Only Here

Only Here welcomes TCU Vice Provost for Research Reuben Burch for a conversation about the university's momentum toward R1 status and what it means for the Horned Frog community. Burch and Chancellor Daniel W. Pullin talk about why this moment matters for TCU, the progress already underway and how initiatives like AI² are helping expand research and innovation across campus.

Only Here welcomes former Mattel, Inc. Chief Brand Officer Lisa McKnight or a conversation on leading the “Barbie Renaissance” and transforming one of the world’s most iconic brands. McKnight and Chancellor Daniel Pullin explore values-driven leadership, balancing heritage with bold reinvention and what it takes to steward brands that shape culture and commerce. During her visit to TCU as a Green Honors Chair in the Bob Schieffer College of Communication, McKnight also discusses mentoring the next generation of storytellers and why authentic leadership is paramount.

Only Here welcomes TCU Vice Provost for Enrollment Management Heath Einstein to the pod to talk what student-centered growth looks like, why TCU is uniquely positioned to grow despite current headwinds, what being a values and vibes school really means and how TCU for Texans is making this incredible education available to the best and brightest in the state. As Einstein and Chancellor Daniel Pullin noted, helping Texans afford a TCU education has long been a part of the university’s DNA, and you need look no further than Nike CEO Elliott Hill to see what becomes possible with programs like this. 

Only Here welcomes Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker to the pod to talk about the relationship between the university and city, how both find themselves at the juncture of growth and opportunity, the financial and community aspects of big-time athletics in Fort Worth, the importance of green spaces, the intersection of experiential learning opportunities for Horned Frogs and solving real-world problems for the community, and a not-so-little TV show called “Landman”.

"Only Here" welcomes TCU Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Mike Buddie to the pod to talk why TCU, the changing landscape of college athletics, why he thinks selling TCU as a four-year destination is still a win, big Ws since his arrival and what college athletics can learn from the N.Y. Yankees.

Only Here welcomes Horned Frogs Head Football Coach Sonny Dykes to the pod to talk about his quarterback and Heisman hopeful Josh Hoover choosing to forgo the portal, what that says about TCU, the upcoming season, College Football Playoff formats, and what it’s like hailing from Texas football royalty.

Texas Christian University’s inaugural Office of University Strategy and Innovation began with the arrival of Chief University Strategy & Innovation Officer Tom Wavering in thesummer of 2024. The office was established to foster TCU’s forward-thinking strategies and culture of innovation and ensure TCU remains competitive in a rapidly changing educational landscape. Listen in as Wavering discusses the new LEAD ON: Values in Action strategic plan, plans for greater collaboration across the TCU community and shares his dreams for TCU.  This episode was recorded in February 2025.

In this episode of TCU Innovates, Bill Nunez, Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, and Chancellor Pullin explore how bold vision and strategic resource management—from campus master planning and the Lead On: Values in Action strategic plan to community partnerships—propel the university forward. “And sometimes we look at resources as money, but it’s not just money; it’s people, it’s our environment, it’s our built environment, it’s our land,” says Nunez. “The strategic plan is an incredible example of TCU being bold and looking into the future.”This episode was recorded in February 2025.

President Daniel Pullin interviews Dr. Floyd Wormley, Jr., Texas Christian University’s Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, discussing his TCU journey, leadership vision and commitment to academic excellence. Dr. Wormley reflects on the university’s new LEAD ON: Values in Action strategic plan and the transformative role of research in shaping future leaders.“One reason I love working with undergraduate students is that they come so excited and curious. They ask great questions that have never been thought of before,” says Wormley. “Years later, when they have their own research labs and send me pictures of their families, I see the impact we’ve had. It’s the best job on earth.”The podcast conversation highlights TCU’s values-driven leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration and equipping students with hands-on experiences that extend beyond the classroom.“Being involved in research or scholarship and creative activity allows students to live out what we teach them in the classroom. It shows employers that they are prepared on day one for whatever they want to do,” Wormley continues.

