Statement on Self Reflection from Steve Hare

Statement on Self Reflection from Ryan Feerer

Statement on Integration of Faith & Learning from Dr. Cliff Barbarick:
“I’ve had the pleasure of co-teaching BCOR 310 with Dr. Shirley several times over the past few years. In this class, we challenge students to explore their own faith as they formulate a definition of the “good life” and compare it with other systems of belief. These conversations usually require us to deconstruct thin and fragile parts of our students’ faiths in order to help them replace it with something more robust and lasting. It’s delicate work, and I’ve always appreciated having Dr. Shirley as my partner in this setting. He brings an academic rigor and intellectual honesty that encourages students to ask the tough questions, but he combines that with a theological thoughtfulness and pastoral sensitivity that encourages their faith formation. This rare combination makes Dr. Shirley a valuable part of our faculty at ACU. “

— Dr. Cliff Barbarick, Associate Professor, Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry

Statement on Knowledge of Subject Matter from Prof. Dan McGregor
“The knowledge base that Trey brings to our department is formidable.  His wide-ranging experiences in graphic design, branding, theology, and even architectural design and house renovation mean that as a studio art teacher, he is able to provide both a theoretical and a hands-on background for his assignments that I could only dream of having.

In the realm of art history, Trey is unmatched in his knowledge in our department.  Out of all my A&D colleagues, he’s the primary one I can go to for conversations about illustrators, from Aubrey Beardsley to Ralph McQuarrie.  Moreover, Trey is a treasure trove of great anecdotes about famous artists from the past.  The art history stories he’s introduced me to (such as the saga of the “Slant Step”) have made their way into my own classes.  Conversations with him have definitely deepened my knowledge of art history and given me new fodder for the classroom.“

— Dan McGregor, Professor, Department of Art + Design

Statement on Knowledge of Subject Matter from Karen Cukrowski
“Often, it seems to me, professors fail to synthesize innovative scholarship and the significance of their findings. Not so with Dr. Trey Shirley, whose skills of analysis and research find both their roots and their results in application. Trey’s work in marketing, graphic arts, and design thinking are integrally connected, for example, to the practical and frank implications of these areas in the church he so loves. Even there, he goes beyond mere excellent research and critique, where many good academics stop, but posits and finds theologically, sociologically, and scientifically sound solutions and suggestions that bear consideration in our ever-shrinking and changing houses of worship. Similarly, in his outstanding work with and direction of Cornerstone, which touches 100% of our student body at ACU, Trey guides us, the teachers, through an organized and challenging course, raising the rigor to which our students are exposed, all the while focusing us on application, the So What? of each activity and discussion.”

— Karen Cukrowski, Cornerstone Instructor

Statement on Ability to Communicate from Dr. Amy McLaughlin-Sheasby
“When I co-taught BCOR with Trey Shirley, I had the opportunity to witness his pedagogic methods up close. Trey is gifted in utilizing a wide variety of mediums and disciplines in order to articulate, demonstrate, or clarify course content. By incorporating literature, visual art, videos, and music into our class, Trey successfully captured the attention of students who might have otherwise remained disengaged. Trey is also gifted in facilitating class discussion; he knows what types of questions to ask in order to inductively guide students to deeper critical thinking. Co-teaching with Trey inspired me to be more intentional in the way I connect with students in the classroom. “

— Dr. Amy McLaughlin-Sheasby, Assistant Professor, Department of Bible, Missions, and Ministry

Statement on Ability to Communicate from Dr. Paul Morris
“In my years at Abilene Christian University I have team-taught with at least sixteen different professors and all but one of those has been an amazing experience. I always learn a lot and I think it is a wonderful model for students to see faculty persons continuing to learn. One of those great experiences was teaching with Trey Shirley.

Trey and I team-taught a section of BCOR in Spring 2015; Trey took the lead in developing our course and did a fantastic job of coordinating the curriculum so that both of our expertise were used in a harmonious and natural way with little or no thematic discontinuity. He demonstrated concern for the students and proper rigor for a junior/senior level course. His lectures were clear and demonstrated his wide-ranging interests including art, design, and theology. I believe this multidisciplinary/ interdisciplinary teaching is one of the important innovations that we need to encourage. He was able to generate student involvement through discussion of topics in the ‘search for meaning.’ Trey is an excellent teacher.

Trey and I have had several private conversations, primarily concerning liberal arts education. I know that he, as do I, strongly believes in the importance of the liberal arts in helping the students become whole persons. I think we need more faculty who are invested in that form of education.”

— Dr. Paul Morris, Professor Emeritus

Statement on Interest in Student from Dr. Rodney Ashlock

“It is my pleasure to write to you about Dr. Trey Shirley’s interest in students. I witnessed first-hand Trey’s concern and care for our students when I co-taught a section of CORE 210 with him in the spring of 2015. We had a class of around fifty students. I remember vividly how patient he was with the students who were experiencing a difficulty or just undergoing stress. He knew the stories of several students and would often shape assignments that would connect with them in a special way. He wanted them to learn, but it was important for them to be shaped into better citizens and young Christians. In my opinion, he treated all the students justly.

I have always found Trey congenial and ready to help whenever necessary and I consider it an honor and a delight to write this letter for him.  In my mind, he represents the best of what this university has to offer.”

