The Texas Christian University Board of Trustees met this week to discuss and implement strategies that will ensure TCU’s continued success as a world-class, values-centered university. The Board focused on the active leadership role Trustees are taking to sustain and optimize TCU in the context of Vision in Action: Lead On to ensure its continued momentum into the next 150 years.
As a result, the Board received and discussed several reports and approved important resolutions and policies that are effective immediately, including the following.
Adoption of Fiscal Year 2021 Tuition Rate and Financial Aid Budget
The annual full-time undergraduate tuition rate will increase by 4.9 percent for the 2020-2021 academic year. Tuition will be $51,570 for full-time undergraduates. Hourly undergraduate and graduate rates will increase by the same percentage.
Need-based financial aid will also increase by 4.9 percent. The Board reaffirmed TCU’s goal of offering hundreds of opportunities for merit-, performance- and need-based support to both undergraduate and graduate students every year. TCU’s financial aid budget will exceed 27 percent of the University’s overall budget this year. The Board affirmed that large tuition increases will not continue in the future.
These Board actions support TCU’s continued focus on people and programs and the facilities in which TCU students live and learn. The Trustees’ intentional conversations and strategic decisions allow TCU to continue offering a highly competitive experience.
Administration Building Naming Recognition
The Board of Trustees accepted the recommendation and approved the naming of TCU’s
administration building, scheduled to open in August 2020. The Harrison is named in recognition of a $10 million gift from Brenda and Mike Harrison ’64 of
Midland, Texas.
The Harrison family has multi-generational ties to TCU. Their generous gift will
establish a permanently endowed scholarship fund for students from middle income families.
Dickies Arena Partnership
Trustee Matthew K. Rose provided a Board update on the recently announced sponsorship of Dickies Arena. TCU is not only a founding partner of the city’s new arena, but also is the exclusive educational partner, which includes use of the arena space, year-round branding presence and the opportunity for athletic and community collaborations. TCU was recognized at a recent dedication event for its support of and collaboration between our growing community and expanding network of Horned Frogs.
Lead On: A Campaign for TCU
Trustees received an update on Lead On: A Campaign for TCU, which celebrated the successful and engaging launch event Oct. 24 that opened an exciting Homecoming Weekend. The $1 billion campaign marks the largest and most ambitious campaign goal ever announced by TCU. The public phase launched at almost $600 million, due to the hard work of the Board, led by Trustees and co-chairs Dee J. Kelly, Jr. and Ronald C. Parker, our advancement team and many others. Additionally, donors have committed to date almost $200 million for new scholarships in the campaign. This momentum spurred excellent conversations with a variety of donors and we anticipate that more gifts will be made public in the coming months.
Resolution in Memoriam for Emeritus Trustee Marvin Gearhart
Emeritus Trustee Marvin Gearhart passed away Saturday, July 20, 2019, at the age of 92. Mr. Gearhart served as an active Trustee from March 1978 until April 2006, when he was named an Emeritus Trustee. The TCU flag was lowered to half-staff in his honor in August. Former Chairman of the Board and Emeritus Trustee John V. Roach presented a resolution to honor Mr. Gearhart’s role in helping to lead TCU’s dynamic transformation over the decades that he served TCU.
Approval of Faculty Tenure for New Deans and Dean Searches
The Board of Trustees approved tenure for two new faculty members, Daniel Wayne Pullin, J.D., John V. Roach dean and professor of entrepreneurship and innovation for the Neeley School of Business, and Floyd L. Wormley, Ph.D., associate provost for research and dean of graduate studies. This off-cycle tenure and promotion recommendation was presented by Teresa Abi-Nader Dahlberg, Ph.D., provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, to support success in their new roles.
In September 2019, three Academic Affairs searches commenced for the Dean of AddRan College of Liberal Arts, the Dean of the College of Education and the Teresa Ann Carter King Dean of the College of Fine Arts. These key positions will be posted through Jan. 1, 2020, with interviews following closely behind. We expect a high level of interest from the academic community; R. William Funk & Associates has been engaged to assist TCU and the search committees with the process.
Housing and Enrollment Updates
The Trustees received updates on enrollment and housing occupancy for fall 2019.
Enrollment remains strong with total enrollment of 11,024, up 1 percent. Undergraduate enrollment is 9,474 and graduate enrollment is 1,490. Medical School enrollment is 60. Statistics for the semester are a product of the 12th Class Day Report, which is the census date set for Texas public colleges and universities by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
The total number of students living in campus housing is 4,933 – an increase of 254 students from fall 2018. Residence halls are occupied at a rate of 105 percent of hall capacity, compared to 107 percent for fall 2018.
Demand to live on campus continues to be strong, even with the addition of 301 beds in Arnold and Richards Hall this year. The campus total of 4,933 comprises 2,091 freshmen, 2,006 sophomores, 453 juniors and 383 seniors living on campus.
Other Board Business
The Board discussed the request for governance group officials to have ex-officio representation on the TCU Board of Trustees. Chairman Mark Johnson has appointed a special committee chaired by Trustee Amy Bailey to study the request. An initial report with recommendations is expected to be shared with the Board at the April 2020 meeting.
The Board also discussed significant initiatives such as diversity, equity and inclusion strategies and updates on progress with the TCU and UNTHSC School of Medicine. Standing committee reports were provided, as well as updates from special committees on the Amon G. Carter Stadium Expansion and School of Music Facility Study.
As the Board of Trustees plans for a strong and vibrant future, their vision for TCU remains rooted in guiding principles outlined in our stated mission, in the legacy and generosity of those who came before us, and especially in those students whom we seek to serve.