From the presidential election to business and theater, Horned Frogs are in the news.
INSTITUTIONAL
Fort Worth Zoo sets program record with release of 617 Texas Horned Lizards
Oct. 29, 2024
Fort Worth Report
The Fort Worth Zoo announced the release of a record-breaking number of Texas horned
lizards into their native range. An incredible 301 of the 617 Texas horned lizards
released were hatched at the Fort Worth Zoo. The hatchlings were released into the
wild at Mason Mountain Wildlife Management Area as part of the zoo’s Texas horned
lizard conservation program with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and zoo
partners. Alongside partners from TCU and TPWD, the zoo tracks released hatchlings through adulthood and reproduction in
the wild, which is a sign of a thriving population.
Newsweek’s Top DFW Hospitals and TCU and UTA’s Joint MD-PhD Program Oct. 29, 2024
D Magazine
The Burnett School of Medicine at TCU and UT Arlington have launched a joint M.D.-Ph.D.
program in biomedical engineering, aiming to produce physician-scientists skilled
in both clinical practice and biomedical research. The first cohort will be admitted
in the 2024 M.D. admissions cycle, starting in July 2025. The program merges TCU’s
innovative medical education with UTA’s bioengineering research strengths, offering
students rigorous training and research opportunities. Leaders from both institutions
emphasize that graduates will be prepared to address complex biomedical challenges,
advancing health care innovation and bridging traditional medicine with cutting-edge
technology.
‘Poetic representation:’ TCU unveils additions to its Portrait Project
Oct. 24, 2024
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
There are no extant photographs of Charley and Kate Thorp, a formerly enslaved couple
who worked as laborers at TCU in the school’s early days. And yet their portraits
now hang in the lobby of the university’s administration building. The artwork was
unveiled in a ceremony Thursday night on TCU’s campus, and the Thorps’ great-grandchildren
were there to witness the moment. “It shows that people are starting to awaken to
include multiple histories into what we consider American history, or in this context,
TCU history,” said student Mekhi Majedi, who is the Thorps’ fourth great-grandson. The works are part of TCU’s Portrait Project,
an initiative aimed at diversifying the university’s collection of portraiture.
Texas Christian University Unveils New State-of-the-Art Medical School Building Supporting
Empathetic Scholars®
Oct. 23, 2024
CityBiz
With a shared vision of innovation and renowned education, architect partners CO Architects
and Hoefer Welker celebrated the official project completion of TCU’s Arnold Hall, home to the Burnett School of Medicine. Dr. Stuart D. Flynn, founding dean, said, “This medical school will be a significant contributor to Fort
Worth’s economy and growth as a city where medical innovation happens. We love the
proximity to all of our clinical partners in the Near Southside Medical Innovation
District and look forward to deepening those connections.”
Fort Worth’s TCU beats SMU in new list of best Texas colleges for 2025
Oct. 15. 2024
CultureMap Fort Worth
Fort Worth’s prestigious TCU has risen through the ranks among the top 10 best colleges and universities in Texas
for 2025, and it has ranked No. 1 in all of Dallas-Fort Worth. Yep, ahead of cross-town
rival Southern Methodist University. TCU claimed the No. 6 spot in Texas (SMU was
No. 10) and No. 35 in WalletHub’s regional category of best universities in the South.
The school also ranked as the No. 168 best college nationwide. The private university
performed the best in the national ranking of “Education Outcomes,” which covers retention
and graduation rates, and bachelor’s degrees awarded per undergraduate enrollment.
TCU ranked No. 93 with a 74 percent graduation rate, according to U.S. News & World Report, and a 92.9 percent “first-time-in-college student” retention rate.
Texas Christian University and Windy City Cabinet Team Up to Provide Emergency Overdose
Stations Across Campus
Oct. 15, 2024
HTV10.TV
Windy City Cabinet announced that TCU has initiated campuswide access to Naloxone,
the lifesaving overdose reversal medication. Opioid Overdose Emergency Kits are now
located in most buildings on campus near the automated external defibrillators. In
addition to mounting the secured wall cabinets, a campus map is available on the TCU
website providing locations for each wall-mounted overdose response cabinet. TCU also
created a form that students can anonymously submit in situations where Naloxone has
been used and the supply needs to be replenished. This is a collaborative effort between
the Student Government Association, Substance Use & Recovery Services, Wellness Promotion
and Student Affairs.
