April 9, 2021
Dear Horned Frogs,
The Texas Christian University Board of Trustees met April 7 through April 9 in its regular spring session. The Board expressed its gratitude for the ongoing prioritization of Safety, Sustainability and Justice by the TCU community. They also discussed many of the issues affecting not just TCU, but all colleges and universities during this unprecedented year for our nation and globe. These include the ongoing pandemic, the economy – especially as it relates to the costs of higher education – and issues surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion. The Board also recognized the extraordinary efforts by faculty and staff to safely deliver an engaging educational environment and hallmark TCU experience during a most challenging year.
After in-depth discussions and presentations, several significant decisions and initiatives were enacted during the three-day session.
Race & Reconciliation
The Board heard and accepted recommendations for action based on year one of the Race & Reconciliation Initiative, given by Dr. Frederick Gooding, Jr., Associate Professor of African American Studies in the John V. Roach Honors College and Chair, Race & Reconciliation Initiative. The Board voted unanimously to accept the recommendations set forth by the committee, to support their implementation and to continue this acknowledgement of effort by TCU leaders on April 21, 2021, Race & Reconciliation Day at TCU.
University Budget
The Board approved the 2021-2022 University budget, reinforcing decisions made last August to reduce the University operating budget expenses and to significantly increase the University’s capacity to offer more financial aid to foster academic excellence while enhancing our ability to attract diverse and high-performing students. In addition, the budget supports the University’s academic mission while preserving long-term sustainability. Key details include:
- In academic year 2020-2021, the University made the first permanent allocation of additional financial aid to undergraduate students. Increasing the amount of financial aid available will position TCU as a University with the ability and financial position to attract high performing, talented, academically competitive and diverse students.
- Traditional compensation and merit increases were not up for consideration this planning cycle, based on the Board mandating no increase in tuition for the coming year. However, the Cabinet and I are keeping employee compensation as a priority and will re-examine in light of TCU’s economic condition during the upcoming academic year.
- The conditional approval of the M.E. Sadler Hall Repurposing Project, which was put on hold last year, is now recommended to move forward. The continued need for academic space and the prioritization of our multicultural spaces require that we maximize that building for academic use as soon as possible. The new and improved Sadler Hall will provide space for the School of Interdisciplinary Studies, the John V. Roach Honors College and other classroom/academic spaces.
We will continue to chart a responsible financial path focused on future sustainability for the next generations of Horned Frogs. The adjustments to the University’s operating and capital budgets have not been easy to achieve, and the Board is grateful for our ongoing stewardship of TCU’s resources.
Long after the uncertainties of COVID-19 have passed, the innovations and financial adjustments made now will continue to benefit our community and strengthen TCU’s position as we face demographic changes leading to fewer college-age students and increased competition for talented students.
As with all Board of Trustees meetings, the agenda was full and they discussed many items of significance. The above are University priorities, but continue reading for additional detail regarding these initiatives and other topics deliberated by our Board over the past few days.
On behalf of the Board and myself, I extend my deepest gratitude to you for your contributions to our community. In this action-oriented and diverse community of students, faculty and staff, we all have a unique and important role that is critical to a successful culture of connection. Thank you for all that you do to make TCU an inspiring, nurturing, high-performing, values-centered leader in higher education.
Sincerely,
Victor J. Boschini, Jr.
Chancellor
BOARD GOVERNANCE UPDATES
We remain exceptionally grateful for the leadership and expertise offered by our Board of Trustees, as well as their investment of time and resources in TCU’s success. The Board discussed several longstanding governance topics, including Trustee terms of service and service eligibility.
The following members of the Trustee Class of 2021 have been re-elected for four-year terms: Marilyn E. Davies, Barry E. Davis, Elliott J. Hill, Ronald C. Parker, Jan Tucker Scully, Duer Wagner III.
Seven Trustees have been elected to Emeritus status: Marcia Fuller French, Bruce W. Hunt, J. Luther King, Jr., Nancy Tartaglino Richards, Joan Glusing Rogers, Matthew K. Rose, William E. (Billy) Rosenthal.
The recommended slate of Officers was approved to begin service effective June 1, 2021: Chairman Mark L. Johnson, Vice Chairman Kit Tennison Moncrief, Secretary Jean M. Mrasek, and Treasurer Brian G. Gutierrez.
