Jordan Eastty
Hometown: Austin, Texas
Major: Nursing
Jordan is the president of Frogs4Children, a Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences student ambassador, and a member of the Student Nurses Association and Frogs for Pediatrics as well as a lab teaching assistant for microbiology. She has volunteered with organizations such as Justin’s Place and Catholic Charities and has plans to work as a nurse extern at St. Jude’s Research Hospital in the summer of 2026. After graduation, she plans to work as a pediatric oncology nurse at St. Jude’s or another hospital and, after acquiring some years of experience, will return to school to earn a doctorate and become a nurse practitioner. Her ultimate goal is to work as a nurse educator at a university and to inspire the next generation of nurses.
Jordan shared that her interest in improving pediatric cancer outcomes through research is one way the TCU mission statement has inspired her, writing, “Impacting the global community requires resilience, perseverance and dedication. One of the best ways to make a global impact is through research. At TCU, we are offered multiple research opportunities to get involved in, which helps contribute to advancements that will impact the target population globally. One of the main reasons I want to work at St. Jude is to get involved with the research they do to continually innovate and change the complex field of childhood cancer. Through their research, they have increased the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20% to over 80% since 1962. Coming from a university that aims to impact citizens globally, I have always been drawn to research and being a part of something groundbreaking. As a nurse extern and hopefully as a St. Jude nurse, I plan to get involved with research and make a difference in such an everchanging field.”
Sarah Cronin, the student programs coordinator in the Child Development Program at TCU’s Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development, nominated Jordan, sharing how her involvement and commitment to others distinguish her. “Across all of her roles, Jordan consistently demonstrates dependability, empathy and a strong work ethic. She balances academic rigor with meaningful service and leadership, embodying the values essential to the nursing profession. Her interpersonal skills, maturity and ability to foster inclusive, supportive environments make her someone peers naturally respect and trust,” she wrote.”
Nate McCashland
Hometown: Lincoln, Nebraska
Major: Finance – Real Estate
Nate McCashland is a kicker on the TCU football team, a member of the Big 12 Conference All-Academic Team and on the commissioner’s honor roll. He is also a member of TCU’s Catholic Servant Leadership Council, a mental health leader in the TCU Football Victory Program and a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. His outside work and volunteer service include serving as Next Level flag football coach and referee and volunteering for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer, Once Upon a Room Catholic Social Services and the Team IMPACT program. Following graduation, Nate plans to pursue a career in the NFL and eventually apply his skills to his family’s mortuary business.
Nate shared how the TCU mission statement has inspired him to lead through service, writing, “TCU’s mission has not only influenced who I am today but will guide my future. It has taught me that true success lies in service — whether through mentoring a young child . . . supporting teammates in the Victory Program, pursuing excellence on the field with hopes of the NFL or one day running my own funeral home. Wherever my path leads, I carry TCU’s mission forward and strive to make a difference with integrity, empathy and purpose in the global community.”
One of his nominators, Sarah Westover, administrative assistant in the Neeley School of Business dean’s office, writes how Nate’s strengths shine through in his interactions with people. “In my direct experience with Nate, his greatest attributes are his empathy, resilience and authenticity. He has a keen ability to recognize the emotions of those around him and respond in thoughtful and supportive ways. Nate leads with strong moral values and faith, which he expresses openly and respectfully, creating an environment where others feel safe sharing their own experiences. Through football and life challenges, he has developed confidence, perseverance and the determination to continue moving forward even when faced with adversity,” she wrote.”
Beau Simons
Hometown: Carlsbad, California
Majors: Accounting; Finance
Beau is the vice president of recruitment and class representative in the BNSF Neeley Leadership Program, a Frog Camp facilitator, a member and the director of social events for Delta Sigma Pi, a member and the philanthropy chair for Sigma Chi, a student ambassador for the TCU Office of Admission, a student assistant in the Office of the Chancellor and a member of the Chancellor’s Leadership program. After graduation, he plans to earn his CPA license and begin his career in public accounting in New York City.
