TCU honored its outstanding faculty and staff with awards that align with TCU’s values of Integrity, Engagement, Community and Excellence. Read on to learn about the winners and awards.
William E. Tucker Award for Integrity & Ethical Leadership
The winners of the William E. Tucker Award for Integrity & Ethical Leadership were
nominated as a team: Courtney Hendrix, academic advisor in the Neeley School of Business,
Erik Trevino, director of landscaping and grounds, and Wendy Macias, professor of
strategic communication and associate dean of undergraduate studies in the Bob Schieffer
College of Communication. The award recognizes acts of integrity and ethical leadership
in their ongoing contributions to the success of TCU’s values-centered and mission-driven
community.
Specifically, this team is being honored for collaborating on an extraordinary effort called ReFrog.
“Together, they turned a problem — massive waste during student move-out — into the TCU ReFrog Program, a solution that benefits both people and the planet,” read their nomination form. “TCU ReFrog, started in 2023, gathers campus volunteers to collect over 30 dumpsters’ worth of usable items and diverts those items to organizations across Fort Worth in need.”
The Tucker Award is named in honor of TCU’s eighth chancellor, who led TCU from 1979 through 1998. He is remembered for his extraordinary vision, integrity and servant leadership.
The Victor J. Boschini, Jr. Staff Award for Outstanding Engagement
The winner of the Victor J. Boschini, Jr. Staff Award for Outstanding Engagement is
Austin Counts, cybersecurity administrator. This award recognizes a TCU staff member
who goes above and beyond to contribute to the success of TCU through exemplary service
and community engagement.
Counts’ consistent work helps keep TCU safe, moving and focused.
“Austin has all the attributes you look for in an employee: initiative, curiosity, aptitude, work ethic, professionalism and reliability,” one of his nominators wrote. “His work behind the scenes — monitoring threats and managing security tools — has a direct impact on the daily operations and long-term success of TCU. His thoughtful, mission-driven approach to cybersecurity truly reflects the values of this award.”
First established in 2003, the Boschini Staff Award was newly named this year in honor of TCU’s 10th chancellor. In celebration of his unwavering dedication to community engagement. this award recognizes a TCU staff member who goes above and beyond to contribute to the success of TCU through exemplary service and community engagement.
Charley & Kate Thorp Award for Advancing Community
The winner of the Charley & Kate Thorp Award for Advancing Community is Cedric O.
James, director of student engagement in TCU Neeley’s Institute for Entrepreneurship
and Innovation. This award recognizes individuals for their commitment to advancing
TCU’s connected community.
James is being honored for his efforts to build relationships at TCU, as well as in the city.
“Cedric fosters environments where students feel seen and supported and bridges campus to community through initiatives like the Social Impact Design Challenge and partnerships with Hope Farm and Fort Worth ISD,” wrote one of his nominators. “His authentic leadership style inspires students to grow holistically and engage meaningfully with the world around them.”
The Thorp Award is named in honor of a formerly enslaved couple who were instrumental figures at AddRan Male and Female College in the 1800s. The college eventually became TCU. The Thorps were vital contributors to TCU’s early success and are remembered for their compassion and commitment to community.
Michael R. Ferrari Award for Excellence in University Service & Leadership
The winner of the Michael R. Ferrari Award for Excellence in University Service &
Leadership is Amy Peterson, assistant director of social and multimedia strategy in
TCU’s Division of Marketing & Communication. This award recognizes excellence in university
service and leadership by a faculty or staff member at any level or in any administrative
or academic unit, calling attention to extraordinary situational accomplishments,
such as solving a major problem, successfully managing an important project, designing
a creative new initiative or transforming the quality of an academic or administrative
unit.
Peterson is being recognized not only for her professional work advancing TCU but also for bringing students into that success.
“Amy’s work in building TCU’s social media presence led to TCU’s No. 3 national ranking for overall higher education institution engagement among Division I universities,” her nominator wrote. “And by mentoring students, she nurtures creativity, leadership and lasting connections, embodying TCU’s commitment to ethical leadership.”
The Ferrari Award was established by the TCU Board of Trustees to honor the university’s ninth chancellor for his leadership. Ferrari led TCU from July 1998 through May 2003.