ABOUT THE ADAMS CENTER

We believe that learning
is a lifelong process.

The Adams Center exists to promote the lifelong learning of ACU’s faculty as they strive to integrate their faith and their discipline.

What We Do

The Adams Center is a gathering place for faculty to share insights, raise questions, and develop skills in a hospitable, supportive context. We provide state of the art learning facilities that allow you to experiment with new ways of teaching, learning, and research, but we also focus on hospitality. Drop by on the way to class for coffee or join us for lunch and conversations led by your colleagues.

We invite you to browse our site for services, events, and resources!

Our Staff

Dr. Laura Carroll

Executive Director
325-674-2264
lbc01c@acu.edu

Dr. Cliff Barbarick

Director, Faculty Development
325-674-3767
cab11c@acu.edu

Berlin Fang

Director, Instructional Design
325-674-2981
berlin.fang@acu.edu

Amy Boone

Teaching and Learning Specialist
325-674-2456
alb17a@acu.edu

Tammy Marcelain

Administrative Coordinator
325-674-2023
tlm08b@acu.edu

Joyce Haley

Program Director for 20/20 Teaching Innovation Grants
325-674-2455
haleyj@acu.edu

Our Facilities

The Adams Center is focused on hospitality, so please join us for lunch as we partner with you to be better teachers, scholars, and followers of Jesus Christ. We offer different spaces available for reservation, and depending on the time of your reservation, lunch can be provided and served in the Adams Center. Our rooms may serve as locations for faculty enrichment sessions or any office meeting across campus.

The Classroom

About: The Adams Center Classroom (Rm. 241) is the largest space we have to offer for events, seating up to 30 people. Featuring two large screens for presentation purposes, the Classroom also has multiple glass boards for shared work, modular seating, and easily arrangeable tables.

Seating: Adjustable seating for 36 with tables and 70 with row seating.

Technology: Three wall-mounted 60″ televisions equipped with Airplay and a Mac computer. Also includes wall-mounted marker boards.

Reserve the Classroom

The Bamboo Room

About: The Adams Center Bamboo Room is decorated in a bright, modern style. With cozy couches and armchairs, and a long conference table, the Bamboo Room is equipped with technology that makes it just right for small, collaborative meetings.

Seating: Conference table (seats 8) and a lounge area (seats 6-8).

Technology: One wall-mounted 60″ television equipped with Airplay and a Mac computer. Also includes a wall-mounted marker board.

Reserve the Bamboo Room

The Woods

About: The Woods (Rm. 248) is a unique space for a meeting of 16-20 people. Glassboards for collaborative writing and two large screens for visual presentations adorn the walls. The larger of the two rooms in the Learning Research Lab, The Woods provides a place for faculty and researchers to observe the teaching and learning process and to improve upon their instructional strategies.

Seating: Adjustable seating for 20 with tables.

Technology: Two wall-mounted 60″ televisions equipped with Airplay and a Mac computer. Also includes wall-mounted marker boards.

Reserve the Woods

The Collaboration Cafe

About: The Collaboration Cafe is furnished for elegant comfort. Among the cushioned chairs and sofas, faculty share ideas, concerns, and beliefs. Equipped with a Keurig for refreshments, the Collaboration Cafe is perfect for a moment or relaxation or an energizing conversation.

Resources: An open (non-reservable) work and meeting space equipped with lounge seating for 4, table workspace for 6-8, and two desk work areas. It includes One wall-mounted 60″ television equipped with Airplay and a Mac computer and two wall-mounted work monitors.

[Not Available for Reservation]

Adams Center Room Reservation Request

Reserve Now, or Call 325-674-2455. Based on Availability.

Our 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.