LEAD ON: Values in Action
Texas Christian University’s Strategic Plan
Our Vision for the Future
Inspired by our core values, TCU’s strategic plan, LEAD ON: Values in Action™, is built upon four foundational pillars: 1) Enhancing the student experience through Student-Centered Growth; 2) Elevating academic distinction through significant increases in Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities; 3) Achieving excellence across Athletics in support of student-athletes and programs; and 4) Expanding Community Engagement in Fort Worth and beyond.
Student-Centered Growth
At TCU, students come first. We nurture an engaging learning environment where students can thrive academically, personally and professionally. We aim to create more of the values-based leaders the world needs by thoughtfully growing enrollment and expanding access, while maintaining a high standard of student-centered experiences that prepare students for success in their careers and for meaningful lives of impact and purpose.
Research, Scholarship & Creative Activities
With a commitment to curiosity and innovation, TCU fosters a research culture that encourages academic discovery, creativity and scholarship across disciplines. We aspire to grow as a leading center for research and creativity, drive knowledge, inspire interdisciplinary connections and translate discovery into meaningful impact, making a lasting contribution to society.
Athletics
Excellence and integrity are at the heart of TCU’s athletics programs. This pillar underscores our dedication to building athletic programs that embody TCU values, shaping student-athletes into leaders on and off the field. We aspire to lead nationally in collegiate athletics, celebrating not only our achievements but also our commitment to sportsmanship, teamwork, community engagement and a premier student-athlete and fan experience.
Community Engagement
With a deep commitment to our community, TCU seeks to strengthen meaningful connections that drive social and economic development, innovation and opportunity both locally and beyond. Through collaborative initiatives, we strive to be a valuable community partner and a resource for change, fostering strategic partnerships that make a lasting difference in the lives of our neighbors and our students alike.
Building Momentum
The Starting Point
From 2012 to 2022, TCU grew undergraduate enrollment faster than its peers, raised the graduation rate to 85.5% and retention to 94.3%, surpassed $1 billion in fundraising, and won seven national and eleven Big 12 athletic championships. Fort Worth also became the nation’s second-fastest-growing and 12th-largest city in 2023.
Building on this momentum, TCU’s Board of Trustees charged leadership with beginning an inclusive planning process to develop a new strategic plan that will guide TCU toward a sustainable and ambitious future.
Executive Summary
The Lead On: Values in Action executive summary outlines the four pillars.
Impact Report
TCU surpassed several major milestones in the first year of its strategic plan, LEAD ON: Values in Action.
Shaping Our Campus
Aligned with the strategic plan, our Campus Master Plan is guided by seven key priorities that emerged from stakeholder engagement. Each idea reflects our commitment to creating a campus that excels academically, operates sustainably, supports vibrant student life and fosters strong community connections.