History

Dr. Walter H. Adams, ACU’s first faculty member to hold an earned doctoral degree, received his first degree, a Bachelor or Arts in education, from Abilene Christian in 1925. He received a Master of Arts in education from Stanford University in 1927 and earned a doctorate in guidance from Columbia University in 1933.

Adams was named dean of Abilene Christian in 1932 at the age of 29 and served as an administrator until 1969. In 1992, ACU announced the opening of the Walter H. Adams Center for Teaching Excellence, located on the ground floor of the Brown Library Complex.

The great legacy of creative and imaginative academic leadership given to this University by Walter H. Adams serves as the inspiration and encouragement for the Center. His strong emphasis on teaching excellence serves as an enduring example to all who understand and appreciate the limitless potential for life changing, value building, and mind-expanding achievements in the classrooms, laboratories, and lecture halls of Abilene Christian University.