He shares how his position in the Office of Admission has helped him put the TCU mission statement into practice, writing, “I have learned what it means to be a responsible citizen through my time as a TCU Ambassador. As one of the first students that prospective families interact with, it is my responsibility to represent TCU’s values. One of the best parts of the job is sharing the authentic and positive experience I have had in my time as a Horned Frog. I quickly recognized that I was shaping families’ perceptions of TCU, and with that came the responsibility to uphold the reputation of the university. This pushed me to hold myself accountable in representing TCU’s values, commit to something greater than myself and live out the mission of being a responsible citizen.”
One of Beau’s nominators, Dr. Kimberly Cook, academic director of Neeley Leadership Programs and instructor of Management and Leadership, shared how during a 5-day leadership program trip to Scotland, he demonstrated leadership, perseverance and positivity, despite being ill for much of the trip. “What set Beau apart most clearly are his character and personality. He is dependable, thoughtful and motivated by a desire to contribute meaningfully to the TCU community. His involvement across campus exemplifies his commitment to helping others succeed, as he has dedicated significant time to mentoring other students and fostering a positive, inclusive campus culture. Beau consistently seeks opportunities for growth, values feedback and approaches leadership as a responsibility rather than a title,” she wrote.”
Reagan Spickard
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Major: Biology | John V. Roach Honors College
A member of the John V. Roach Honors College, Reagan is a founding leader and board member of the TCU Hippocratic Society, a program lead in the Pre-Health Peer Mentor program, a member of the Servant Leadership Council for TCU Catholic and an undergraduate researcher in Dr. Marlo Jefferies’ environmental toxicology lab. He has also tutored high school students in chemistry and algebra, served as a camp counselor and medical leadership counselor at Camp Sweeney and volunteered with TCU Catholic, the TCU Chemistry Club, ACEing Autism and Brookdale Senior Living, among other experiences. After graduation, Reagan plans to attend medical school and become a doctor and is considering specializing in emergency medicine or pediatric endocrinology.
Reflecting on TCU experiences that have shaped him and helped him put the mission statement into practice, Reagan writes, “In Rome, Italy, my study abroad cohort and I got to visit a local K-13 school. We taught them about the United States and culture in Texas, and they returned the favor by answering our questions about Italian life. It was beautiful to experience these cultural gaps bridged through mutual curiosity and respect, not to mention the game of soccer we played with them. Without TCU, I might have never stumbled across these pivotal experiences. Now I can proudly say I know what it means to be a responsible citizen, both in Fort Worth and around the globe. Additionally, TCU has guided me to value ethical leadership. In the Honors Public Address course I took my first year, Dr. Chris Harper equipped me with skills for persuasive public speaking, transforming me from an introvert who memorized all his speeches to a confident, sociable presenter. Since then, organizations like the TCU Hippocratic Society and Pre-Health Peer Mentor program have given me valuable practice in spaces where ethical decision-making truly matters. By holding leadership positions in these organizations, I have learned when to listen, when to speak up, when to command a room and, most importantly, how to lead with empathy. With these skills, I plan to continue serving my local and global communities through a career in medicine, never forgetting what I have learned and the mentors I have learned from along the way.”
One of Reagan’s nominators, Christina Ayala, the coordinator for the Pre-Health Professions Institute, describes his strong communication and organizational skills as well as his consistent demonstration of emotional intelligence and responsible leadership. “In my direct experience working with Reagan, his greatest attributes are his honesty, adaptability and solution-oriented mindset. He consistently responds to challenges with initiative and calm problem-solving. For example, when logistical issues arose due to incomplete meeting arrangements, Reagan proactively identified solutions to ensure programming continued without disruption. On another occasion, when attendance at a peer-led recitation session exceeded expectations, drawing more than 20 students into a space designed for eight, Reagan immediately secured an alternate classroom to accommodate participants, prioritizing student access and engagement without hesitation,” she wrote.”