TCU Medical School Opens Ed Building and UNTHSC Names New Dean
Oct. 15, 2024
D Magazine
TCU’s Burnett School of Medicine celebrated the opening of its new 95,000-square-foot
medical education building last month in Fort Worth’s Medical Innovation District.
The state-of-the-art facility, completed in June, now houses more than 240 medical
students and hundreds of faculty and staff. Named Arnold Hall in honor of Ashley and
Greg Arnold, the building highlights TCU’s ongoing commitment to medical education.
“This beautiful and functional new medical education building, now known as Arnold
Hall, shows TCU’s continued investment in Fort Worth,” said TCU Chancellor Victor J. Boschini, Jr.
TCU and UTA combine forces to train doctor-engineers through new program
Oct.15, 2024
Fort Worth Report
The two largest universities in Tarrant County are working together on the new program,
set to launch with its first students next July, when the medical school starts classes.
Students in the program will explore subjects including bioinstrumentation, biomaterials
and tissue engineering, biomechanics, medical imaging and nanomedicine/nanotechnology,
among others. “This collaboration will give students career-advancing in-depth knowledge
and skills in medicine and biomedical engineering to lead advancements in health care
innovation,” said Dr. Stuart D. Flynn, founding dean of the Burnett School of Medicine. The medical school enrolled its
first class in 2019 and opened its new campus on West Rosedale Street earlier this
year.
FACULTY
Here’s where Ted Cruz and Colin Allred will campaign in the final days before Election
Day
Oct. 29, 2024
McKinney News Source
With less than a week to go until Election Day, it’s all about getting out the vote.
Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz has been rallying in smaller towns and suburbs like
Rockwall, Pleasanton, Dripping Springs and Conroe. Congressman Colin Allred, the Democrat,
spent much of the early days of the final stretch in Houston. TCU Political Science
Professor Jim Riddlesperger said the locations are not surprising. “Is Colin Allred going to Houston because
he thinks there are more votes there than anywhere else? The answer is, yes! That’s
why he’s there,” Riddlesperger said. “Ted Cruz, on the other hand, is looking into
more suburban and rural areas across the state.”
Best Car Insurance in Texas
Oct. 29, 2024
WalletHub
Paul Irvine, professor and Kleinheinz Endowed Chair in International Finance and Investments
in the Neeley School of Business at TCU, said, “Car prices differ from state to state
for many reasons. More cars mean more crowded roads and more crashes. Thus, the density
of traffic can affect insurer costs. How expensive is it to fix a car in that state?
If the state has many uninsured drivers, then the insured driver’s insurance company
must pay the cost even if [that person is] not at fault. How nice are cars in that
state? These kinds of differences affect the costs of operating in a state, just like
hurricane insurance costs more in Florida than in Nebraska.”
Ohio Youth Services team visits TJJD to learn about Trust-Based Relational Intervention® strategies
Oct. 28, 2024
EIN Presswire
A contingent from the Ohio Department of Youth Services visited the Texas Juvenile
Justice Department (TJJD) to learn more about implementing Trust-Based Relational
Intervention® (TBRI) techniques with TJJD’s Director of Treatment Services Evan Norton
and Troy McPeak of the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development at TCU. McPeak detailed the history
of juvenile justice systems in Texas and how the Texas model and TBRI methods are
replacing the boot camp-type approach to youth corrections. TBRI techniques, he said,
have led to better outcomes for youth and staff alike. “I was tired of restraining
kids every day, per training,” McPeak said of his early days as a corrections officer.
