The gift comes as the university continues expanding its research infrastructure and scholarly activity as part of its long-term goal of achieving Carnegie Research 1 (R1) status, the highest classification for research universities in the United States. Recent investments — including AI², a $10 million universitywide initiative designed to accelerate research through advanced computing, artificial intelligence and collaborative infrastructure — are strengthening faculty support, expanding technology capabilities and positioning TCU for continued growth in research funding and national competitiveness.

“TCU’s academic experience is exceptional because everything the university does — inside and outside the classroom — is focused on enriching the student experience,” said Amy Roach Bailey ’89, TCU trustee and chair of the board’s Academic Affairs Committee. “Our family’s giving has always been centered on creating opportunities that benefit all Horned Frogs across campus. This investment reflects our belief in TCU’s strategic vision and in the students and faculty who will shape the future through research, innovation and discovery.”

“TCU has been part of our family in many ways, from football traditions to supporting our sweetest Horned Frogs at KinderFrogs School, and to spending time with the many students at the John V. Roach Honors College,” said Lori Roach Davis ’96. “It’s a privilege to know that this gift supporting TCU’s strategic plan will continue to ensure that TCU students will excel academically and have more opportunities to engage with faculty on meaningful research and learning experiences.”

“Philanthropic investments like this allow us to bring together expertise from across the university to tackle complex challenges,” TCU Provost Floyd L. Wormley Jr. said. “There are many opportunities to support interdisciplinary research and specifically connect engineering, technology and human performance research, so we can accelerate discovery and develop solutions with real-world impact.”

The Roach family’s connection to Texas Christian University spans more than six decades. The late John V. Roach ’61 (MBA ’65) and Jean Wiggin Roach ’64 first met as students at TCU, beginning a family legacy that has continued through multiple generations of Horned Frogs. Their daughters, Amy Roach Bailey ’89 and Lori Roach Davis ’96, are both alumni, and the next generation of the family continues the tradition with recent graduates and current students. John V. Roach was a member of the TCU Board of Trustees from 1981 to 2022. He served as chair from 1990 to 2005, leading the university through a period of transformational change and growth.

Over the years, the Roach family and The Roach Foundation have made significant contributions across campus, supporting academic programs, scholarships, athletics facilities and student initiatives that advance TCU’s mission. This includes major campus efforts such as the restoration of Frog Fountain Plaza at the Brown-Lupton University Union, reinforcing their longstanding commitment to enhancing both the academic and campus experience for Horned Frogs.

Their philanthropy has helped shape many visible spaces and programs at the university, including the John V. Roach Dean of the TCU Neeley School of Business and the Jean W. Roach Chair of Laboratory Schools at KinderFrogs School at TCU, plus Judy and the late Paul Andrews’ gift in honor of John V. Roach to name TCU’s Honors College. They have established and backed numerous endowed faculty funds, academic programs and athletics facilities, as well as seven student scholarships.

In honor of their generous philanthropic support, their name can be found on academic buildings and athletics facilities across campus, including the Roach Family Plaza at the Spencer and Marlene Hays Business Commons, the John & Jean Roach Terrace and the Roach North Colonnade at the Dee J. Kelly Alumni & Visitors Center, the Roach Professional Development Center at the William E. and Jean Jones Tucker Technology Center, the Delta Delta Delta House named for Jean Wiggin Roach, Amy Roach Bailey and Lori Roach Davis, the Roach/King Suite Level at the Dutch Meyer Athletic Complex and the Roach Concourse at the Ed and Rae Schollmaier Basketball Practice Complex.

The Roach Foundation’s commitment strengthens TCU’s ability to connect academic research with applied innovation, an approach that continues to grow in importance as universities expand research funding and deepen industry partnerships.

Through investments like this, The Roach Foundation continues to help strengthen TCU’s research enterprise while expanding opportunities for students and faculty to collaborate across disciplines. The commitment reinforces the university’s momentum toward R1 status and its broader vision outlined in LEAD ON: Values in Action.

About The Roach Foundation
The Roach Foundation, Inc., is a private philanthropic organization established in 1999 and based in Fort Worth, Texas. The foundation’s mission is to support initiatives that align with its focus areas of education, arts and culture, and youth and social services, including health and medical care of children, contributing to the betterment of communities through strategic funding and support. The foundation is led by Jean W. Roach as president, Amy Roach Bailey as treasurer, Lori Roach Davis as secretary and Thomas Elliston as executive director.

About Texas Christian University
Founded in 1873, TCU is a world-class, values-centered private university based in Fort Worth, Texas. The university comprises nine schools and colleges offering 117 areas of undergraduate study, 62 master’s level programs and 37 areas of doctoral study. Total enrollment stands at 12,980, including 11,152 undergraduates and 1,828 graduate students. The student/faculty ratio is 13.2:1, and 88% of TCU’s 776 full-time faculty members hold the highest degree in their discipline. TCU consistently ranks among the top universities and colleges in the nation, and the Horned Frog family consists of more than 100,000 living alumni. For more information, please visit TCU’s website.

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