TCU Honors Tucker Family Legacy with Named Ballroom

Texas Christian University recently honored the late Chancellor Emeritus Dr. William E. “Bill” Tucker and Jean Jones Tucker by dedicating the Tucker Family Ballroom in the Brown-Lupton University Union. The large third-floor space is a popular spot for numerous campus and community events. 

This recognition pays tribute to their legacy of leadership and the philanthropic support of TCU from their family: daughter and TCU Trustee Jan Scully and her husband, Bob Scully; son Will Tucker and his wife, Galey Tucker; and son Vance Tucker and his wife, Marcy Tucker.  

The naming of this campus gathering space aligns with TCU’s commitment to building community and fostering engagement. 

“Throughout their years of service to TCU, the Tucker family has embodied the spirit of bringing people together — a legacy that will continue through this dynamic space where students, faculty and community members gather daily,” said Chancellor Victor J. Boschini, Jr.  

The ballroom renaming recognizes a gift from the Tucker family to the Athletics Human Performance Center Renovation and Expansion Projects, which include two new facilities and renovation of two others. The Simpson Family Restoration and Wellness Center, the Mike and Brenda Harrison Football Performance Center and the renovation of the Bob Lilly Performance Center will focus on human performance, nutrition, restoration and wellness for all 22 varsity sports programs at TCU. The new center will position the university as a national leader in support of student-athletes through innovation and the latest technology, underscoring the momentum TCU is experiencing in its athletic programs. 

Bill Tucker ’56 was a visionary and beloved leader who served as TCU’s eighth chancellor from 1979 to 1998, guiding the university through a pivotal time of growth. He was instrumental in elevating TCU from a regional university into the nationally recognized one it is today. He was celebrated as an academic administrator and Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) minister, touching the lives of countless students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members.  

Jean Jones Tucker ’56 served TCU, Fort Worth and beyond, especially in the areas of ministry, health, arts and education. 

From athletic facilities and scholarships to the William E. and Jean Jones Tucker Technology Center and the Dee J. Kelly Alumni & Visitors Center, the Tucker family’s generosity and stewardship have helped transform TCU’s physical campus. 

The Tucker family also supported numerous scholarships for students, including the Ethel G. Tucker Memorial Scholarship, the Jean Jones Tucker Endowed Scholarship and the William E. Tucker Endowed Scholarship.