McPeak explained that many adjudicated youths have never had anyone serving as a positive
behavior model or available to teach them. “Their environment dictated the terms,”
he said. “There should have been someone there to teach them (life skills). With TBRI
practices, we are letting them know through personal engagement we’re here to help,
engaging through the person, not the process (or the) system.”
Will Tarrant County go for Harris or Trump? Experts, voters say it’s a toss-up
Oct. 27, 2024
Fort Worth Report
In 2020, Tarrant voters narrowly supported President Joe Biden over incumbent Trump,
turning the county blue by just over 1,800 votes. Biden is the second Democratic presidential
candidate to win the county following Lyndon B. Johnson’s victory in 1964. Former
Democratic U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke also won the county in 2018, beating Republican
Sen. Ted Cruz. TCU Political Science Professor Jim Riddlesperger said there’s reason for Democrats to think they might be more competitive in Tarrant
County than ever before. “Certainly, the numbers over the last several election cycles
show that Tarrant County is narrowing in its gap between Republicans and Democrats,”
Riddlesperger said. “But, on the other hand, all things being equal, you would have
to say that the Republicans have a fairly significant advantage in Tarrant County
simply because of the kind of voting habits of Tarrant County over the last third
of a century, where Republicans have been so firmly in charge.”
Donald Trump, Kamala Harris are visiting Texas. Does that mean Senate race is in play?
Oct. 25, 2024
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris’ trips to Texas signal
a Texas Senate race that is in play, political science experts say. Polls suggest
that the presidential ticket isn’t in play in Texas, but there are a few factors that
likely contributed to Trump's and Harris’ decisions to stop in state, said TCU Political
Science Professor Jim Riddlesperger. For one, there is a “big reservoir of money in Texas,” he said. The visit could
also garner publicity for the candidates, particularly Harris as she campaigns with
celebrities, he said. Trump and Harris may also be hoping to affect the outcome of
the Senate race in Texas, as Democrats try to hold onto control of the legislative
chamber. “They’re not here in Texas because they’re really seeking Texas votes,” Riddlesperger
said. “I mean, they both know how the presidential election is going to come out.
Now, the Senate candidates are a different story altogether, and that might be a secondary
reason why the presidential candidates are here.”
With education majors potentially on the chopping block, UConn risks worsening the
teacher shortage
Oct. 24, 2024
The Daily Campus
The University of Connecticut (UConn) recently announced that it is reviewing 70 majors
reaching the evaluation threshold of low enrollment or graduation rates. Out of these,
15 majors were part of UConn’s Neag School of Education, including English, History,
Biology and Music Education. The elimination of education programs at colleges and
universities is far from unprecedented. In 2020, the University of South Florida,
a public state school like UConn, closed its entire College of Education, leaving
only an unmoored graduate program intact. Francyne Huckaby, professor of curriculum studies at TCU, called that closure at the time “another”
in a “death of a thousand cuts” for colleges’ education programs. UConn’s review
might very well spell yet another cut that causes the field of education to bleed
further.
Opinion: Residents in several states trying to modify abortion laws. Why not in OK?
Oct. 24, 2024
The Oklahoman
On Tuesday, 10 states across the country will have voter initiatives on the general
election ballot that, if approved, would protect or expand abortion rights. Getting
an initiative question on the ballot won’t be easy, says Political Science Professor
Keith Gaddie. “The challenge in 2026 is that the signature requirement (to get an initiative placed
on the ballot) has grown more onerous,” he said. “They’re based on a percentage of
the last statewide general election. I’d be surprised if you ever get it on the ballot
in the near future.” Gaddie noted that most of the states where abortion initiatives
are on the ballot have competitive elections that help mobilize voters to go to the
polls and “in places where the signature requirements are not so onerous. I think
an abortion initiative could succeed in Oklahoma. I’m not sure you could get the signatures
in a timely fashion.”
