TCU's Mission: To educate individuals to think and act as ethical leaders and responsible citizens in the global community. 

This is a place where students learn how to adapt to whatever the future might bring, develop critical thinking skills and expand their creativity. With a choice of rigorous academic programs in 131 undergraduate areas of study, 49 master's level programs and 20 areas of doctoral study, Horned Frogs have opportunities to search for meaning and examine values, yet graduate well-prepared for professional accomplishment.

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TCU's commencement ceremonies begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 12. The schedule is listed below: 

9 a.m.
Bob Schieffer College of Communication
College of Science & Engineering
University Programs (MLA and Ranch Management)

1 p.m.
Neeley School of Business
College of Fine Arts

5 p.m.
AddRan College of Liberal Arts
Brite Divinity School
College of Education
Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences

TCU 2018 Spring Commencement

TCU studio art professors prepared Genie Mack for life as a professional artist, and now she sees her artistry every time she walks into Pier 1.

TCU - College of Fine Arts Alumna

Keynote speaker, Colonel Shane Kimbrough, NASA astronaut and member of the six-person teams who recently completed Expeditions 49 and 50 of the International Space Station, reflect on his life-long pursuit of excellence.

TCU - Convocation of Academic Excellence

Take the lead on a bright future. https://leadon.tcu.edu/

Lead On Horned Frogs

TCU awarded Community Scholars scholarships to five students from the Young Men's Leadership Academy and 50 total scholarships to students in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

2018 TCU Community Scholars - Young Men's Leadership Academy

Dr. Kyle Walker, Director for the Center for Urban Studies, is taking the lead on broader perspectives.

TCU - Kyle Walker

Undergraduate students in the John V. Roach Honors College engage in meaningful research in their field of study.

TCU - The Meaning of Research

TCU alumni Garrett Adair and Nik Hall are taking the lead on business as a force for good.

TCU - Nik Hall and Garrett Adair

Michelle Smith, TCU alum, is taking the lead on embracing understanding.

TCU - L. Michelle Smith

http://www.tcugivesday.tcu.edu/sma.html
 
Take the lead on giving with other TCU students, alumni, faculty and staff, parents and friends on our 4th annual TCU Gives Day! On Thursday, November 9, the world-wide TCU community will come together for 24-hours to help equip and empower students to make a positive impact on the world, each in their own way.

Ben Taylor – King Family Commons Building

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Beyond the Recipe: Rebecca Sharpless Explores the Hidden History of Southern Baking

 Recently published stories exploring the history of baking traditions are shedding light on how many beloved holiday treats are rooted in centuries of trade, survival and innovation. According to Rebecca Sharpless, professor of history in Texas Christian University’s AddRan College of Liberal Arts, staples like gingerbread and fruitcake carry surprisingly deep historical connections, from medieval spice routes to 19th-century preservation methods that allowed cakes to survive nearly year-long journeys.

Sharpless, whose upcoming book People of the Wheat examines the history of wheat culture in North Texas, says many foods now associated with “traditional” Southern baking are actually far more modern than people realize. From red velvet cake to pecan pie, marketing and industrial food production played a major role in shaping today’s culinary traditions. Her research also highlights the social and economic realities behind baking history, including how access to ingredients like wheat and sugar once reflected class, geography and race.

 The full article and interview is attached below - and if you're a baker, a foodie or a journalist looking to know more about this popular topic - it's a must read.

 For journalists exploring food history, holiday traditions, agriculture, or the cultural roots of Southern cuisine, Sharpless offers expert insight into how everyday recipes reveal larger stories about migration, labor, trade and identity.

And if you're looking to connect with Rebecca Sharpless, simply contact Holly Ellman, Associate Director of Communication, today at h.ellman@tcu.edu. 

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TCU Faculty Expert Answers: Why Do We Love Our College Sports?

Associate Professor

Sports Media

Statistics in Media

Sport and Social Media

Sports Fanship

 Sports fandom runs deep. Nowhere is this stronger than in college sports, where traditions, game-day rituals and formative life experiences create bonds and memories that last long after graduation. Dustin Hahn, associate professor of film, television and digital media in the Bob Schieffer College of Communication, recently offered his expertise in a Q&A and completed an Explained in 60 Seconds video in TCU’s social media series to illuminate why we love our college sports and how they shape both identity and community. 

