Dear Horned Frogs,
The Texas Christian University Board of Trustees met April 10-12, 2024, for its committee meetings and annual Spring Board Meeting. The agenda was robust, and Trustees engaged in discussions on numerous significant matters, including updates on the University budget, the development of a new strategic plan, the Campus Master Plan and other priorities. The Board expressed its deep and ongoing appreciation for the TCU community for its commitment to academic excellence, student success and fostering a world-class community where students thrive.
Envisioning the Future
The Board was pleased and enthusiastic during President Pullin's briefing on the current strategic planning efforts aimed at shaping the future of TCU. In January 2024, the Board charged President Pullin to begin an inclusive process to develop a new strategic plan to present to the Board for review and approval at the Fall 2024 Board of Trustees Retreat. The feedback and idea-gathering phase is underway and includes a community survey, focused roundtable engagement with various governance and stakeholder groups, Town Hall meetings and the formation of a steering committee. TCU has engaged leading global consultants to assist with the strategic planning process as we envision the future of TCU together. Strategic planning updates will continue to be provided throughout the process on the TCU Strategic Plan website.
As we look to write the next chapter in TCU's story, a Campus Master Plan provides the physical framework for supporting the University's strategic goals and priorities. The Board unanimously approved the Campus Master Plan concept, based on the results of a community survey and an extensive study commissioned to evaluate the University's long-range needs in support of our mission and sustainable growth. Continue reading the bulleted summary below for additional background information.
We extend our sincerest appreciation to the Board of Trustees for their invaluable leadership and expertise, along with their generous commitment of time and resources, which are instrumental to TCU's success. Ms. Kit Tennison Moncrief was re-elected to a second consecutive term as Board Chair. We continue to be exponentially grateful for her leadership and service, as well as that of Board Officer Mr. Edward A. "Eddie" Clark ’82, who will continue to serve as Vice Chair. Secretary Ms. Jean M. Pickett and Treasurer Dr. William J. "Bill" Nunez were also re-elected as officers. Effective June 1, 2024, the Board will welcome new Trustees Darla “DD” Alexander ’82 (MBA ’85) and Macy L. Hill ’02 (MLA ’11, MBA ’12).
TCU continues to offer a distinctive academic experience that attracts top students nationwide. The University's strong enrollment and retention is supported by its dedicated faculty and the teacher-scholar model, which emphasizes both teaching excellence and scholarly research and creative activities. TCU's unwavering commitment to student success is further enhanced by an exceptional community of students, faculty and staff that value integrity, engagement, community and excellence. Continue reading for details related to important University initiatives, special recognitions and other topics in support of our mission.
On behalf of the Board, we thank you for all that you do to make TCU the values-centered, inspiring and high-performing national leader in higher education that we celebrate today. Our dedicated community is the key to our success as we envision the future of our beloved University.
Sincerely,
Victor J. Boschini, Jr.
Chancellor
Daniel W. Pullin
President
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Board of Trustees Summary, Spring 2024
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University Budget
The Board approved the 2024-2025 University budget, in support of TCU’s strategic priorities while maintaining strong financial stewardship and the University’s commitment to fulfilling our mission.
Details include:
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Employee Merit Pool: In recognition of the dedicated service and hard work of TCU employees, the Board approved a 4% merit pool for employees who qualify for performance-based merit increases.
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Capital Projects & Campus Master Plan
The Board approved the Campus Master Plan concept as presented and, in conjunction, approved a private partnership development effort to explore additional mixed-use development and implementation of campus master plan initiatives. Additional information for the campus community is forthcoming, and more details will be released prior to the fall semester. Continue reading for updates to key capital projects.
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Campus Master Plan: In Spring 2023, TCU launched an inclusive and collaborative campus planning process and survey to ensure the creation of a well-informed strategy to accommodate strategic growth and support TCU’s mission for years to come. Efforts included a comprehensive deep dive into the campus physical plan; parking, mobility and transportation needs; utilities and infrastructure assessments; and impact of growth on academic spaces and housing. Planning efforts will continue to be guided by seven core initiatives: improving academic facilities to support TCU’s mission and focus on quality; establishing the Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine at TCU as a center for biomedical innovation; creating a green network in support of a comfortable, walkable campus; securing Athletics facilities as best-in-class for the Big 12 conference; supporting Berry Street as Fort Worth’s “place to be”; connecting TCU to the Trinity River and beyond with new open spaces; and making East Campus a thriving residential and campus life hub.
