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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Texas Christian University

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

experts-in-the-media-eating-habits-of-people-who-grew-up-poor

Experts in the Media: Eating Habits of People Who Grew Up Poor

Sarah Hill, Ph.D, professor of psychology helped reporters explore how early life poverty continues to foster food preferences and mental associations around eating.

Professor, Psychology

Women's Psychology

Sex Hormones

The Birth Control Pill

Interpersonal Relationships

Menstrual Cycle

Mind-Body Interactions

  Sarah Hill, Ph.D, professor of psychology, contributed insights to an AOL article, “Eating Habits of People Who Grew Up Poor,” exploring how early life poverty continues to foster food preferences and mental associations around eating. The piece examines why many adults raised in low-income households feel “unnatural” when switching from inexpensive comfort foods to fresh produce and how habits formed in scarcity can linger long after financial hardships subside.

Hill emphasizes that these patterns aren’t just personal quirks but deeply ingrained coping strategies.

“For someone who rarely saw fresh fruits or vegetables growing up, the cost, smell, even the way they cut or cook produce, can feel foreign,” she wrote. The article also discusses how scarcity conditioning can lead to behaviors like eating beyond fullness to avoid waste, attachment to “cheap staples” or resistance to change in diet, even when healthy choices are available. Hill argues that recognizing these habits with compassion, as adaptations rather than flaws, is key to promoting lasting healthy change.

 Sarah Hill is currently a researcher and professor at TCU, lead research advisor at 28, and a thought leader in the area of women’s hormones and sexual psychology. Sarah’s groundbreaking research has resulted in more than 80 research publications. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Scientific American, The Economist, and on television shows like Good Morning and The Today Show. See her profile here. The full article is available here:

 Looking to know more - simply click on Sarah's icon below to arrange an interview time today.


expert-research-the-surprising-source-of-nextgen-antibiotics-oyster-blood

Expert Research: The Surprising Source of Next-Gen Antibiotics: Oyster Blood

TCUs Shauna McGillivray has her work featured in Phamed.com

Professor & Associate Department Chair

Antibiotic Resistance

Microbiology

Intersections of Genetics and Disease

Bacterial Virulence in Genes

Bacterial Pathogenesis

 Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing concern across the world and it has doctors worried and scientists working hard to find a solution

Basically, AMR is when bacteria and viruses no longer respond to antimicrobial medicines. The result is making infections harder to treat and increases the risk of spreading disease.

Recently, Texas Christian University researcher Shauna McGillivray commented on exciting new research in this area that was featured in the media:

The search for a solution to antimicrobial resistance found something. And researchers found it in a true “it’s always the last place you look” location. Australian oysters. Or more specifically, Australian oyster blood. Antimicrobial proteins and peptides (AMPPs) “… are an exciting area with a lot of potential,” said Shauna McGillivray, professor of biology at TCU with an emphasis on host-pathogen interactions. “[They] are by themselves very potent but, as has been noted in multiple studies, they can also synergize with existing antibiotics, thereby improving efficacy of antibiotics, even in some cases to antibiotics to which there are high levels of resistance.”  Feb. 22 -Phamed.com   This is an amazing find and could be groundbreaking for the pharmaceutical industry and health care.

And if you're looking to know more about this research and what it means for health care - then let us help.

Shauna McGillivray, associate professor of biology is available to speak with media about her recent research - simply click on her icon now to arrange an interview today.





experts-in-the-media-before-kickoff-media-went-to-the-experts-at-tcu-for-some-super-bowl-insight

Experts in the Media: Before Kickoff Media Went to the Experts at TCU for Some Super Bowl Insight

Associate Professor

Sports Media

Statistics in Media

Sport and Social Media

Sports Fanship

 The lead up to last Sunday's Super Bowl was tremendous.  All eyes and an enormous global audience were all fixated on the big game in New Orleans.

With the Kansas City Chiefs looking to make history, the Philadelphia Eagles looking for revenge and with President Trump and Taylor Swift in attendance - the attention from media was overwhelming.

When Newsweek needed some expert insight and perspective - they connected immediately with TCU's Dustin Hahn.

