Welcome to the spring 2026 edition of Endeavors.

This issue arrives at an inflection point in TCU’s history. We’re accelerating toward R1 status, the highest tier of research classification, while staying true to what makes us TCU: a teacher-scholar model that puts students at the center of discovery.

I’m thrilled to introduce Reuben F. Burch V, our new vice provost for research. Dr. Burch brings a rare combination: the rigor of an engineer, the instincts of an entrepreneur and a deep commitment to student-centered scholarship. At Mississippi State University, he built the Athlete Engineering Institute from a $2,500 pilot project into a $46 million research enterprise. He understands how to move at two speeds — the patient arc of fundamental discovery and the faster tempo of real-world problem-solving. His vision for TCU is clear: research that matters, partnerships that deliver and students who lead the way.

We’re already making bold moves. This year, we’re launching new doctoral programs, expanding our engineering capabilities and renovating facilities for the fine arts. We’re investing heavily in artificial intelligence and machine learning infrastructure — not just to adopt new tools, but to teach our community how to use them wisely and humanely. And we’re deepening partnerships with Fort Worth and North Texas, ensuring our work serves the people and industries around us.

Within these pages, you’ll see what research looks like when excellence meets integrity. You’ll witness faculty and students collaborating across disciplines to generate knowledge that changes lives. You’ll discover how our values — integrity, engagement, community and excellence — shape every corner of our research mission.

This is how we lead on: with clarity of purpose, confidence in our people and an unshakable belief that education can break generational barriers and build a better world.

Go Frogs!