TCU at 136 years

At Convocation, Chancellor Victor J. Boschini, Jr. looked back at the last five years and declared the TCU "vibrant," but the university must "examine our priorities for the coming years."

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By Rick Waters '95

Chancellor Victor J. Boschini, Jr. welcomed faculty, staff, and students to the start of TCU’s 136th academic year by acknowledging TCU is closer to realizing its vision of creating a world-class, values centered university experience for its students.

"We must make big plans and have big dreams. We must stay focused," said Boschini. "We must do all it takes to realize our vision. We can settle for no less."

More than $155 million of construction in new facilities is under way or was completed in 2008, with new facilities including four new residence halls and a new Brown-Lupton University Union (all located in the Campus Commons); a new and renovated College of Education; a new Indoor Practice Facility; and a new TCU Barnes & Noble Bookstore.

"The Campus Commons is the centerpiece of our commitment to providing an unsurpassed 24/7 student experience," Boschini said. "We know that the greatest universities are residential universities. One of the most significant directives growing from Vision in Action, our strategic planning effort, is to ensure that our students benefit from the residential experience. In other words, we have created a place where all the elements of living and learning at TCU will come together 24-hours a day, seven days a week."

In addition to the new facilities, TCU also has appointed 89 new faculty positions over the last five years with a goal of reducing the already low 14:1 student faculty ratio.
The Campaign for TCU is underwriting many achievements throughout the University with commitments now totaling $180 million, or 70 percent, of the $250 million campaign that was publicly launched in April.

The University also welcomed new deans. Dr. O Homer Erekson is the John V. Roach Dean of the Neeley School of Business, Dr. David Whillock is the dean of the College of Communication, and Dr. Mary Patton has assumed the role of interim dean of the College of Education for the academic year.

Boschini welcomed TCU’s class of 2012, 1,625 students who represent one of the University’s most talented and diverse to date. The Class of 2012 boasts some of the highest SAT scores in TCU history and also comprises the highest percentage of students of color at 20 percent, up from 18 percent last year. More than 12,200 students applied for a spot in TCU’s class of 2012. Additionally, 56 international students are studying on campus this year, the second highest number of international students, representing 18 nations.

Boschini also recognized outstanding faculty during Convocation by presenting the Chancellor's Award for Distinguished Achievement as a Creative Teacher and Scholar. Nominees this year are: Richard Enos (English) and James Riddlesperger (political science) from AddRan College of Liberal Arts, In Mu Haw from the Neeley School, William Powers (communication studies) from the College of Communication, Molly Weinburgh (education) from the College of Education, Babette Bohn (art & art history) from the College of Fine Arts, David Jenkins (social work) from Harris College of Health & Human Sciences, Jeffrey Coffer (chemistry) from the College of Science & Engineering and James Duke from Brite Divinity School. The winner of the 2008 Chancellor’s Award for Distinguished Achievement as a Creative Teacher and Scholar was awarded to Dr. Rich Enos, above right.

Additionally, the Chancellor presented the Wassenich Award for Mentoring in the TCU Community to a member of the faculty or staff for outstanding mentoring of students. This year's finalists are: Denise Bennett (Pre Health Professions Program), Tracy Dietz (social work), Mary Patton (education) and Steve Weis (engineering). Denise Bennett, above left, was awarded the 2008 Wassenich Award for Mentoring in the TCU community.

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