In a new episode of TCU Innovates, President Daniel Pullin and Craig Allen, Executive Director of Housing & Residence Life and Fraternity & Sorority Life, explore the evolution of on-campus living and its vital role in student growth and success. Their discussion highlights how TCU's residence hall experience aligns with the new LEAD ON: Values in Action strategic plan to enhance student success, and reinforces the TCU’s core value of community. Allen emphasizes the importance of fostering a strong sense of community, explaining, "The student experience supports students' sense of connection and belonging to each other. The ability to work together on projects and schoolwork is reinforced when they live together in a community."

KTCU Co-Managers Geoffrey Craig and Janice McCall share their passion for student success and digital media with President Daniel W. Pullin in this latest episode of TCU Innovates. Celebrating its 60th anniversary of being on the FM frequency in 2024, KTCU has been a part of the digital media transformation. One thing that hasn’t changed – keeping the focus on student success. “The biggest thing is the hands-on experience. Students get in here from day one and get experience, to know the equipment and understand how things run. It’s more of a show and tell instead of sitting and watching us do all the work,” McCall says. Craig continues, “When students join KTCU, we are going to teach them not just the rules of the FCC or how far the microphone is supposed to be from your face, but how to write better, communicate better, and feel more confident in everything they do. It’s not just radio and talking on the radio. It’s the learning aspect. It’s the growth aspect. It’s the mentorship aspect. All of that comes together at this radio station.” 

In a new episode of TCU Innovates, Chancellor Victor Boschini is joined by Kit T. Moncrief, Chair of the Texas Christian University Board of Trustees, the first woman to hold the role in the University’s 151-year history. Chair Moncrief, a lifelong supporter and advocate of TCU, shares her deep connection to the University and her unique perspectives on leadership and community engagement. "I think TCU is one thing that Fort Worth is very proud of," Chair Moncrief says, reflecting on how TCU’s connection with Fort Worth enriches both the community and the University. Chair Moncrief discusses how it is essential for TCU and Fort Worth to be "hand in hand" in everything they do, with the University being a proud and vital part of the city's identity. When asked what she would tell a future Horned Frog, she said, “Study hard. It’s going to be the greatest experience of your life.” Tune in to hear more about Chair Moncrief’s leadership journey, the strength of the TCU-Fort Worth partnership, and the impact of a strong, engaged community.

Ron Pitcock, Wassenich Family Dean of the John V. Roach Honors College, dives deep into the power of gratitude and its role in shaping ethical leaders at TCU. During the TCU Innovates podcast with President Daniel Pullin,  Pitcock explains that the essence of gratitude extends far beyond polite gestures—it’s about fostering intellectual humility and cultivating a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of our world. “When our students learn to be grateful, they develop a sense of curiosity, humility and responsibility that helps them engage meaningfully with the world around them,” Pitcock says. The Rhetoric of Gratitude course in the Honors College is a perfect example of how TCU nurtures this value. The course encourages students to consider their personal values, engage with local nonprofits and reflect on the larger implications of their decisions. Pitcock says, “Education is not just about acquiring knowledge—it’s about learning how to make a difference in the lives of others.” In the episode, Pitcock also highlights how studying abroad broadens students’ perspectives and deepens their understanding of ethical leadership and global citizenship.  “The world extends far beyond Fort Worth, Texas,” Pitcock says. “Our students are learning that curiosity and a genuine interest in the world around them is what drives meaningful contributions, both locally and globally.”

Explore the innovative ways Texas Christian University fosters connection through campus culture and dynamic student programming in the next episode of TCU Innovates. “Connection is everything on campus,” Kelly Lee, Director of Student Activities, says to Chancellor Victor Boschini, emphasizing the importance of relationships and collaboration across TCU. “We value the relationships we build and the feedback we receive from students to create spaces where everyone feels safe and supported.”  Lee brings a unique perspective on how campus traditions evolve to create unforgettable moments for students, alumni and the community, including one of TCU’s favorite traditions, the annual Christmas Tree Lighting and concert. Featuring SuperFrog, Santa, holiday treats and a live concert, the event showcases TCU’s unique ability to combine holiday cheer with its passionate Horned Frog spirit. As Lee looks ahead, her commitment to fostering connection and innovation continues to shape the TCU experience. “We’ve listened to the students on campus,” she says, “and everything we do is for them.”

