Announcements
John V. Roach Honors College Professor Dan Williams recently published To Be Human: Accounts Vary Widely with the Lamar University Literary Press. Williams is Director of the TCU Press and Honors Professor of Humanities.
To Be Human is a collection of narrative poems that ranges in time from the Paleozoic era to the present day. They explore different perspectives and voices from important historical events and figures including Cicero, Emerson, and Margot of Valois. Scholarly but accessible, these poems explore what it means to be human in a world of fluidity and change.
Williams is also author of A Remarkable Story: TCU 1973-2023, Yet At The Gates, A Refuge of Sunflowers and Milkweed (poetry), You Can’t Build a Company: The Life and Principles of Marlene and Spencer Hays, Honors at TCU: Celebrating Fifty Years of Achievement, co-author.
In a labor market that continues to be tough on college graduates, 90% of seniors in the John V. Roach Honors College knew their next destination by the middle of March 2025.
This remarkable placement rate speaks to the work of faculty and administrators in every college at TCU and the TCU Center for Career and Professional Development. It also speaks to the amazing connections and college collaborations sponsored daily by faculty and staff for the growth and benefit of students.
The source of the data was a survey that had a 100% response rate from over 200 graduating seniors.
John V. Roach Honors College Professor Frederick W. Gooding Jr. recently published Double Crossed: Black Female Intersectionality in Hollywood with the University Press of Mississippi. Gooding is The Dr. Ronald E. Moore Professor in Humanities in the Roach Honors College.
Double Crossed examines the Black female experience through the lens of Hollywood, focusing on the limited spectrum of characters relating to Black women. Gooding does this by contextualizing the history of Black female imagery on screen, tracing how images and stereotypes have shifted over time. Additionally, through close readings of popular films as well as case studies of prominent Black female figures in the entertainment industry, Gooding chronicles the consequences of Hollywood’s representation of Black women both on-screen as well as in real life.
Gooding is also author of Black Oscars: From Mammy to Minny, What the Academy Awards Tell Us about African Americans, Race and Media Literacy, Explained (or Why Does the Black Guy Die First?), and American Dream Deferred: Black Federal Workers in Washington, D.C., 1941-1981.
Friday, May 9 marked a day of celebration for the John V. Roach Honors College graduating students. 12 students graduated as Andrews scholars, finishing upper-division honors, while 193 walked the stage as Honors Laureates, completing both upper and lower-division honors. A special graduate got to sign the Honors Roll of Graduates this year, Chancellor Victor J. Boschini, Jr. was recognized as an honorary 2025 Laureate of the John V. Roach Honors College and was presented with his own stole and certificate, and signed the 'big book' to commemorate his 22 years of service to the university and the Roach Honors College.
On April 21, students enrolled in the Roach Honors course Genius of Hip-Hop at TCU experienced an electrifying evening of conversation and live performances by Brooklyn-based emcees Amari Mar and JS.Titled “The Art and Craft of Hip Hop,” the event blended musical artistry with insightful dialogue, underscoring hip-hop’s enduring influence on culture, philosophy, and society.
Hosted by Dr. Frederick Gooding, Jr., associate professor and Ronald E. Moore Professor in the Humanities, the Genius of Hip-Hop class examines the genre’s historical roots, societal contributions, and philosophical depth. The event, held on campus, provided students a rare opportunity to engage directly with practicing artists who shape the culture they study.
Amari Mar and JS delivered powerful performances of original tracks, including their collaborative anthem “Black Business,” while weaving in reflections on their creative journeys. The emcees joined Dr. Marcellis Perkins, who moderated a candid discussion exploring hip-hop’s evolution, the critical role of women’s voices in the genre, and how their identities as fathers and community members inform their music.
The visit was supported by funding from the Ronald E. Moore Professorship in the Humanities.
Posted May 8, 2025
Kelly and Jeff Dillard visited with students in the Giving and Philanthropy classes to share their experience and insights into strategic philanthropy. During their visit, they walked students through their personal motivations for giving and the detailed process they use to identify, evaluate, and select organizations to support.
The John V. Roach Honors College offers two Giving and Philanthropy courses; both are designed to immerse students in the art and science of philanthropy. Over the semester, students learn to research, assess, and engage with nonprofit organizations. Their efforts culminate in each section awarding $100,000 split among the five nonprofits serving the Fort Worth community.
The Dillards’ visit offered a real-world perspective that complemented the students' academic journey. Their thoughtful approach to giving provided inspiration and practical guidance, helping students further understand the impact intentional philanthropy can make in local communities.