— Dr. Rodney Ashlock, Chair, Department of Bible, Missions, and Ministry

“During my time at Abilene Christian University, I have had Dr. Trey Shirley as my professor for three courses and can honestly say he is one of the best professors I’ve had in my college career. Trey’s passion for his courses is infectious and promotes an active learning environment where students can feel comfortable and confident. Trey’s interest in his student’s transcends the classroom, not only does he seek out opportunities to further his students’ knowledge in the real world, but his character with his students is one that is approachable, relatable, and honestly enjoyable. Professor Shirley’s heart for his students is unmatched” – Daniel Tapia, ’19

“I have been lucky enough to have Dr. Shirley for four art history and CORE classes over my three years at ACU, including my Cornerstone class my freshman year. From the beginning, two things have been clearly evident about Dr. Shirley – he is very passionate about the subjects he teaches, and he takes a very sincere interest in his students’ lives and education. He teaches with enthusiasm in a way that guides students to really invest in the subject and push themselves to learn. Dr. Shirley truly epitomizes one of the primary reasons I chose to attend ACU: a personable and passionate professor that genuinely cares for his students and their education. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from him.” – Denver Gravitt, ’19

Statement on Scholarship from Dr. Nil Santana

“I have had the privilege of working with Dr. Trey Shirley in many capacities and occasions. An accomplished scholar, Trey has published various papers in design theory and religious branding. His research efforts and quality of scholarship have reached an academic maturity that provides ACU with various levels of benefits, and merits his promotion.”

Dr. Nil Santana, Department of Art and Design

“This year’s Colleague Service Award goes to a faculty member who has had a dual assignment for a number of years. Along with being an excellent classroom teacher – whose students recognize both high expectations and a good sense of humor – he also directs one of the most impactful curricular programs we offer at the University. He served in the chair role for a semester during a faculty renewal leave, much to the acclaim and support of his colleagues. Gathering faculty from across the the university to teach Freshmen students, he has coached speakers in engaging with students, orchestrated the connection of video and online support of content, overseen assessment of dozens of sections, and (for the last two years) navigated the challenging question of where to house 500 students in an environment of social distancing for the Cornerstone Class.  This year’s colleague service award goes to Trey Shirley.”

 — Dr. Greg Straughn, Dean, College of Arts and Sciences

“I have had the pleasure of teaching alongside Trey when he first came to ACU as a Core professor.  I find Trey to be a creative and engaging pedagogue who demonstrated a remarkable ability to challenge students and to work across disciplinary boundaries.  He was a pleasure to work with.  I miss teaching with him.  Furthermore, Trey’s continuing work as the director of ACU’s Cornerstone program has been nothing short of exemplary.  His attention to detail and his organizational skills not only help me do a better job with my Cornerstone students,Trey makes it a delight to teach Cornerstone.  Students and faculty benefit from his continuing work; we are lucky to have him.”  

– Dr. Vic McCracken, Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry

“I consider myself fortunate to have been able to work with Trey Shirley during my time at ACU.  The majority of our common work has surrounded the Core classes, and that task has included two different kinds of relationships.  On the one hand, we have been direct colleagues, both teaching the BCOR class at the same time, albeit in different sections.  In this situation, I benefited greatly from Trey’s generosity in sharing resources that he either discovered or developed, as well as his giving and receiving of ideas in our group interactions (both online and face-to-face).  In this regard, Trey exemplified several features of collegiality noted in the Faculty Handbook, including “volunteering to help with common academic tasks” (the development of lesson plans and class resources) and “demonstrating interest and cooperation across disciplines” (central to the Core experiment).  Our other relationship has been during 2013-2015, when I was the Course Director for BCOR.  During this time Trey was a willing and enthusiastic participant in the work that I tried to lead. He attended our BCOR faculty meetings, offered suggestions, responded to queries, was faithful in providing assessment data, included me on matters of academic integrity — in short, from the perspective of an administrator, he was a model colleague.  Again, to use language from the Handbook, among the many things he did include “participating in discussions about academic issues” and “participating in academic decision processes.”  I wholeheartedly support Trey’s promotion to Assistant Professor.  If I can answer any other questions, please don’t hesitate to email me at david.kneip@acu.edu.”

– Dr. David Kneip, Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry

“It is with great delight that I recommend Trey for tenure at ACU.  I met Trey five years ago when we were both newly appointed faculty to the General Ed Department working with the CORE curriculum.  During this time I have had close associations with Trey and have seen him in a variety of situations, both enjoyable and trying.  I have never seen him be anything but unfailingly kind and respectful of others.

Even as a non-tenured faculty member, Trey has entered whole-heartedly into the academic world, fulfilling the duties and expectations as if he were fully tenured.  He has actively helped shape the CORE curriculum, meeting with colleagues weekly to ensure our students the best learning experience.  I have seen him mentor faculty newcomers to the CORE, spending one-on-one time with them, showering them with resources that he has created or collected to prepare them for success.  His recent leadership as Cornerstone guru has already borne great fruit.  He has taken the course to a new level of excellence, always with a view to helping his colleagues be the best equipped professors so that our students can have the best possible learning outcomes.

I count Trey not only as a wonderful colleague but also as a good friend.  ACU is truly blessed to have him on campus.  I highly recommend him for tenure and promotion.”

– Janine Paden Morgan, Ph.D., College of Biblical Studies

“In 2016, my family joined a life group with Trey and his wife and several other families. Through this relationship, my wife and I have become good friends with Trey and his wife, Trish. Since I met him, Trey has consistently exemplified the love of Christ and a life of Christian service; I am also grateful for their role in my children’s lives, regularly demonstrating to my children how to live a meaningful life. Trey manifests the best qualities of Abilene Christian University in his perseverance to serve, encourage and strengthen everyone he encounters – family, friends, students, colleagues, and church.”

– Dr. John Homer, Chair and Associate Professor, School of Information Technology and Computing