Read his Q&A  from Schieffer College and watch his Explained in 60 Seconds video:

  

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From Amateur Passion to Global Science: How Meteorites Tell the Story of Our Solar System

Oscar and Juanita Monnig Endowed Chair of Meteoritics and Planetary Science

Planets

Meteors

Astroids

A recent article in Texas Highways traces how Oscar Monnig, a Fort Worth businessman with no formal scientific training, built one of the most significant meteorite collections in the United States. Beginning in the 1930s, Monnig identified and acquired rare space rocks, often working directly with scientists and collectors, ultimately assembling a collection that would later be donated to Texas Christian University.

Today, that legacy is carried forward, and elevated, by Rhiannon Mayne, curator of the Oscar E. Monnig Meteorite Collection and Gallery. Mayne frames Monnig not just as a collector, but as a foundational figure in modern meteoritics whose contributions continue to enable global research. As she notes, his collection ensures that “decades from now” scientists worldwide will still be able to study these materials.

“He was definitely one of the most important meteorite collectors of the 20th century,” says Rhiannon Mayne, the curator of the Oscar Monnig Meteorite Collection and Gallery at TCU. She adds that, although he was not a scientist, his gift enables ongoing research in meteoritics. “Decades from now, people all over the world will get to request samples to study because of him.”    Expert Insight: Turning a Private Collection into a Global Research Engine  Mayne’s role is central to transforming Monnig’s passion project into a living scientific asset. Under her leadership, the collection, now one of the largest university-based meteorite repositories in the world supports both cutting-edge research and public engagement.

Her work highlights a key insight: meteorites are not just curiosities, but critical records of planetary formation. By studying them, scientists can access information about the early solar system, and even Earth’s own origins that is otherwise impossible to obtain.

 Rhiannon Mayne is the curator of the Oscar E. Monnig Meteorite Collection, one of the world’s largest university-based meteorite collections, which also includes a world-class museum.   View her profile The article ultimately becomes a story about continuity—how individual curiosity evolves into institutional impact. Monnig’s amateur pursuit laid the groundwork, but it is experts like Mayne who translate that legacy into ongoing discovery, education and global collaboration.

In that sense, Mayne embodies the bridge between past and future: preserving a historic collection while ensuring it remains scientifically relevant, accessible and inspiring for the next generation of researchers.


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TCU Nutritional Sciences Expert Discusses New US Dietary Guidelines

 As updated federal recommendations roll out, Samantha Davis highlights gaps between science and messaging. 

When the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans were released, the message seemed straightforward: Eat more whole foods and reduce processed ingredients and sugar intake. 

But for Samantha Davis, professor of professional practice in nutritional sciences in TCU’s Louise Dilworth Davis College of Science & Engineering, a closer look reveals a more complicated picture. 

“These guidelines influence far more than individual choices,” she said. “They shape what’s served in schools, child care programs and federal nutrition programs nationwide. That’s why it’s so important to ensure the recommendations and the messaging are aligned with the science.”   A Growing Public Health Challenge  The conversation comes amid rising concerns about chronic disease in the United States. More than 70% of American adults are overweight or obese, and nearly one in three adolescents has prediabetes. At the same time, almost 90% of health care spending is tied to chronic disease. 

“These are not small trends,” she said. “Nutrition guidance plays a significant role in how we respond.”   When the Math Doesn’t Match the Message  While the guidelines recommend limiting saturated fat to 10% of daily calories, following the suggested servings, particularly for animal proteins and full-fat dairy, the numbers do not add up. 

“When you actually break it down, those recommendations can push intake closer to 20%,” Davis said. “The math is not mathing.”   That gap raises concerns for heart health, as higher saturated fat intake is associated with elevated LDL cholesterol and increased cardiovascular risk. 

Rethinking Protein in the American Diet  The updated guidelines increase protein recommendations, in some cases significantly. However, protein deficiency is not a widespread issue in the United States. 

“The idea that more protein automatically leads to more muscle is a misconception,” she said. “Exercise builds muscle. Protein supports maintenance and repair.”   Davis also notes that protein is found across a variety of foods, including grains and vegetables, reinforcing the importance of balance ahead of overemphasis. 