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Sesquicentennial Plaza Project: Located in the Intellectual Commons, the project will commemorate the diversity of achievements throughout the history of TCU, reposition the Clark Brothers statue and recognize the top donors during the recent campaign, “Lead On: A Campaign for TCU.” The space will serve as a gateway that reflects the University’s past, present and future. The Sesquicentennial Plaza Project construction timeline is under development; the design process will commence this month.
- East Campus Residence Halls and Dining Project: Construction continues with a planned completion in time for Spring 2025 occupancy. The project scope provides for 292 new residential beds for first-year students and a 550-seat dining facility.
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University Drive Pedestrian Safety Improvements will add two controlled crosswalks, improve two existing signals and expand walkways and medians. Improvements are scheduled for Summer 2024.
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The Mary Couts Burnett Library West End Renovation Project is currently underway and provides critical infrastructure repair and upgrades to the mechanical and electrical systems. The project is scheduled to be completed in time to support Fall 2024 classes.
- Construction on the Burnett School of Medicine building in the Fort Worth Medical Innovation District is on track for completion in Summer 2024.
- The Ed Landreth Hall and Auditorium Project is currently in the design development phase.
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The Harris College Research Annex Project will renovate a near off-campus building to meet the needs of TCU's new Kinesiology and Occupational Therapy programs and includes upgrades and deferred maintenance for required building systems. Completion is targeted for Fall 2024.
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Athletics Human Performance Center Renovation & Expansion Project: Construction is underway on TCU’s $50 million, donor-funded Athletics Human Performance Center Renovation and Expansion Project, which includes two new facilities and the renovation of two others with a July 2025 completion date. The project focuses on strength and conditioning, nutrition, restoration and wellness for all 22 varsity sports programs at TCU.
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Enrollment, Spring 2024 12th Class Day
TCU's academic excellence and strong enrollment are driven by outstanding faculty and staff, active recruiting and a community-focused culture that promotes scholarly achievement and student success. The 12th class day, designated for census data reporting, was February 1, 2024. Fall 12th class day data are used for all official internal and external reporting; Spring 12th class day data are for internal use only. Interim Provost & Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Floyd Wormley reported the following enrollment metrics for Spring 2024:
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- Total enrollment: 12,309
- Graduate enrollment: 1,858
- Undergraduate enrollment: 10,451
- Returning undergraduates: 10,290
- Entering first-year undergraduates: 19
- Entering transfer undergraduates: 142
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Governance Group Leader Presentations As part of our annual presentations, Governance Group Leaders provided updates and shared highlights from their respective areas. Special thanks to these leaders for their presentation and dedicated service to TCU:
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- Omar Harvey, Ph.D., Chair, Faculty Senate
- Robyn Reid, Chair, Staff Assembly
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Joe Winick, President, Student Government Association (SGA)
- Annie Cowden, Ph.D., President, Graduate Student Senate (GSS)
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Special Presentation Honoring Vice Chancellor Syler-Jones
The Board officially recognized Tracy Syler-Jones, Vice Chancellor for Marketing & Communication, who will retire from TCU on May 31, 2024, after almost 25 years of dedicated service. This recognition included a special presentation and the announcement that the Tracy Denise Syler-Jones Endowed Scholarship at TCU has been established in her honor.
Tracy achieved much during her tenure at TCU, including full-scale branding research efforts that led to a more strategic marketing and communication approach, establishing the Lead On marketing campaign in 2017 and developing a comprehensive peer advertising campaign that helped advance TCU's national rankings, including U.S. News & World Report. Tracy recently served as chair of TCU's Sesquicentennial celebration, partnering with many others across campus to highlight our world-class University. She has extended TCU's reach in our community by serving on numerous boards to advance TCU and strengthen relationships.
Update on Executive Leadership Positions
President Daniel W. Pullin provided updates on key leadership positions. The executive search for the next Vice Chancellor for Marketing & Communication is underway, and the final candidates will visit campus at the end of April. The national search commenced in December 2023 with the goal of hiring the next Vice Chancellor for Marketing & Communication in May 2024. The search committee is led by Vice Chancellor for University Advancement Don Whelan.
On December 18, 2023, Dr. Teresa Abi-Nader Dahlberg was announced as the next president of the University of Tampa, effective June 1, 2024. Dr. Floyd Wormley, Vice Provost for Research and Dean of Graduate Studies, was named Interim Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, effective January 1, 2024. A national search for the next Provost will commence in Fall 2024.
