Longtime Texas Christian University Trustee J. Luther King, Jr., president, CEO and managing principal of Luther King Capital Management, was presented with the degree of Doctor of Letters, honoris causa, during the university’s Class of 2021 commencement ceremony May 8, at Amon G. Carter Stadium.
King, who earned a Bachelor of Science Commerce degree in 1962 and an MBA in 1966, both from TCU, has provided outstanding leadership and service to the university as a member of the Board of Trustees since 1992. An ultimate role model for ethical leadership and responsible citizenship, King served as board chair from 2005 to 2011. His tenure is distinguished by remarkable achievements, including the dedication of four new residence halls, a refurbished Frog Fountain and the Brown-Lupton University Union. King led TCU during the development of stellar athletic facilities like the Sam Baugh Indoor Practice Facility and Cox Field and the Meyer-Martin Athletic Complex, as well as impressive athletic achievements, including invitations to six football bowl games and TCU’s first College World Series appearance. The John V. Roach Honors College also was named and dedicated during his tenure.
“Luther King’s generosity, leadership and service have touched the lives of people across North Texas and across our campus, where he has positively impacted students, alumni, faculty and staff,” said Chancellor Victor J. Boschini, Jr. “We are delighted to award him the degree of Doctor of Letters, honoris causa, as a gesture of our esteem.”
King founded Luther King Capital Management in Fort Worth in 1979. LKCM is now one of the largest independent employee-owned investment advisory firms in the southwestern United States. He also founded 4K Land and Cattle Co.
He and wife Teresa have supported many endowed scholarships at TCU, including The Teresa and Luther King Family Endowed Scholarship Fund. His family foundation established the Teresa Ann Carter King Dean of the College of Fine Arts.
They also have supported TCU Ranch Management through endowment by establishing the Luther and Teresa King Ranch Management Information Resources and Program Enhancement Fund.
Today, the Teresa and Luther King Entrance marks a prominent boundary on campus along with the King Family Commons. Six hundred Horned Frogs live in the Teresa and Luther King Residence Hall. Across campus, students at the Neeley School of Business hone their skills at the LKCM Center for Financial Studies, and a significant number have become interns at LKCM.
In 1992 King was honored with TCU’s Distinguished Alumnus Award, and in 2011 he and his wife received the university’s Royal Purple Award. Their sons Mason King and Bryan King — who is now a TCU Trustee — are both graduates of TCU’s Ranch Management program.
King was recognized during the 9 a.m. ceremony on May 8, the first of two ceremonies for the Class of 2021 on that day. For more information about TCU commencement, visit TCU News.