NW Valley Times

Arizona Christian University (ACU) is set to serve over 1,400 students this fall, marking its ninth consecutive year of record enrollment. This milestone comes just two years after the institution surpassed 1,000 students for the first time in its history. ACU continues to attract students with its conservative, biblically integrated education provided within a covenantal Christian community.

President Len Munsil, who began his tenure in 2010 as interim president of what was then Southwestern College, expressed gratitude for the university's growth. "We are grateful to God for His continued provision for ACU and our unique and vital mission," Munsil stated. He attributed the successful enrollment figures to the efforts of the entire enrollment team led by Executive Vice President James Tito.

Munsil noted that ACU’s appeal lies in its steadfast commitment to conservative and biblical values. "As more and more historically Christian institutions of higher education drift from their original purpose, we are discovering a great hunger among students and parents all over America for an institution that is unapologetically conservative, biblical, pro-life, and supportive of traditional marriage and family, economic freedom and limited government," he said.

Executive Vice President James Tito commended the collaborative efforts of ACU’s staff in ensuring a smooth enrollment process. “I am immensely proud of our staff for their collaborative efforts to provide every student with an exceptional enrollment experience,” Tito remarked. He also highlighted contributions from Dr. Pete Dryer, Director of Athletics and Dean of Students, and Dr. Jeff Green, Vice President of Academic Affairs.

The university’s increased national visibility can be partly attributed to Dr. George Barna's role as Director of Research at ACU’s Cultural Research Center since 2020. Barna's work has brought significant attention through his research at the intersection of faith and culture. His latest book, “Raising Spiritual Champions,” published by Arizona Christian University Press in 2023, has achieved best-seller status.

ACU attracts students from over 40 states and 30 countries with its liberal arts curriculum grounded in a conservative biblical worldview. Graduates have progressed to prestigious law schools like Harvard, top seminaries, medical schools, graduate programs including ACU’s own master’s degrees in Marriage and Family Therapy, Education, and Christian Leadership. Others have ventured into various professional fields including business startups, teaching positions across different types of schools, media careers, public service roles, and pastoral ministry.

For those interested in applying for admission or enrolling in online courses starting frequently throughout the year, additional information is available at www.arizonachristian.edu.