In this episode of TCU Innovates, Chancellor Victor Boschini and Jeremiah Donati, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, discuss the future of TCU Athletics, focusing on best-in-class student-athlete support and world-class facilities. “The reality is that there’s never been a better time to be at TCU,” Donati says. With TCU Athletics continuing to thrive, the best is yet to come for the Horned Frogs. “Our student-athletes are going to leave here with a degree that is going to put them on a different trajectory of life,” he concludes.  Donati also highlights the unique spirit on TCU’s campus, especially around athletics. “There’s an energy on campus, and you can’t find that anywhere else,” he says, emphasizing the strong bond between the University, its students and the community.

In the latest episode of TCU Innovates, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Dr. Kathy Cavins-Tull, shares her passion for supporting students and commitment to TCU Values with President Daniel Pullin.  “I always say that when a student comes to TCU, I want to capture their heart,” says Cavins-Tull. “It's not just getting a degree and moving on from here. I want our campus to be a place of belonging for them now and for the rest of their lives.”As part of the Sesquicentennial in 2023, members of the Texas Christian University community embarked on a project to reexamine TCU Values. The inclusive year-long process included a campus-wide online survey, interviews with campus members and review and feedback from faculty, staff and student leaders. The result: four clear, distinctive values that define who we are as a university. “Just like our mission, we are helping students understand what our four values of Integrity, Community, Engagement and Excellence mean to us in everything that we do,” said Cavins-Tull. “When we see people doing great work, people living out integrity or community and bringing people into a sense of belonging, we want to recognize their work and their commitment to the things that are important to TCU.”

In the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, innovation isn't just about technology—it's about rethinking the very foundations of how we train the doctors of tomorrow. In the latest episode of TCU Innovates, Dr. Stuart Flynn, Founding Dean of the Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine at TCU, shares his innovative vision and passion for training physicians.   “I've spent my whole career at academic medical centers. When I came to TCU, I already had ideas of how to train physicians of the future. That ranged everywhere from the curriculum to innovative opportunities, how we train them in the clinical sphere, and how to communicate with patients. Training doctors how to communicate with patients didn’t really exist in medical education curriculum before. Now, with the Burnett School of Medicine, we’ve set the standard for the next generation of doctors,” says Dean Flynn.

Dominic Mendlik is a student on the move. In his interview with Chancellor Boschini, he discusses his role as Student Government Association President, his leadership style, the challenges and opportunities in his role, and his love of TCU.   “It’s a great honor to represent all of our amazing students and to be entrusted with this role,” Mendlik says. “My big dream for TCU is that we can continue to give what I think is the ideal college experience to as many students as possible, which is not only just a degree that is incredibly valuable and applicable to a successful career, but also providing them a student experience, a life experience, that is transformative in the types of people that they become – while having fun along the way.”

Last fall, the Wall Street Journal ranked Texas Christian University No. 5 in the nation for top career and learning-related outcomes. In this episode of TCU Innovates, President Pullin talks about the secret to TCU’s success in an interview with Mike Caldwell, Executive Director of the TCU Career and Professional Development Center. When it comes to career planning and support, Caldwell says, “Students can go online or watch a YouTube video, but ultimately, they need someone they can share their personal story with and know that person cares about them and is willing to support them.”

Eric Wood, Ph.D., TCU's Director of Counseling and Mental Health, visits with Chancellor Boschini to discuss how Texas Christian University is leading the way for colleges nationwide in providing counseling and mental health services to students. Through the Comprehensive Care Model, the TCU Counseling and Mental Health Center’s average waitlist is now the shortest in the country, helping students, building community and improving the mental health crisis one student at a time. “When we talk about mental health, that’s not a clinical term. It’s a developmental concern affecting every community,” says Dr. Wood. “If you have a connected culture like TCU, someone can easily encourage someone else to use a resource or to take care of themselves.”

