PRESS RELEASE

Fueling a Booming City: Higher Education and Fort Worth Officials Spotlight Innovation, Economic Vitality  

Collaboration and momentum take center stage at Bass Performance Hall. 

FORT WORTH, TEXAS (Nov. 4, 2025) — In a candid and illuminating conversation, top leaders from Tarrant County’s seven higher education institutions united on the Bass Performance Hall stage with Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker on Monday to spotlight the collaborative efforts between universities and local government underpinning Fort Worth’s extraordinary growth, innovation and economic success.  

“Fort Worth is experiencing remarkable momentum in higher education, fueled by significant expansions and innovative developments across our institutions,” said Mayor Parker. “Today’s event exemplifies what makes Fort Worth and Tarrant County exceptional – a shared commitment among higher education leaders to collaborate, innovate and invest in the future strength and vitality of our community." 

The panel featured chancellors and presidents from Texas Christian University, the Texas A&M University System, the University of Texas at Arlington, UNT Health Fort Worth, Tarleton State University, Texas Wesleyan University and Tarrant County College. The panel was moderated by Reagan Stephens, president of the TCU Student Government Association. 

From left: Daniel Pullin (TCU), Emily Messer (TXWES), James Hurley (TSU), Mayor Mattie Parker, Reagan Stephens (TCU), Glenn Hegar (TAMU), Jennifer Cowley (UTA), Elva Concha LeBlanc (TCC) and Kirk Calhoun (UNT Health).

The on-stage panel discussion was followed by a student innovation showcase featuring startups and research ventures from participating institutions, evidence of the direct impact of higher education on the local economy.

“We hosted this dialogue to strengthen collaborations between institutions so we can better serve and support the growth and prosperity of our city,” said TCU Chancellor Daniel W. Pullin. “Featuring students makes the impact tangible. They are the reason we do this work and because of them, the future workforce is already creating solutions on our campuses.” 

The panel also served as the opening event of TCU’s Values in Action Week, a campus-wide celebration of the university’s four strategic pillars — student-centered growth; research, scholarship and creative activities; athletics; and community engagement — that culminates in the inauguration of Pullin, TCU’s 11th chancellor.

ABOUT THE EVENT
The Higher Education Leadership Panel: Fueling Innovation and Economic Vitality in Fort Worth brought together hundreds of regional academic and civic leaders to explore how shared initiatives in research, entrepreneurship and workforce development drive economic growth. The event was free and open to the public, with a post-panel showcase highlighting student-led startups and research projects from each participating institution. 

Media assets and resources:

Media Contact:
Holly Ellman
Associate Director of Communication
817-257-NEWS (6397)
h.ellman@tcu.edu