 Not All Fats Function the Same  The guidelines encourage incorporating “healthy fats,” but distinctions between fat types may not always be clear. 

“There’s important nuance here. Some fats support heart health, while others are linked to increased risk. That difference matters,” she said. “If we’re trying to address obesity at a population level, we need to consider where calories are coming from.”   For most people, nutrition guidance is distilled into quick takeaways and simplified messaging. 

“People remember what they see and hear in an instant,” she said. “If those messages aren’t clear or consistent, it can lead to confusion.”   Her advice remains grounded in fundamentals: Focus on whole, minimally processed foods and look beyond trends for long-term health. 

Davis’ expert perspective was also featured in Fort Worth Weekly, contributing to the broader conversation about how national nutrition guidance shapes everyday life.

 

tcu-chemistry-researcher-named-a-big-12-faculty-of-the-year

TCU Chemistry Researcher Named a Big 12 Faculty of the Year

Professor

Oxidative Stress

Alzheimer's Disease

Parkinson's Disease

Cataracts and Macular Degeneration

History of Chemistry, War, Atomic Bomb, Gas

STEM Outreach

Synthetic Organic

Synthetic Inorganic

  Kayla Green has built an internationally recognized research program while mentoring the next generation of scientists at Texas Christian University, and her efforts are getting noticed. The chemistry professor and assistant dean of undergraduate affairs at the Louise Dilworth Davis College of Science & Engineering represents TCU among this year’s Big 12 Faculty of the Year honorees.  

The Big 12 Faculty of the Year Award honors outstanding faculty who excel in innovation and research at each of the athletic conference’s 16 universities. Honorees represent and reflect the best attributes that make a Big 12 college campus a bastion for learning and growth.

 “In my view, Professor Green exemplifies the fact that student success cannot happen without research, and world-leading research cannot happen without authentic, student-centered experiences,” wrote a nominator when Green was named the 2025 winner of the Chancellor’s Award for Distinguished Achievement as a Creative Teacher and Scholar. “Professor Green has maintained a vibrant, externally funded research program throughout the past 15 years, a distinction shared by very few TCU faculty.”    Green was chosen in part for her international reputation in the field of inorganic chemistry as applied to neurodegenerative diseases and catalysis, as well as her leadership in a growing research program that has brought in more than $2.5 million in external support. This includes work with Ben Janesko, professor and chair of chemistry and biochemistry, and biology professors Giri Akkaraju and Michael Chumley on a grant from the National Institutes of Health.   

Green’s collaborative work with students highlights her ability to weave together research and mentorship.  

“Dr. Green’s vision and drive have strengthened the foundation of our college,” said T. Dwayne McCay, interim dean of Davis College. “Her ability to inspire students and colleagues alike reflects the kind of leadership that propels our mission forward.”    One of her most impactful initiatives is Chemistry Boot Camp, a program she developed with colleagues Janesko and Heidi Conrad to help incoming students build confidence before their first chemistry class.  

The Big 12 Faculty of the Year Award is intended to showcase the diversity of research breakthroughs and educational opportunities afforded to students attending Big 12 institutions and helps attract future students. This year’s award recipients stretch across a vast array of departments. 

 “We are constantly looking for ways to highlight how Big 12 faculty continue to educate and inspire the next generation of leaders,” Jenn Hunter, Big 12 chief impact officer said. “From the arts and filmmaking to business and engineering, this year’s cohort showcases the vast opportunities available to students pursuing an education on Big 12 campuses.”   Faculty members were nominated by their institutions in conjunction with conference faculty athletic representatives, provosts and other university leaders. 

“I’m very honored to represent TCU as a Big 12 Faculty of the Year,” Green said. “I hope that I am not expected to exhibit any athletic skill sets but am happy to cheer on the Frogs in all they do in our classrooms and competitions! Congratulations to the honorees from across our great conference. TCU has the best faculty, and I am happy to represent them in this capacity.”  

seeing-green-chemistry-professor-transforming-undergraduate-research-at-tcu

Seeing Green: Chemistry Professor Transforming Undergraduate Research at TCU

 When it comes to advancing both student success and world-class research, Kayla Green embodies how the two can go hand in hand. The chemistry professor and assistant dean of undergraduate affairs at the Louise Dilworth Davis College of Science & Engineering has built an internationally recognized research program while mentoring the next generation of scientists and reshaping how chemistry is taught at Texas Christian University. 