College polling sites drew controversy in Tarrant County. Here’s how students are
responding
Open Campus
Oct. 23, 2024
In a pitched battle this September, UT-Arlington and other campus voting sites in
Tarrant County were potentially on the chopping block. The effort, led by Republican
County Judge Tim O’Hare, would have removed up to four college polling sites from
the county’s list of early voting sites. O’Hare cited concerns over the accessibility
of campus voting sites and said commissioners should not cater to any one demographic
group. James Riddlesperger, a TCU political science professor, said much of the voter mobilization efforts for
the nation’s youngest voting age group are now virtual. “It used to be that we would
have a lot of bumper stickers and a lot of yard signs and a lot of flyers that were
posted on campus. That was a very common thing to happen,” said Riddlesperger, who
has taught at the university for over four decades.
America’s Shifting Opinions on 2024 Election Issues
Oct. 23, 2024
Newsweek
Abortion has overtaken immigration to become the second most important issue, behind
the economy, for voters heading into the 2024 election between Kamala Harris and Donald
Trump, Newsweek polling suggests. More than three-quarters of Trump supporters said the economy is
heading in the wrong direction, which experts believe could cost Harris come election
day. Dr. Keith Gaddie, professor of political science at TCU, agreed that success for Harris could be dependent
on whether voters blame incumbent Biden for their economic troubles and if she, as
vice president, will be tarred with the same brush. “The question mark for Harris
is whether, among those who say the economy is headed in the wrong direction, do they
ascribe blame to Biden?” Gaddie told Newsweek.
North Texas Performing Arts Announces 2024 Stardust Award Honorees
Oct. 21, 2024
Local Profile
North Texas Performing Arts (NTPA) recently revealed the honorees for its Third Annual
Stardust Awards, which took place Nov. 2, at the Plano Event Center. This year’s
event recognized a diverse group of artists, educators and advocates for their contributions
to the performing arts across North Texas. Additionally, Penny Ayn Maas, associate professor of theatre at TCU, will be honored as a collegiate educator. “We are honored to announce these incredible
arts leaders and we are so impressed with their impact on our community,” said NTPA
CEO Darrell Rodenbaugh. “These individuals have had a profound influence on our culture,
and we are pleased to recognize their legacy.”
Demographic changes keep Tarrant County competitive this election
Oct. 19, 2024
Spectrum Local News
Democrats are still in the minority in Texas, but they have made some gains, in part,
because of demographic changes. Those changes are especially pronounced in one North
Texas county, making it one of the state’s biggest political battlegrounds this fall.
For decades, a majority of Tarrant County has voted Republican for president, from
George W. Bush to Donald Trump. In 2020, Joe Biden narrowly defeated Trump by just
more than 1,800 votes in Tarrant County. In 2024, all eyes are on the Texas county
once again. “This is not a persuasion election. It’s a mobilization election, and
whoever gets their voters there is going to be the one who prevails,” said Keith Gaddie, a political science professor at TCU. “This is a good place to come hunting.”
Veasey expected to hold onto U.S. House seat representing parts of Fort Worth, Arlington
Oct. 19, 2024
Fort Worth Report
U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey, D-Fort Worth, likely faces an easy path to a seventh term because
of the way his congressional district was redrawn, according to election experts.
Veasey’s race, along with Dallas-Fort Worth’s other congressional districts, generally
aren’t competitive, said James Riddlesperger, a political science professor at TCU. Riddlesperger said the district, which was
intentionally drawn to sprawl across many of the metroplex’s most urban and racially
diverse neighborhoods, reflects the broader gerrymandering practices seen across Texas.
As Republican lawmakers map the state’s congressional districts, they loop as many
Democrat-leaning voters into the same boundaries as possible, he said. In turn, surrounding
districts are also less competitive and safely Republican.
Stethoscope Stage returns to Fort Worth to explore maternal health through theater
Oct. 17, 2024
Fort Worth Report
Stethoscope Stage was founded by TCU Theatre Assistant Professor Ayvaunn Penn after she noticed a stream of misinformation swirling online about COVID-19 vaccines.
She was interested in the gap between where medical professionals and the general
public were getting their information. Held in April 2022, the inaugural Stethoscope
Stage festival focused on the pandemic through a variety of monologues and short plays.