The Board will welcome new Trustees for the term beginning June 1, 2021: Neils N. Agather, Greg A. Arnold, Claudia “Sasha” Camacho Bass, Michael “Stewart” Richards, Adelaide Moncrief Royer, and Kenneth “Kenny” Thompson, Jr.
The Board approved the recommendation of Faculty Senate for Honorary degrees, which will be announced at a later date after recipients are notified.
GOVERNANCE GROUP LEADER PRESENTATION
Dr. Angie Taylor, Staff Assembly Chair and Director, Office of Quality Enhancement; Dr. Sean Atkinson, Faculty Senate Chair and Associate Professor of Music Theory; Paige Shiring, President, Student Government Association (SGA); and Courtney A. Kimmel, President, Graduate Student Senate, presented on behalf of governance leaders. They shared an overview of priorities, including the strategic goal: Strengthen Academic Profile & Reputation. This panel presentation is a new and welcome addition to the spring standing Board agenda, allowing for greater interaction between governing bodies.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION/CHIEF INCLUSION OFFICER SEARCH
Dr. Trung Nguyen, Interim Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, has been appointed search committee chair for this key member of the Cabinet and advisor to the Chancellor. The Chief Inclusion Officer is responsible for the work of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the recently formed Office of Institutional Equity. The goal is to complete the search this year and make a new hire by Fall 2021. Executive search firm WittKieffer has been engaged to assist the search committee, which will be announced in the coming weeks.
The Board received updates on speakers and programs related to the DEI strategy and TCU’s ongoing focus on Inclusive Excellence.
DEAN SEARCHES
Provost Teresa Abi-Nader Dahlberg delivered a report on the status of Dean searches. Dr. Michael Kruger has been appointed Dean of the College of Science & Engineering, effective May 28, 2021. Dr. Kruger, a professor of physics, currently serves as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of South Dakota.
A search was recently launched for the Dean of the School of Interdisciplinary Studies and in the fall, TCU will commence searches for the Dean of the John V. Roach Honors College and for the Teresa Ann Carter King Dean of the College of Fine Arts.
FACULTY TENURE AND PROMOTION
After thoughtful review at multiple levels within the University, per the process outlined in the Handbook for Faculty and Staff, the Board approved tenure and promotion recommendations as presented for 50 faculty members, plus 17 emeritus candidates.
CAMPAIGN STRATEGY AND IMPLEMENTATION
Vice Chancellor Don Whelan provided updates for Lead On: A Campaign for TCU and University Advancement, including the extension of the campaign timeline to May 2023, in an effort to better align with upcoming sesquicentennial events. Steady progress is being made thanks to 47,500 donors who have generously invested $707 million in TCU through campaign efforts to date.
STUDENT AFFAIRS
Vice Chancellor Kathy Cavins-Tull provided updates to the Student Relations Committee, including highlights of student engagement activities that support connection, mental health services, healthy recreation and student wellness.
The pivotal role of the Emergency Management team and related task forces, the Brown-Lupton Health Center, dining services and counseling and mental health were featured for their contributions to keeping the campus healthy and well during the pandemic and the recent winter storm. The Intercultural Center, located in the BLUU, will soon be completed with plans to open for the Fall 2021 semester.
INDEMNIFICATION BYLAWS
Proposed changes to Article IX, INDEMNIFICATION, were approved. The changes improve the indemnity provisions by tracking applicable state laws more closely, making the indemnity provisions easier to read, and clarifying that TCU protects employees and Trustees from liability to the fullest extent allowed by law.
INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS
Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Jeremiah Donati presented a report on the successful fall and winter sports seasons, played with modified schedules and under limited capacity due to COVID-19 restrictions. For the first time in history, all TCU sports are competing this spring, including spring football. Student athletes were acknowledged for their resilience and dedication to TCU. Spring sports continue, following the same health and safety protocols, generating reduced revenue, but with plans to expand capacity in fall 2021. Additional guidance to be provided in the coming months.
RESOLUTIONS IN MEMORIAM
Three Resolutions in Memoriam were presented to extraordinary colleagues who left an indelible mark on our TCU community.
Emeritus Trustee Louis H. Barnett, November 15, 2020
Former Trustee Richard L. “Dick” Lowe, November 29, 2020
Former Trustee Charles Beggs Moncrief, January 6, 2021