“I appreciated hearing how a prominent TCU family wrestles with giving decisions and does good with their blessings. A philanthropic education is essential in shaping a better society, and the Dillards’ generosity enables that at TCU,” said Andrew Holden, a senior finance and accounting major. “I am beyond grateful for the support and inspiration provided by the Dillard family.”
Posted April 7, 2025
Three members of the Roach Honors academic advising team traveled to Memphis, Tennessee March 5-7, for the National Academic Advising Association’s regional conference. The conference theme this year was From Graceland to Greatness: Inspiring Success through Advising.
NACADA provides a forum for discussion, debate, and the exchange of ideas pertaining to academic advising through numerous activities and publications and advocates for effective academic advising. Shannon Cooper, Justine Grace, and Cecily Weir Jaeger attended sessions, participated in workshops, and spent time connecting with professional academic advisors from other institutions.
Through learning and engagement, the conference provided fresh ideas and perspectives for the benefit of our students and the John V. Roach Honors College.
Posted March 10, 2025
Parts of California were devastated this year by wildfires. Disasters such as this always bring rebuilding challenges, specifically in an area as complex as California. Kristin Ferebee, assistant professor of professional practice with the John V. Roach Honors College, recently contributed to a conversation on rebuilding, moving forward and how we look at wildfires environmentally. Read the full story.
Posted March 6, 2025
David Dena, Director of Finance at the Fort Worth Zoo, visited with John V. Roach Honors College students taking Giving and Philanthropy course. For 90 minutes, Dena, a parent to four TCU alums who graduated as Roach Honors Laureates-shared his expertise on nonprofit financials.
Dena guided students through the process of reading and interpreting Form 990, a crucial tax document that provides insight into a nonprofit’s financial health. He explained how to assess whether an organization is financially stable, where its funding is allocated, and what red flags to watch for when considering a donation.
Throughout the semester, students in Giving and Philanthropy class research and analyze nonprofits across the DFW area, using financial documents like Form 990 to ensure organizations are transparent and responsible with their funds. At the conclusion of the course, students utilize their knowledge to debate a selection of organizations and decide which nonprofits will receive a class donation.
Posted Feb. 28, 2025
Brent Beasley, President and CEO of Fort Worth Education Partnership, and Sara Greer, Principal at the Rainwater Charitable Foundation visited the John V. Roach Honors College to talk with students in the Design for Social Impact class taught by Associate Dean and Professor of Professional Practice, Stacy Landreth Grau, Ph.D.
Students in this class are addressing Fort Worth's literacy crisis by exploring the causes of low reading scores, especially among third graders—the critical year when state standardized testing begins.
Both Beasley and Greer have worked extensively to address Fort Worth’s literacy crisis. During the class, they discussed socioeconomic challenges, ineffective instructional methods, and the impact of funding and resource allocation across schools.
Posted Feb. 21, 2025
We’re excited to introduce our newest team member, Melinda Santos, who joins us as an academic advisor in the John V. Roach Honors College.
A Texas native from Addison, Melinda brings a wealth of experience to the Roach Honors College. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Baylor University, a Masters in Counseling from Wayland Baptist University, and a Masters in Military Operational Art and Science from Air University.
After serving 23 years in the Air Force as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer, she was drawn to TCU’s culture and mission, knowing it was the right place to continue making a difference. “Seeing the academic advisor role in the Honors College and meeting the team, I knew I’d found a place that upheld the values and principles instilled in me throughout my career," she said.
In her new role, she looks forward to learning what inspires our students and helping them achieve their goals. Her advice? “You are the only one who can limit yourself so take the time you have now to expand your horizon and experience all the opportunities that surround you, or forge a path to what has not been envisioned.”
Posted Feb. 21, 2025
TCU was awarded the Interfaith America Faith and Health Campus Grant, a prestigious award aimed at integrating interfaith understanding into healthcare education. This grant brings together faculty from the John V. Roach Honors College, the Pre-Health Professions Institute, and the Department of Religion in a collaborative effort to bridge faith and medicine.
The $60,000 grant was co-authored by professors Sharrona Pearl, Ph.D., the inaugural Andrews Chair of Interdisciplinary Studies in the Honors College; Matthew Crawford, Ph.D., from the Pre-Health Professions Institute within the College of Science and Engineering; and Patricia Duncan, Ph.D. and Jan Quesada, Ph.D., both from the Department of Religion in the AddRan College of Liberal Arts. This grant will fund major initiatives, most notably a regional religion and healthcare symposium in fall 2025. It will also enhance curriculum to incorporate interfaith perspectives into health care education
Posted Feb. 20, 2025