From Paris, where he is cheering on three TCU Women’s Basketball players and nine former players, Head Coach Mark Campbell shares his passion for basketball, coaching and TCU. “We’re just scratching the surface at TCU, specifically in women’s basketball,” says Coach Campbell. Listen to his interview with President Pullin, where the two discuss the scene at the 2024 Olympics, recruiting and all things TCU Women’s Basketball.

Alumnus, former Texas Christian University Student Government President and adventure-seeker Brent Folan ’13 has traveled to 113 countries and all seven continents. It all started with a few selfies that landed him on Good Morning America, which led to sponsorships to travel the world. As a volunteer for Team USA and the Paris Olympics, his message to Horned Frogs is simple: travel the world.    Folan shares his story with President Pullin under the shadow of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, where together, they are cheering on Horned Frogs competing in the Paris Olympics.

From the Olympic Games in Paris, France, President Pullin connects with Texas Christian University Beach Volleyball Head Coach Hector Gutierrez to cheer on Horned Frogs Dani Alvarez and Tania Moreno competing for Spain. Coach Gutierrez discusses the players' mental toughness, the incredible impact supporters have on the lives of TCU student-athletes, how to watch beach volleyball on campus and more. (Please excuse background noise)

“It's been challenging and fun – and lots of late nights and early mornings – but I wouldn't change it for the world,” says Syler-Jones.   In the next episode of TCU Innovates, Chancellor Boschini interviews Vice Chancellor for Marketing & Communication Tracy Syler-Jones about marketing, branding, team building and the lessons she has learned across a nearly 25-year TCU journey.    From the early days when she helped start TCU’s first social media accounts, to the first full-scale Lead On branding effort and TCU’s 150th anniversary celebration, Syler-Jones’ leadership has guided TCU’s success at every turn.    “We intentionally built a team based on where we want to go with the institution, how we want to position TCU to lead and how we want to tell the University's story,” Syler-Jones says.

“Life is all about relationships,” says TCU Football Quarterback and Entrepreneurship major Josh Hoover.   ESPN described Hoover as one of the “10 most interesting quarterbacks for the 2024 college football season.” In this latest TCU Innovates episode with President Pullin, Hoover talks about growing up in an athletic family, his favorite place on the TCU campus and what leadership means to him.

“We want everybody to feel connected and to know that they are a part of something bigger than themselves –something spectacular. It is special to be a part of TCU,” says Vanessa Roberts Bryan, Ed.D., Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Leadership & Student Involvement. Vanessa Roberts Bryan talks with Chancellor Boschini about her love of TCU, passion for supporting students and TCU’s unique culture of connection – something Chancellor Boschini describes as a “hallmark of TCU.” Roberts Bryan says her goal is to “intentionally create experiences to develop a sense of belonging for our students, our students of all walks of life. And so, we try to meet them where we are and welcome them in.” She believes in empowering students to feel a sense of belonging and fostering a culture of connection.

TCU Chief Investment Officer Jason Safran ’01 talks with President Pullin about the power of TCU’s endowment and its impact on the student experience, his staffing and investing philosophies, and approach to student internships and engagement – including the annual Investment Strategies Conference hosted with the Neeley School of Business. Safran says his goal is to “magnify the transformative student impact” happening at TCU, and by growing the endowment, help make the TCU student experience as accessible, exceptional and “life-transformative” as possible. “In my career, I wanted to be aligned with purpose. And for me, there's no greater cause than the student experience,” says Safran.

In President Pullin’s first TCU Innovates podcast, he visits with Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Mike Scott ’83 MBA ’04, to learn about his TCU journey and his perspectives on financial aid, the FAFSA and CSS profile and more.

TCU Women’s Basketball Head Coach Mark Campbell talks with Chancellor Boschini about his vision for – and success in – building culture, motivating teams and inspiring athletes. Mark Campbell’s first season as the new head coach of TCU Women’s Basketball has been a story for the ages. From a recording-breaking 14-0 start to mid-season injuries and open tryouts, Coach Campbell shares his love of coaching and passion for building championship programs. “You learn what your culture is when adversity hits” - Coach Campbell