An hour-long panel discussion with medical professionals about vaccines followed the
performances. The audience’s reaction to the inaugural festival was overwhelmingly
positive, Penn said. “There were laughs and giggles at all the right places,” she
said. “People appreciated having all the different points of view followed by factual
information from people who had the knowledge to speak on COVID.”
Oil markets are in 'backwardation' — we’ll explain
Oct. 17, 2024
Marketplace.org
Something funny’s been happening with the crude oil price curve. It’s in what we call
“backwardation,” meaning the price of oil in the future is lower than it is today.
That’s not really how futures markets are supposed to work. Under normal conditions,
the price of a future contract is generally greater because there are extra costs
associated with storing and carrying commodities, like crude oil. The key word in
the term “backwardation” is — you guessed it — backward, said Tom Seng, assistant professor of professional practice with TCU. “You have a market that’s backwards,” he said. “The prices in the near months, let’s
say that in the next 90 days, those prices are higher, and then we see prices fall
off every single month after that.”
Five Women Selected for Endowed Faculty Appointments
Oct. 17, 2024
WIA Report
Sharrona Pearl has been named the inaugural Andrews Chair of Interdisciplinary Studies at TCU. She
comes to her new role from Drexel University in Philadelphia, where she held appointments
in bioethics, history and science studies. She is a historian of science and medicine
who researches bodies, particularly the face, from an interdisciplinary perspective.
Pearl is a graduate of York University in Canada, where she majored in humanities
and science studies. She holds a Ph.D. in the history of science from Harvard University.
US election betting skyrocketing
Oct. 16, 2024
Teckhack
Election betting using so-called “prediction markets” is skyrocketing in the U.S.
after a ban on the practice was recently lifted, according to media reports. Platforms
are currently forecasting a narrow win for Republican candidate Donald Trump against
Democratic rival Kamala Harris. “You may want more institutional money because while
these investors might have their own particular political views, they’ll have studied
the outcome and their wagers represent especially informed opinion,” Grant Ferguson, a political science professor at TCU, told the Financial Times.
Star-Telegram reduces print editions to focus on digital offerings. What comes next?
Oct. 15, 2024
Fort Worth Report
Like many legacy newspapers, the Star-Telegram is transitioning to a digital-only news operation because of the decline in ad revenue
coupled with financial realities of the news business, including the high cost of
newsprint and printing and distribution operations. In August, the newspaper announced
it would reduce its print editions to three days a week. Jean Marie Brown, an associate professor of professional practice and director of student media journalism
at the Bob Schieffer College of Communication at TCU, said the Star-Telegram is reducing its printing and delivery costs to keep producing notable journalism.
“It’s harder and harder to get people to deliver newspapers,” said Brown. “It makes
sense for most legacy newspapers to shift to digital.” Brown said younger readers
prefer to get their news online or through other platforms such as TikTok.
ALUMNI
2024 Juanita Craft Humanitarian Award Winners Announced
Oct. 26, 2024
Texas Metro News
The State Fair of Texas and the Friends of Juanita Craft Civil Rights House & Museum
announced the recipients of the Juanita Craft Humanitarian Awards. Rev. Danielle Ayers ’18 earned The Visionary Award, designed to recognize individuals whose contributions
are currently creating a positive effect on civil rights and community transformation
in Dallas.
Fort Worth Entrepreneur Comes Out of ‘Retirement’ for Legacy Project
Oct. 23, 2024
Fort Worth Magazine
Fort Worth native and businessman David Minor ’80 has launched The Greener Good, believed to be America’s first 100% carbon-neutral
commercial landscape company. It’s the manifestation of an “epiphany” he had concerning
the landscape services industry, which, he said, “is really, really bad as it relates
to carbon output.” “I had no idea all these years that I was doing this work,” Minor
said. “Climate change wasn’t on hardly anybody’s radar screen until about the last
10 years. I mean, some people, yes, but most small businesses, and definitely landscape
people, we just didn’t think about it that much. But then I started doing some research.”