Tyler Straley
Hometown: Holmdel, New Jersey
Major: Biology | John V. Roach Honors College
A pre-med student and member of the John V. Roach Honors College, Tyler is the president of Strike Down Cancer, part of the psycho-oncology research team at UT Southwestern’s Moncrief Cancer Institute, a member of the TCU Spirit team, a biochemistry teaching assistant, a member of the Honors Mentorship program and a volunteer with the Presbyterian Night Shelter. After graduation, he plans to attend medical school and become a compassionate and caring physician who aims to provide support and advocate not only for the patient, but also their family.
Tyler writes that the TCU mission statement includes principles he felt were essential to becoming the type of doctor he hopes one day to be, writing, “As an aspiring physician, research, service and teaching were all things that I believed I needed to benefit my future patients. I felt that I was required to go to TCU to truly embody the spirit of a provider in the healthcare field. Throughout my time at TCU, I have grown in each aspect of the mission statement due to all that my peers and faculty members poured into me every day. As a token of gratitude for gifts I could never repay, I strived to give the best version of myself to each activity I completed; I approached each opportunity with the intention of doing work that embodies this university. These years of ethical and responsible development at TCU have transformed me through service and scholarship, aiming me at the future of an ethically aware individual.”
Gaius George, coordinator of the Interfraternity Council and Multicultural Greek Council at TCU and staff advisor for Strike Down Cancer, recognized Tyler’s strategic initiative, resilient adaptability and authentic empathy for others and how these qualities led to great success, writing, “Tyler’s leadership has been transformative and quite impactful on our student organization. His work with Strike Down Cancer is a masterclass in turning passion into tangible results. As logistics director, Tyler engineered a 153% increase in club donations to St. Jude within his first year, a feat so extraordinary it earned him a selection to represent TCU at the 2024 St. Jude NextGen Conference in Memphis. This wasn’t accidental; it was the result of strategic event planning and compelling community engagement. Tyler has translated this momentum into his presidency, where he now oversees all operations for an organization that has raised over $11,000 in two years for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Tyler doesn’t just raise money; he builds community and awareness. He has single-handedly coordinated large-scale events like a universitywide pickleball tournament and a communitywide 5K Color Run. These events require meticulous logistical planning, stakeholder negotiation and motivational leadership to mobilize volunteers — skills that mirror the complexities of public service and community organizing. Tyler’s recognition with the Spirit of St. Jude Award further testifies to a character that embodies the values of service, hope and unwavering dedication.””
Sam Tran
Hometown: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Major: Combined Science
Sam is the community service chair for the Student Nurses Association, the community manager of Sherley Hall, a Housing & Residence Life Ambassador, a Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences Ambassador, the observation coordinator for the Pre-Health Program, a teaching assistant in microbiology and the assistant director of student involvement for the TCU Day of Service. He has also volunteered in the emergency room at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital and the American Red Cross. After graduating, Sam’s immediate goal is to work as a medical assistant in order to continue to grow as a caregiver; he plans to attend medical school after gaining more hands-on patient experience while continuing his volunteer work with Texas Health.
Sam shared how taking the course Microbiology of Human Disease with Dr. Clark Jones was a transformational experience for him, leading him to embrace the full TCU experience and grow tremendously. “I learned not only the content but also the meaning of learning. I learned how to study effectively. I learned how to prepare at home so that I could ask more in-depth questions during class. I learned to have a thirst for knowledge that pushed me to passionately research a topic that had baffled me the day before. I became a person who appreciates knowledge so profoundly, to the point of excellence, so as a Teaching Assistant, I can now help other students struggling in the class. All the lectures and life lessons that Dr. Jones taught me became a fuel that motivated me to finally change my stagnant beliefs, the belief that I couldn’t do more. I was transformed into an entirely different person. It wasn’t that I suddenly became a genius overnight, but I wanted to confront challenges that fears had previously held me back from. I switched my major from nursing to biology and started the pre-med track to pursue a deeper understanding of the functions of the human body. I applied to become a Community Manager with Housing & Residence Life to create more ways to connect students to the TCU community. I helped with TCU Day of Service as the assistant director of student involvement, which was crucial to making a visible impact on the local community. I kept finding more ways to pursue knowledge while giving back to the community.