 Last year's Super Bowl LVIII ranked as the most-watched Super Bowl of all time, according to findings from Nielsen's National panel measurement. Dr. Dustin Hahn, associate professor of film, television and digital media in the Bob Schieffer College of Communication at Texas Christian University, told Newsweek the Super Bowl could see a decline in viewership because fans are tired of seeing the Chiefs in the Super Bowl. Plus, excitement about Taylor Swift's relationship with Chief's tight end Travis Kelce is less novel. However, Hahn said it's possible more people will be watching the Super Bowl to see if the Chiefs make history by winning the championship three times in a row, plus the possibility that Kelce could make a retirement announcement. February 09 - Newsweek  Covering sports, media and major events? then let us help with your ongoing or future coverage.

Dustin Hahn is associate professor of film, television and digital media in the Bob Schieffer College of Communication at Texas Christian University.

Dustin is available to speak with media - simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.


head-trauma-and-longterm-impacts

Head trauma and long-term impacts

TCU's Chris Watts talks to USA Today about Brett Favre's Parkinson's diagnosis

Marilyn & Morgan Davies Dean, Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences; Professor of Communication Sciences & Disorders

Voice Disorders

Parkinson's

Neurological Disorders

Laryngeal Function

Dysphagia

 Last week, NFL great Brett Favre revealed publicly that he has Parkinson's disease. It was an announcement that has also put the devastating affliction back in the media spotlight, and has experts and the public wondering if there's a link between high-impact sports like football and Parkinson's.

 It's why researchers like Christopher Watts from TCU are getting contacted by national media looking for answers.


Head trauma alone is not the sole risk factor for Parkinson’s. Experts say the disease has also been linked to environmental factors, like exposure to certain pesticides or chemicals, and genetic mutations. “If all the ingredients in the recipe come together, you may develop Parkinson’s disease,” said Christopher Watts, Texas Christian University's Dean of the Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences, who researches the disease. “The reason why we know is because not every boxer develops Parkinson's disease… it has to be other things that are acting along with that exposure to head trauma.” The median age for a Parkinson’s diagnosis is about 65, Watts said. At 54, Favre is on the younger end of that spectrum. Parkinsonism – an umbrella term for brain conditions that cause slow movement, rigidity and tremors – has been well studied in boxers, Watts said. One of history’s most legendary boxers, Muhammad Ali, was diagnosed with the disease. However, the research among football players isn't as robust. A 2023 study published in JAMA found participants with a history of playing organized football had higher odds of Parkinsonism or Parkinson's disease compared with those involved in other organized sports. But other studies have reported mixed findings, Watts said. He said researchers must determine if there is a link. “Football is such a big part of American society,” he said. “We need to know the answers to this.” September 25 - USA Today   With the NFL season in full swing - this will be a subject that will be receiving ongoing coverage throughout the season. And if you're a journalist looking to know - then let us help with your stories, questions and coverage.

Chris Watts is the Marilyn & Morgan Davies Dean of Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences at Texas Christian University and is an expert in the areas of neurological disorders.

Chris is available to speak with media about this important topic - simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.



expert-qa-ralph-carter-speaks-on-the-politics-of-the-olympic-games

Expert Q&A: Ralph Carter Speaks on the Politics of the Olympic Games

Piper Professor, Political Science

International Relations

U. S. Foreign Policy in Film

Middle East

Russia

North Korea

War & Conflict

Foreign Policy

Foreign Policy Analysis

Promotion of U. S. Democracy

  The 2024 Summer Olympics in France are a celebratory time for many – including a record nine Horned Frogs competing – but the Games are against the backdrop of dynamic circumstances throughout the globe. TCU News spoke to Ralph Carter, Piper Professor of political science, about viewing the Olympics through the lens of current affairs.