Her leadership weaves together research and mentorship in ways that have elevated the department’s impact. With more than $2.5 million in external funding and a track record of collaboration around the globe, Green’s work has not only advanced the field of inorganic chemistry, particularly as applied to neurodegenerative diseases and catalysis, but also strengthened TCU’s standing as a hub for undergraduate research excellence. 

“In the summer heading into my junior year, I began working on what would be my research project in Dr. Green’s lab … that would use iron as a catalyst in molecules. I would end up presenting that research in my senior year,” said Jack Bonnell ’24, a John V. Roach Honors College laureate. Iron is more affordable, more available and less societally problematic than preexisting palladium- or platinum-based molecules.  

“By the end of my senior year, I was able to achieve comparable results with my iron catalyst as you could achieve with palladium or platinum,” said Bonnell, now a second-year medical student at the Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine at TCU. “That was a pretty cool moment in my research, to be able to put it up there in comparison to those.”   Since joining TCU in 2010, Green has mentored more than 50 undergraduate students in her lab, many of whom have gone on to publish their work, present at national conferences and pursue medical or doctoral degrees. She has also been instrumental in creating programs that prepare students to succeed in challenging classes and stay the course in scientific disciplines. 

“Dr. Green’s vision and drive have strengthened the foundation of our college,” said T. Dwayne McCay, interim dean of the Davis College of Science & Engineering. “Her ability to inspire students and colleagues alike reflects the kind of leadership that propels our mission forward.”   Lifting Them Up  One of Green’s most impactful initiatives is Chemistry Boot Camp, a program she developed with colleagues Ben Janesko and Heidi Conrad to help incoming students build confidence before their first chemistry class.  

“The boot camp helps lift them up, and it’s really helped with retention of students in pre-health and science fields,” said Timothy Barth, psychology professor and associate dean of graduate affairs in Davis College. “She didn’t have to do this; she created it because of her commitment and dedication to the students.”   Green’s innovative use of grant funding has expanded laboratory resources, supported student travel to conferences and strengthened research collaborations. The result is a department that rivals larger institutions in both output and opportunity.  

“Davis College does a fantastic job on undergraduate research training,” Green said. “We are a powerhouse.”   For Green, teaching and research are inseparable. Her classroom and laboratory experiences are deliberately interconnected, allowing students to see how chemistry concepts play out in the real world.

“Going into a lot of these complicated diagnoses and being able to break them down into digestible pieces of information for patients is a skill that I definitely can see as useful in my future as a physician,” Bonnell said.   As much as the material itself, he credits Green’s mentorship and the opportunities she provided for his preparation for medical school. 

“I had only taken Dr. Green’s general chemistry course in my first semester as a freshman at TCU. I joined her lab in the spring semester of my freshman year, and I knew only the bare minimum about chemistry. I was in meetings with graduate students who had been working on projects for years,” Bonnell said. “At the beginning, she bounced me around, and I worked with different graduate students to learn all the different things they were doing to find my best fit.”   That blend of rigor and encouragement has become a hallmark of her approach and a model for other departments seeking to integrate research more deeply into the undergraduate experience. 

 Building on Success  Green’s excellence has earned her wide recognition, including honors from the American Chemical Society (Emerging Investigator and Women Chemists Rising Star awards), TCU’s Deans’ Award for Research and Creative Activity and, most recently, the Chancellor’s Award for Distinguished Achievement as a Creative Teacher and Scholar. 

She now brings that same analytical insight and collaborative spirit to her position as the college’s assistant dean of undergraduate affairs, a role she began this academic year.  

“We’ve already begun to experience her decision-making and analysis as part of the dean’s team,” Barth said. “In a short period of time, she’s proving to be an amazing and remarkable administrator.”   Looking ahead, Green continues to build on her success through a National Institutes of Health R15 AREA grant, which supports undergraduate research and provides students with opportunities to contribute to federally funded science.  

“TCU Chemistry has an incredible record of placing students in medical school, Ph.D. programs and research labs across the country,” Green said. “It’s rewarding to see our students thrive in environments that started with their hands-on experiences here.”  

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