Academic Affairs Key Leadership Announcements
Interim Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Wormley was pleased to share the results of two nationwide searches for key leadership positions.
Dr. Craig Crossland will join TCU on June 30, 2024, as the John V. Roach Dean of the Neeley School of Business after serving as senior associate dean of academic programs for the Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame.
Mr. Heath Einstein has accepted the position of Vice Provost of Enrollment Management. Heath joined TCU in 2012 and has served as Dean of Admission since 2017.
Faculty Tenure & Promotion
After careful review at multiple levels within the University, in accordance with the process outlined in the Faculty Handbook, and upon the recommendation of the Provost and approval of the Chancellor and President, the Board approved the tenure and promotion recommendations as presented for 66 faculty members, plus 10 emeritus candidates.
Board Governance & Trusteeship
The Board of Trustees' strategic insight and leadership are key to TCU's enduring excellence and forward momentum. We continue to be exceptionally grateful for their investment of time and resources in TCU’s success.
The Board welcomes new Trustees Darla “DD” Alexander ’82 (MBA ’85) and Macy L. Hill ’02 (MLA ’11, MBA ’12) for the term beginning June 1, 2024.
The following members of the Trustee Class of 2024 have been re-elected to a four-year term: Amy Roach Bailey, Anita L. Cox, Bradford Cunningham, Charlotte Scharbauer French, Rafael G. Garza, Charles L. Geren, Nick A. Giachino, Joe M. Gutierrez, Jr., Kit Tennison Moncrief, Rusty Reid, Richard L. Stuart II, Rick L Wittenbraker and Michael G. Wright.
The recommended slate of Officers was approved to begin service effective June 1, 2024: Chair Ms. Kit Tennison Moncrief; Vice Chair Mr. Edward A. “Eddie” Clark; Secretary Ms. Jean M. Pickett and Treasurer Dr. William J. “Bill” Nunez.
Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine
The Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine at Texas Christian University continues to significantly impact the health and well-being of the Fort Worth community, the surrounding region and beyond. With full accreditation and the school's first hooding and commencement ceremonies completed in 2023, the Burnett School of Medicine at TCU is looking at the future and examining ways to further strengthen its role as a leading healthcare educator and innovator.
Last fall, TCU held a Design Workshop with key leaders and stakeholders across the region to strategize the future growth of the campus. The TCU Clinical Trial Research Consortium provides access to state-of-the-art health care for our community and significant economic impact on the region, while elevating TCU’s research identity and profile.
In June 2024, the Burnett School of Medicine will begin to move into its new home in the Medical Innovation District of Fort Worth. With four floors of designed space and approximately 100,000 square feet, the new medical education building will be home to
240 students, nearly 100 staff and more than 1,200 faculty. The sixth class of students is currently being recruited, with more than 6,357 applicants to date for 60 spots.
Intercollegiate Athletics
In addition to updates on construction of the Athletics Human Performance Center
Renovation and Expansion Projects provided above, Intercollegiate Athletics Director Jeremiah Donati highlighted recent accomplishments of our dedicated and talented student-athletes, coaches and staff, including the success of TCU’s rifle program which won its fourth NCAA National Championship this spring.
Brite Divinity School
The Board approved the Brite Divinity School Amended and Restated Supporting Services Agreement, covering the renewal term June 1, 2025 through May 31, 2030. TCU looks forward to its continued relationship with Brite as we serve the needs of our diverse campus community and fulfill TCU’s mission. TCU’s history with the Disciples of Christ goes back to our earliest beginnings when Disciples of Christ ministers and brothers Addison and Randolph Clark founded TCU in 1873.
Inclusive Excellence
Chief Inclusion Officer Dr. Jonathan Benjamin-Alvarado and other staff shared updates with Trustees on several community inclusion initiatives, including recent campus events. The Race and Reconciliation Initiative (RRI) hosted Reconciliation Day on April 10, 2024, which included updates on the progress of RRI’s 2021 key recommendations and research findings. Earlier this spring, TCU and the Neeley School of Business hosted the Business School DEI Collaborative Annual Conference, which attracted higher education and corporate leaders from leading universities and industries across the U.S. Beginning in June 2024, Dr. Benjamin-Alvarado will serve as president of the Big 12 Chapter of the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education.
University Compliance
The Board received updates from University Compliance, in addition to a report from the Office of Institutional Equity/Title IX related to Texas Senate Bill 212, which requires reporting of investigations and certain disciplinary actions committed by or against an
enrolled student or employee of the institution.
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