Q: Between the Russia/Ukraine conflict, the Israel/Palestine conflict and more, the Olympics are occurring during a tumultuous time in our world. Would you share your observations on that as a political scientist?  The Olympics always take place against a backdrop of international politics. They often generate a surge in nationalism on the part of participating countries. There could be demonstrations for or against certain countries or their athletes that get the attention of the media, but the conflicts currently underway in the world will be largely unaffected.  Q: This is not new. Do any other Games stick out in your mind that occurred during disruption?  The 1980 Olympics were held in Moscow less than a year after the Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan. As a result, many countries boycotted participating in those games, including the United States. Ultimately, 67 countries chose not to participate in 1980. In retaliation, the Soviet Union boycotted the 1984 Olympics held in Los Angeles along with a handful of pro-Soviet or anti-US countries. Nonetheless, 140 countries participated in 1984, making it the largest number of participating countries up to that point.  Q: Do you feel the Olympic Games happening during times like these helps or hurts? Do you feel it brings a respite or instead makes things more uncomfortable?  It magnifies both the good and bad emotions that arise with heightened nationalism. However, this is usually short-lived, and relationships return to their prior state pretty quickly. Q: For years the Olympics have looked past differences in governments, societies, politics, even human rights. From a historical and political standpoint, what do you think the impact of the Games has been?  The Olympics are a mirror of current realities in international politics. The fact that in 1936 four Olympic gold medals were won in Berlin by a Black American – Jesse Owens – did not change Adolf Hitler’s racism. The 1980 boycott of the Moscow games did not result in a Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan. In short, the Olympics have minimal impact on global politics, if that.   

Q: Anything else you would like to add?  In the past, many countries have gone on spending sprees to host an Olympics, building arenas and sporting facilities, “Olympic villages” of apartments, etc. Many of those countries have failed to recoup any meaningful return on their investments. Oftentimes, those facilities fall into disrepair and lead one to wonder how those financial resources could be better invested for the people of that country. Only a limited number of countries have the in-place sporting facilities and hospitality infrastructure to host such events. It’s long past time, in my opinion, for there to be some changes in the decision-making process regarding host countries.  Ralph Carter is available to speak with media about the upcoming Olympic Games - simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.
      


on-the-tswift-beat-our-expert-can-fill-any-of-the-blank-spaces-you-might-have-in-your-coverage

On the T-Swift beat? Our expert can fill any of the blank spaces you might have in your coverage

Department Chair & Professor of Psychology

Marital Conflict

Emerging Adulthood

Parenting

Emotion Regulation

Caregiver Care for Families with Autism

Autism

Early Infant Development (Birth to Age 3)

Emotional Development

Adolescence

College Students

Marital Relationship

 She's everywhere - and this month Taylor Swift restarts her world tour meaning coverage of this American mega-star will be global.

Recently TCU's Naomi Ekas was featured in USA Today and Time Magazine where her expert opinion and insight into Taylor Swift's impact on American psychology is helping to explain her place atop planetary pop-culture.

 Professor Naomi Ekas teaches a course about the connection between psychology and Swift's place in pop culture at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas. She believes there are universal themes listeners have experienced in Swift's lyrics but notes that the pop star's particular worldview may not translate to everyone. At the beginning of the spring semester, Ekas asked her students what labels they attached to Swift. Many of the responses reflected that were "these are white girl experiences, and this is white girl music and there isn't kind of that representation or that connection kind of outside of that particular racial group," she tells USA TODAY. "Everyone's dated the bad boy and they’ve had the friendship breakups and they’ve, you know, crashed and burned in relationships, revenge – these are pretty common themes across humankind, but then her particular life and how she's living them out might not connect to everybody," Ekas says.  April 24 - USA Today   Last year, when millions of people were trying to snag Eras Tour tickets, students at Texas Christian University were working just as hard to get into "Psychology (Taylor’s Version)," a new class offered by developmental psychologist Naomi Ekas. “We take different topics and themes from her music or her life and apply a developmental perspective to it,” she says. Classes have centered, for example, on infidelity, revenge, attraction, and breakups. During one recent class, Ekas played Marjorie, the devastating Evermore tune that pays tribute to Swift’s grandmother. (I should've asked you questions, I should've asked you how to be, she sings.) Many of the 120 students started crying and asked if they could have a few minutes to text their grandmother or their mom or their dad. “We were all like, ‘Do we continue with class today? Because we’re very sad,’” Ekas recalls. April 19 - Time Magazine

 There will be no shortage of Taylor Swift coverage in the coming months - and if you're a journalist looking to fill a blank space in your story and avoid a cruel summer with no expert sources - then let us help.

Naomi Ekas's research program utilizes a developmental psychology approach to understanding children’s social and emotional development. She also  teaches a course about the connection between psychology and Swift's place in pop culture.

Naomi is available to speak with media - simply click on her icon now to arrange a time today.


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