How Two Sisters From Texas Bootstrapped A Luxury Cowboy Boot Brand, Miron Crosby
Oct. 21, 2024
Forbes.com
There’s a certain class of ultra-luxury brands that only a select few know about.
These cognoscenti brands are ultra-exclusive, ultra-authentic and often ultra-expensive
but also handcrafted for those who value ultra-quality. Miron Crosby, founded by sisters
Lizzie Means Duplantis ’04 and Sarah Means ’12, is such an original “quiet luxury” brand, but the product it makes is anything but
quiet – bespoke, luxury cowboy boots. “We are a fashion brand that makes cowboy boots
and the fashion component is what really differentiates us,” shared co-founder Duplantis.
ATHLETICS
Hailey Van Lith’s Appearance at NBA Game Is Turning Heads
Oct. 25, 2024
Star-Telegram
WNBA prospect Hailey Van Lith turned heads when she appeared courtside at the Dallas Mavericks’ game against the
San Antonio Spurs Thursday. The college basketball star, who recently transferred
to the TCU Horned Frogs, drew attention for her off-court presence. A video clip of
Van Lith at the game ignited various reactions from fans on social media. During halftime,
Van Lith also had an interview where she shared insights about her new team and what
fans can expect in the upcoming season. Despite struggling with the LSU Tigers last
season, Van Lith is known for her scoring and is expected to recapture her form in
a more prominent role.
NFL Insider: Is the richest former Broncos quarterback John Elway, Peyton Manning
or Hunter Enis?
Oct. 19, 2024
The Gazette
Peyton Manning is estimated to be worth $250 million and John Elway $145 million.
But they might have to settle for second and third when it comes to the richest former
Broncos quarterbacks. Hunter Enis ’59 got into four games for the Broncos in 1962, completing one of two passes for eight
yards, before returning to the team as offensive backfield coach from 1967-71 under
head coach Lou Saban. He later was wide receivers coach for the New York Giants from
1974-76. The modest Enis didn’t want to give any more estimates about his wealth,
cracking, “I don’t miss any meals.” But he has become one of most notable benefactors
of TCU in Fort Worth, where he was a star quarterback in the late 1950s. Enis, who
serves on TCU’s Board of Trustees, has played a key role in the refurbishing of Amon
G. Carter Stadium. Four Sevens made what was announced in 2012 as a $15 million gift
to help rebuild the stadium. Enis said actually more was donated but didn’t give a
figure. The football program’s team room is called the Four Sevens Meeting Room.
Five questions with TCU’s new Spirit Director Brittani McLaurin
Oct, 18, 2024
BVM Sports
Brittani McLaurin has stepped into the role of spirit director at TCU, overseeing the cheer team, Showgirls,
Rangers and SuperFrog. Her responsibilities include coaching, logistics and ensuring
each team is supported on game days. McLaurin, who has a strong dance background,
aims to enhance the student experience by focusing on their needs and expanding resources
like sports psychology and nutrition. She is committed to elevating the visibility
and impact of TCU’s spirit program within collegiate athletics. McLaurin plans to
implement more comprehensive support systems for student performers and increase the
visibility of TCU’s spirit brand in collegiate athletics. Expect initiatives focusing
on mental health, nutrition and academic success.
Meet Jacob Fearnley, the former Horned Frog who can’t stop winning in the pros
Oct. 15, 2024
Tennis.com
After a standout college career at TCU in which he achieved All-American status four times, Jacob Fearnley ’24 entered the professional ranks full-time. That was in May. Fast forward five months
and there has simply been no hotter player on the ATP Challenger Tour. The Horned
Frog from Great Britain has collected four trophies en route to a Top 100 ranking.
He turned pro by entering the Nottingham Challenger, where he started off in qualifying
and ended up in the winner’s circle. “I wasn’t really expecting what happened, coming
out of the gate at Nottingham,” Fearnley recalled. The adjustment to the pro game
can be grueling, but the young player focused on the positive aspects of that transition.
“For a player like me, I feel like you build up momentum and you kind of build confidence
as the week goes on. That’s something that I really like about it.”