The Abilene Christian University community is grieving the sudden loss of a beloved professor, mentor, and friend. Dr. Rodney Ashlock, 60, passed away on August 1, 2026, reportedly from an apparent heart attack. A professor in the Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry and Director of the Adams Center for Teaching and Learning, Ashlock was known for his dedication to students, his deep faith, and his commitment to academic excellence. His passing has left a void in the ACU community that will be felt for years to come . Here’s what we know about his life, his career, and the profound impact he had on countless students.
Dr. Rodney Ashlock, 60, a professor of Bible, Missions and Ministry and Director of the Adams Center for Teaching and Learning at Abilene Christian University, died on August 1, 2026, from an apparent heart attack. A celebration of his life will be held on August 6, 2026, at University Church of Christ in Abilene .
A Life of Faith and Scholarship
Rodney Ashlock’s academic journey was deeply rooted in his faith. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from Harding University in 1987, followed by his Master of Divinity from Abilene Christian University in 1991. He then pursued doctoral studies at Baylor University, where he completed his PhD in Biblical and Related Studies in 2002.
At ACU, Ashlock served as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry. He was also the Director of the Adams Center for Teaching and Learning, where he played a pivotal role in supporting faculty development and promoting teaching excellence. He had previously served as Director of Faculty Development at the Adams Center as well .
His scholarly work included research on engaging online learners using brain-based learning models, demonstrating his commitment to innovative pedagogy .
A Champion for Students
Those who knew Ashlock describe him as a professor who went far beyond the classroom. One former student, who met him during her second year at ACU, shared a deeply personal tribute:
“I was wrestling with a desire to study the Bible in an academic setting, yet felt hesitant to step into that world as a woman in the Churches of Christ… Rodney became instrumental in my spiritual formation. He helped me understand the traditions that shaped my faith while gently challenging me to ask deeper questions and continue exploring.”
The student worked as his assistant for two years, and Ashlock wrote countless letters of recommendation, advocated for her academically, tutored her, and invested in her in ways that “far exceeded the responsibilities of his role.”
In a final, poignant encounter, the student ran into Ashlock at the airport shortly before his passing. She excitedly shared that she was finishing her master’s degree and had been accepted as a doctoral candidate. Ashlock replied with a smile: “I always did. We had many conversations about your dream to pursue it. I’m glad you finally did.”
A Legacy of Mentorship and Friendship
Friends and colleagues have also shared their grief. Cheryl Mann Bacon shared a reflection from Bradley Steele, who spoke of the deep sorrow following Ashlock’s death:
“There are moments in life when the abyss opens in an unexpected way and our only way to stay sane is to face it. We are confronted by the fragility of human life and the deep wrongness that claws into the heart of human existence.”
Steele reminded the community that grief is not a failure of faith, noting that “Jesus wept at the tomb of Lazarus because his soul was so stricken he was without words.”
Tina Hayhurst Chisholm expressed her love for Ashlock on social media: “Today I shed tears of unspoken love as ACU has lost a devoted Professor, mentor, friend. Dr. Rodney Ashlock brought me a joy to work with and call him friend.”
Celebration of Life
A celebration of Dr. Ashlock’s life will be held on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the auditorium of University Church of Christ in Abilene. A visitation with the family will be held prior to the service in the Family Room beginning at 9:00 a.m. .
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Dr. Rodney Ashlock?
Dr. Rodney Ashlock was a 60-year-old professor in the Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry at Abilene Christian University and Director of the Adams Center for Teaching and Learning. He held a PhD from Baylor University and was known for his dedication to student mentorship .
What happened to Rodney Ashlock?
Rodney Ashlock died on August 1, 2026, from an apparent heart attack. His passing was announced by friends and colleagues, who shared their grief on social media.
When and where is Rodney Ashlock’s funeral?
A celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the auditorium of University Church of Christ in Abilene. A visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. prior to the service .
What was Rodney Ashlock’s role at Abilene Christian University?
Ashlock served as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry and as Director of the Adams Center for Teaching and Learning. He was also previously Director of Faculty Development at the Adams Center .
What is the Adams Center for Teaching and Learning?
The Adams Center for Teaching and Learning at ACU was established in 1992 to honor, promote, and encourage teaching excellence. It supports faculty development, online teaching initiatives, and innovative pedagogical practices .
Conclusion
Dr. Rodney Ashlock was more than a professor; he was a mentor, a friend, and a spiritual guide to countless students. His gentle challenges, his unwavering belief in his students, and his deep faith shaped the lives of those who had the privilege of knowing him. As one student wrote, “Today I find meaning in teaching and learning because there is someone who never limited my ability.” His legacy will live on in the students he mentored and the countless lives he touched. May he rest in peace, and may his family and friends find comfort in the knowledge that his influence will endure.