The 2023 winners of some of TCU’s prestigious university awards are official. Read on for details on the honorees, including a special surprise award announced and celebrated at the Welcome & Opening Luncheon Aug. 18.
Ferrari Award
The winner of the 2023 Michael R. Ferrari Award for Distinguished University Service and Leadership is Brad Thompson, director of Student Activities. Thompson is also serving as project manager and co-chair, special projects and initiatives, for TCU’s 150th.
“Brad is the prime example of someone who represents and embodies the TCU mission statement,” one nominator wrote. “Brad is always focused on the students and what will impact them the most. Brad looks at everything as a moment that can impact a life and his philosophy is ‘If one life can be changed by what you are doing, you are making an impact.’ He is the ethical leader and responsible citizen that TCU’s mission statement describes.”
Thompson has served in TCU Student Affairs since 2008, where he has helped develop and market entertaining and educational programming for TCU’s unmatched student experience. Significantly this past year, he has also been an essential part of the conception and execution of TCU’s extensive Sesquicentennial celebration.
The Ferrari Award was established by the TCU Board of Trustees to honor the former chancellor and recognize the extraordinary situational leadership accomplishments above job or position expectations of a faculty or staff member. It carries with it a prize of $5,000 for the winner and $1,000 for each finalist.
Chancellor’s Staff Award
The winner of the 2023 Chancellor’s Staff Award for Outstanding Service is Mindy Hollan, associate director of housing.
“Mindy’s commitment and dedication to TCU exceed anything I have experienced professionally,” said one of her nominators. “An approachable person, Mindy connects with people on a fundamental level, which is evident from families’ reactions during and after her Orientation presentations. People can see that she sincerely cares and wants their students to have positive TCU Residence Life experiences. Mindy is a positive force for our department, students, their families and TCU.”
In addition to working with families at TCU Orientation, Hollan’s responsibilities include overseeing the massive undertaking of TCU move-in.
Created in 2003, the Chancellor’s Staff Award recognizes a staff member for exemplary service and contributions to the welfare of the campus community. The award includes a prize of $5,000. One finalist is chosen from each division, and each receives $1,000.
DEI Award
Two winners were awarded the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award: Frederick W. Gooding Jr., Dr. Ronald E. Moore Honors Professor in Humanities, and Lynita Yarbrough, assistant professor of professional practice in the Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences’ Davies School of Communication Sciences & Disorders.
“Dr. Gooding has a remarkable track record as a productive scholar examining DEI-related issues and for interpreting the humanities for general audiences,” shared a colleague. “In the classroom, Dr. Gooding teaches courses that reach students and motivate them to see the classroom as a diverse and inclusive space where DEI topics can be explored safely and where critical thinking is encouraged.”
For two years, Gooding served as the inaugural chair of TCU’s Race & Reconciliation Initiative, leading a team of scholars in studying TCU's history related to race, encompassing a five-year plan on the topic, as well as an annual campuswide event.
Yarbrough is the founding diversity advocate for Harris College and, in this role, has led efforts to realize the inclusive excellence for which the college and the university as a whole are striving.
“Lynita’s leadership of DEI was distinguished early in her tenure through creation of Harris United, a new standing committee charged with developing programs and leading efforts that will enhance DEI throughout Harris College,” a colleague shared. “Her sustained leadership has transformed Harris College and TCU by making it a more diverse, equitable and inclusive learning and working environment.”
The DEI Award honors the important work of further transforming the TCU community into one that not only celebrates the university mission but also creates a world-class university built on a heritage of inclusion. Faculty, staff and students may nominate any individual. Finalists are selected by the DEI Award Committee, which provides recommendations to the chancellor. The winner receives $5,000, and finalists receive $1,000.
Impact Award
In 2021, TCU introduced the Impact Award, to be given in special circumstances to recognize the extraordinary service and tremendous impact on the lives of others in the TCU campus community.
In a surprise presentation at the opening luncheon, the chancellor recognized Mike
Scott, associate vice provost for enrollment management, and Karen L. Scott, director
of international admission.
“This year, we have a husband-and-wife duo who, combined, have nearly 60 years of service to TCU,” Boschini said. “Each are recognized for their individual service to the university and lasting impact.”
Mike Scott was recognized specifically for his efforts with enrollment and strategic growth at TCU and Karen Scott for her dedicated recruitment of prospective students from the global community.
More Fall 2023 Awards
The winner of the Chancellor’s Award for Distinguished Achievement will be announced at a private event Sept. 11. The winners of the Wassenich Award for Mentoring in the TCU Community and the Maryrose and Dan Short Award for Teaching Excellence will be announced at a private event Sept. 12. Read about the finalists on TCU News.
All winners will be featured in upcoming videos throughout the fall.