“I have since faced many obstacles that seemed impossible, but I never gave up. I no longer let the thought that I cannot overcome anything difficult control me. I put in the effort day in and day out, so I can confidently say my greatest academic achievement at TCU is an ambitious and fearless version of myself,” he wrote.
Coordinator for the Pre-Health Professions Institute, Christina Ayala, was one of Sam’s nominators, and she noted how his exceptional character and ability to lead with empathy, professionalism and purpose are some of his defining qualities. She shared one way in which he distinguished himself as a leader in the program, writing, “Sam demonstrates leadership through effective communication and mentorship. During required information sessions each semester, he guides students through more than a dozen compliance requirements mandated by our clinical partners. He does so with clarity, professionalism and confidence, often drawing on his own clinical experiences to contextualize expectations and reduce student anxiety. He also approaches this with a touch of humor. Sam has completed over 80 volunteer hours in the Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Emergency Room, working across overnight, early morning and high-volume shifts. His ability to connect firsthand experience with program policy significantly enhances student understanding and preparedness.””
Kate Vu
Hometown: West Chicago, Illinois
Major: Nursing | John V. Roach Honors College
A student in the John V. Roach Honors College, Kate is a member of the Student Nurses Association, theCrew and the a capella group Here Comes Treble, the president of the Vietnamese Student Association, director of campus outreach for LEAPS (Leaders Engaging & Assisting People through Service), a photographer for the TCU yearbook, a Peer2Peer tutor in microbiology/pathophysiology, a nursing undergraduate curriculum committee student member, a teaching assistant for the Foundations of Nursing lab and a resident assistant at Clark Hall. After graduating and passing the nursing licensing exam, she plans to work as a nurse in either the intensive care unit or the emergency department for two to three years before returning to school to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist. Kate hopes to eventually participate in medical missionary trips to underserved and underdeveloped communities, particularly in Asia.
Kate shares how all her experiences at TCU and the people she has met through them have shaped her, leaving her grateful for the memories and the leader she has become, writing, “Besides fulfilling my academic pursuits, TCU has given me a ‘pocket’ of memories in service and leadership. TCU challenges me to utilize the knowledge and heart of service I have to lead as a compassionate, humble, caring and empowering leader. I will never take for granted my time as president of the Vietnamese Student Association, leading a team on the mission of spreading cultural awareness as a global citizen and creating a sense of belonging for a community of Vietnamese students living far from home. I will hold onto memories as a resident assistant, organizing community experiences for residents during a week of snowy days and salting the road to make sure no one slipped. I will treasure the challenges and success of launching a new FLO (First-Year Leadership Opportunity), LEAPS, to highlight the connection between service and leadership for first-year students. The most important thing is not the accomplishments I have gained through these experiences, but the relationships that will go with me for the rest of my life, such as my residents, my coworkers, my classmates and my board members from various organizations I participated in. TCU gave me those relationships with people from diverse backgrounds; every story I heard and every encounter I faced shaped who I am today as a person and a leader.”
André Giammattei, a hall director with Housing & Residence Life, was one of Kate’s nominees. He shared how her role as a resident assistant demonstrates her strong leadership qualities and concern for others, writing, “Kate’s leadership within Residence Life has been transformative. Early this past year, when our student staff struggled with communication and cohesion, Kate often went above and beyond her responsibilities to be a role model for the team. She would identify gaps and needs and show initiative taking over tasks so others would not have to. Her efforts helped rebuild trust and collaboration, and the shift in morale was noticeable across the team. Kate also excels in high‑pressure situations. During crisis responses — including late‑night health emergencies — Kate approaches each scenario with calm confidence and maturity well beyond her years. She is equally willing to mentor less experienced teammates, offering guidance ranging from crisis management techniques to navigating everyday responsibilities. Her leadership is rooted in intentionality: whether organizing a space to better serve residents or supporting a peer quietly behind the scenes, Kate creates moments that genuinely improve the lives of those around her.””
We have seen many students who, though not eligible for additional scholarship support, have exhibited the qualities of leadership, scholastic achievement, character and service that all our Clark Scholars embody. This year, five talented and exceptional students have been awarded the distinction of Clark Society Scholar.