Abilene Christian University is proud to congratulate three undergraduate students who earned first place in the prestigious Trisha Yarbrough Collaborative Research Competition at the Alpha Chi National Convention, held virtually in April 2025. Amidst dozens of other student researchers and presentations, these students showcased their award-winning presentation, titled “Marketing and New Member Engagement in the Health and Wellness Industry,” a cross-disciplinary collaboration between Michael J. Campbell (B.S. in Psychology), Adrian (Miranda) Puckett (B.S. in Health and Human Performance) and Jennifer L. Wadlow (B.S. in Organizational Leadership).
Under the guidance of faculty advisor Dr. Tom Hart, the team explored innovative strategies in marketing and member engagement within the fast-growing health and wellness sector. Their 15-minute presentation showcased original research, actionable insights and demonstrated excellence in both content and delivery.
“This achievement speaks volumes about the caliber of students in our online programs,” said Dr. Tom Hart, professor in the B.S. in Health and Human Performance program. “Their success demonstrates the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and the outstanding academic excellence of ACU Online.”
The Trisha Yarbrough Collaborative Research Competition is a nationally recognized competition focused on fostering collaboration among student members from these different academic fields within the Alpha Chi Honor Society. Over the years, the research competition has made historical strides in providing research avenues for students interested in organizing multidisciplinary approaches to scientific and social research questions. With a primary goal of proactively encouraging collaborative undergraduate research, students nationwide have found new and impressive ways of finding solutions for real-world issues.
From interdisciplinary initiatives to national-level competitions, ACU Online provides a dynamic and supportive environment where students are empowered to pursue excellence, engage in meaningful scholarship and make a lasting impact.
“We are immensely proud of our students and their efforts to engage in high-impact research and represent ACU on a national level,” said Dr. Stephen Johnson, Chief Executive Officer at ACU Online. “As our programs continue to grow, we remain steadfast in our mission to develop Christian leaders who think critically and serve compassionately.”
At ACU Online, we are deeply committed to equipping students to become active learners and influential leaders within the academic and professional spheres. Our programs are intentionally designed to foster critical thinking, collaboration and real-world application, ensuring that students are not only absorbing knowledge but actively contributing to their fields of study. As our online campus continues to grow, so too do our academic offerings and research opportunities.
ACU’s online programs are administered through its branch location in Dallas, TX and include 15 bachelor’s degrees, 19 master’s degrees, three doctoral degrees, five undergraduate certificate programs and 11 graduate certificate programs.
Learn more about ACU Online’s degree programs at acu.edu/online.
