
Laginia Hale (’39)
Tim McLeod (’42)
Harvie Pruitt (’51)
Joe Schubert (’57)
1977
Alta B. Agnew (’25)
Joe Barnett (’55)
Don W. Crisp (’64)
Lottie Beth Hobbs (’43)
Lucile Johnston McNiel (’49)
W.B. West (’35)
1976
Harvey and Margaret Baker (’38)
Otis Garner (’38)
Standlee Mitchell (’28)
Rex Nutt (’55)
James A. Turman (’49)
Bernice Waggoner (’49)
1975
Chester V. “Chet” Bogle Jr. (’47)
Mary Prudie Story Brown (’43)
R.V. Hardegree (’35)
John T. “Jack” McKinney (’49)
Louis Shelton (’49)
Harold O. Thomas (’52)
1974
Lylian and Gladys Arledge (’21)
Carter Compton (’59)
Kay McGlothlin (’49)
Glenn Paden (’56)
Ronald F. Phillips (’55)
R.L. and Shirley Sanders (’44)
1973
Jack (’34) and Mable (’29) Burford
Don C. Jackson (’53)
Bill Johnson (’53)
James LeFan (’44)
William J. Teague (’52)
A.Clifford Thornton (’35)
1972
George Burton Adams (’38)
Wallace Beasley (’35)
Richard “Fuzzy” Lunsford (’55)
Chesley McDonald (’40)
Robert Page (’48)
Malcolm E. “Mac” Pruitt (’37)
1971
Dan Coker (’60)
Patsy Duncan (’46)
Parker Henderson (’50)
Stafford North (’50)
Jimmie Shiu (’57)
Roy Willingham (’46)
1970
Wendell Bedichek (’24)
Bob Davidson (’52)
Jewell Harris (’38)
Pete Ragus (’51)
Hollis Manly Sr. (’19)
Paul Witt (’22)
1969
Mrs. Don H. Morris (’26)
Cline Paden (’47)
Dale and Rita Brown Outlive Your Life Award
The award is designed to recognize all types of servant leadership including civic and community contributions, meeting spiritual or physical needs, producing changes with generational impact, helping redirect the course of people's lives and inspiring others to make an eternal difference. Recipients may be alumni or friends of the university. Click here to view a list of former award recipients.
First announced in May 2011, the Dale and Rita Brown Outlive Your Life Award recognizes individuals who have made a lasting impact on the lives of others.
The award takes its name from Outlive Your Life: You Were Made to Make a Difference, a 2010 book by 1977 ACU graduate Max Lucado, a minister and best-selling Christian author. In its pages, Lucado challenges readers from all walks of life to take what God has given them and help others.
The inaugural recipients were Dale and Rita Brown, a godly couple who for nearly half a century have powerfully partnered to use the blessings God has given them to be a blessing to others. Both are graduates of Pepperdine University, but all six of their children – Tod (’87), Cary (’89), Trisha (Brown ’90) Wall, Alan (’92), Randy (’94) and April (Brown ’00) Cogburn – are graduates of Abilene Christian. Bailey Brown, the first of their 22 grandchildren, graduated from ACU in 2011.
Award recipients:
2025: Earl Young (’62)
2024: Nancy Miller (’60)
2023: Dr. Tony E. Roach Sr. (’79 M.S.)
2022: Ronald F. Phillips, J.D., (’55)
2021: Drs. Wayne (’66) and Janice (Munn ’68) Massey
2020: Jeannette (Scruggs ’50) Lipford
2019: Dr. Don Finto (’50)
2018: Dr. Ira (’56) and June (Brown ’56) Hill
2017: Dr. Lynn (’90 D.Min.) and Carolyn Anderson
2016: Louise “Dewby” (Adams ’50) Ray
2015: Dr. Jack White (’71)
2014: Dr. B. David Vanderpool (’52)
2013: Earline (Davidson ’48) Perry
2012: Dr. Charlie Middlebrook (’68)
Change the World Awards
As part of the ACU Centennial celebration, the Alumni Advisory Board selected 100 people to receive a Change the World award. Recipients included alumni and friends who have quietly made a difference in small and large ways on campus, in their communities and throughout the world. They were honored during a reception on Feb. 19, 2006.
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