TCU’s growing endowment helps the university build and sustain a high margin of academic excellence by propelling people, programs and progress through transformative scholarships, professorships and academic programs. Strengthening the endowment is one of the top priorities of the strategic plan and Lead On: A Campaign for TCU, the university’s most ambitious philanthropic fundraising effort to date. The campaign, particularly its support of TCU’s endowment, is integral to achieving its aspirations as a university. The endowment’s payout approximates 5% per annum and is the fuel that powers TCU’s strategic plan. The diversifying cash flow stream helps to set a secure foundation for the next 150 years of Horned Frogs.
Since his appointment as Chief Investment Officer in December 2021, Jason Safran has focused on building the right investment team to further strengthen TCU’s endowment management strategy. The team recently completed a national search seeking experienced investment professionals who embraced TCU’s mission, the endowment’s objectives-based investment approach, and the investment team’s generalist staffing model. Adam Singleton was named senior portfolio manager, and Thomas Albright joined as portfolio manager. In addition, Lauren Farrelly Searway was promoted to portfolio manager.
“These talented individuals strengthen our investment team and will reinforce the impact of TCU’s $2.4 billion endowment,” said Safran. “Our endowment makes a positive impact today and on future generations of Horned Frogs. Its growth supports our people and programs, making TCU more accessible to students. It also attracts and retains our incredible faculty and helps provide opportunities for research.”
Singleton previously served with the University of Florida Investment Corporation, and Albright joins TCU from the Teacher Retirement System of Texas. Searway has been a member of the investment management team for eight years and, Safran said, has played a valuable role in shaping TCU’s investment strategy.
These changes follow the retirement of Keith Garrison, senior alternative asset manager, who led many private asset relationships for TCU. Safran – who had been with TCU for nine years as senior asset manager – was appointed CIO following the retirement of James Hille, who had served the university for 15 years.
“Building the right team of professionals has been a top priority as TCU looks to continue its successful endowment program and position the university for growth and sustainability for the next 150 years,” Safran said.
Read more about TCU’s endowment and TCU’s historic fundraising campaign.