“It’s a remarkable time at TCU,” said Chancellor Victor J. Boschini, Jr. “This budget allows the University to focus on its priorities of maintaining TCU’s competitive advantage, intensifying the University’s momentum, and strengthening the student experience. We will continue to move this institution forward in a manner that maintains the quality of a world-class, values-centered university experience.”
The 2010-2011 budget will allow TCU to:
• Fund new faculty positions in areas of high enrollment growth
• Fund academic programs such as: instructional and operational support in Mary Couts Burnett Library and colleges, permanent funding for a new student academic advising initiative and junior faculty research
• Increase overall financial aid funded by TCU by 6.2 percent, matching the tuition increase
• Establish new scholarships for music and equestrian programs
• Hire new campus police officers, purchase related equipment and provide officer training for campus safety
• Provide a salary merit pool of 2.5 percent for faculty and staff
• Complete the multi-year salary improvement program to bring salaries of non-exempt staff positions to 80 percent of the average market hiring rate in the Metroplex
To further support TCU’s strategic vision of returning to its residential roots, renovation of residential facilities will continue with Moncrief Hall. Moncrief Hall renovations are projected to begin in May and be complete by August 2010. Improvements to Moncrief will include upgraded infrastructure, restored bathrooms and other enhancements to make the facility compatible with newly built and renovated residential facilities.
Further, TCU will continue to reshore facilities to provide excellent teaching and learning spaces. To that end, the Trustees approved the renovation of the building housing the School of Classical and Contemporary Dance. The improvements, which will be complete by August 2011, will address code and accessibility issues, while also providing a more functional interior layout for dance activities.
The Trustees also approved pursuing funding for a $105 million renovation of the west side of Amon G. Carter Stadium. The renovation will greatly enhance the fan experience as well as provide facility upgrades to restrooms, concession stands and upper seating levels. Trustees agreed that the renovation project, which is all donor funded, will not commence until funds are raised. If the funding is received, the stadium renovation will begin at the close of the 2010 football season.
Trustees also attended the dedication of the renovated Pro Shop at the Bayard H. Friedman Tennis Center and the dedication of Clarence and Kerry Scharbauer Hall, new home to AddRan College of Liberal Arts and the John V. Roach Honors College.
In other board business, the Trustees were informed that TCU has now received 13,828 applications for 1,650 spots in TCU’s freshmen class. The Campaign for TCU also continues to make good progress. As of now, the Campaign has raised more than $220.2 million to improve the student experience. The University has raised 88 percent of the $250 million Campaign goal. Additionally, the University has raised $52.1 million of the $100 million goal to support the scholarship initiative. For more information on the initiative, visit http://www.scholarship.tcu.edu/.
In other action, the Trustees voted on tenure, promotions and granting emeritus status to faculty members. Faculty granted tenure are Carrie Liu Currier (political science), Anne E. Frey (English), Sarah Ruffing Robbins (English), Mary Rebecca Sharpless (history), Ray J. Pfeiffer (accounting), David Steven Preston (information systems and supply chain management), Mayme Francyne Huckaby (education), Joseph Eckert (music), Till MacIvor Meyn (music), Chris A. Powell (art), Patricia Ann Sloan (art), Lavonne Marilyn Adams (nursing), Mary Melissa Sherrod (nursing), Gloria B. Solomon (kinesiology), Christopher Russell Watts (communication sciences and disorders), Onofrio Annunziata, (chemistry), John Richard Fanchi (engineering), Greg B. Friedman (mathematics), Demitris Kouris (physics and engineering) and Michael J. Misamore (biology).
Faculty promoted to the rank of professor are Jack Anthony Hill (religion), Chris Roberts Sawyer (communication studies), Cecilia Silva (education), Susan Douglas-Roberts (modern dance), Blaise J. Ferrandino (music), Bobby Ray Francis (music), Germán Gutiérrez (music), David Allen Jenkins (social work), Deborah Jean Rhea (kinesiology), Gloria B. Solomon (kinesiology), Christopher Russell Watts (communication sciences and disorders) and Jean-Luc Georges Montchamp (chemistry).
Those promoted to the rank of associate professor are Carrie Liu Currier (political science), Anne E. Frey (English), Mary Rebecca Sharpless (history), David Steven Preston (information systems and supply chain management), Mayme Francyne Huckaby (education), Joseph Eckert (music), Till MacIvor Meyn (music), Chris A. Powell (art), Patricia Ann Sloan (art), Lavonne Marilyn Adams (nursing), Mary Melissa Sherrod (nursing), Susan Mace Weeks (instructor), Onofrio Annunziata, (chemistry), Greg B. Friedman (mathematics) and Michael J. Misamore (biology). Promoted to the rank of assistant professor were Marinda Elliott Allender (nursing) and Lynn K. Flahive (communication sciences and disorders).
Nancy W. Nix (Neeley School) was promoted to the rank of professor of professional practice. Hylda B. Nugent (nurse anesthesia) and Kristina L. Riddlesperger (nursing) were promoted to the rank of associate professor of professional practice. Those promoted to the rank of assistant professor of professional practice include Jimmie C. Borum (nursing), Teresa Dennett Gonzalez (communication sciences and disorders), Kathy Lee Dunham Hakala (nursing), Linda L. Martin (nursing) and Debra Lynn Schmidt (nursing).
The following faculty were recommended to emeritus status, effective upon retirement: Christopher B. Barry (finance), Ralph R. Behnke (communication studies), Victor A. Belfi (mathematics), Patricia J. Bradley (nursing), James T. Chambers (history), David E. Conn (art), Edward S. Kolesar Jr. (engineering), posthumous, Michael D. McCracken (biology), Carroll A. Quarles Jr. (physics), William John Ryan (communication sciences and disorders) and Ronald L. Shirey (music), posthumous.
Board actions also confirmed the appointment of three new trustees: Leanne Acuff, Hunter Enis and John H. Pinkerton. The next meeting of TCU’s Board of Trustees will be Nov. 10-12.