TCU Recognizes 2025-2026 Endowed Faculty

TCU seeks professors who have a passion for teaching as well as for conducting research — a combination that keeps them at the top of their fields. Through significant and enduring investments, generous donors create new opportunity and shape vibrant futures through exemplary research and teaching. Endowed faculty positions attract eminent national and international scholars, who draw other notable faculty as well as the brightest students to TCU. 

Here, TCU News features newly endowed chairs and professors for 2025-2026 as they begin their first full year in their new roles. TCU thanks its generous donors and congratulates these deserving faculty.  

Laura Olson 
Herman Brown Chair of Political Science 
AddRan College of Liberal Arts 

Olson’s research explores the intersections of contemporary religion and politics, with an emphasis on public opinion and civic engagement. Her work has appeared in leading scholarly journals, and she is the author/coauthor/coeditor of nine books. A two-time U.S. Fulbright Scholar to Italy, Olson has also served as president of the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion and is currently editor-in-chief of the Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion. Her research has been supported by the Louisville Institute, the Global Religion Research Initiative at the University of Notre Dame and the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion. 
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Brad Cannell 
Eleanor & Murray Zoota Endowed Professor in Neurodegenerative Research 
Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences
 
In addition to holding this inaugural endowed professorship, Cannell also serves as associate dean for research. Cannell is an accomplished epidemiologist and gerontologist, with previous experience that includes teaching eight courses at four universities, authoring textbooks and presenting widely on aging-related research and statistical methods. His funded research related to detecting and preventing elder mistreatment often involves partnerships with community organizations such as the Tarrant County Adult Protective Services Advisory Board, where he serves as a member of the board. Cannell earned his bachelor’s from the University of North Texas, his Master of Public Health at the University of Louisville and his Ph.D. from the University of Florida. 
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Garry Bruton 
Charles F. and Alann P. Bedford Professor in International Business 
Neeley School of Business 

Bruton is a professor of management and leadership and is considered one of the leading experts in the field of entrepreneurship and firm strategy studies. He has been a faculty member at TCU since 1998. Bruton’s research focuses on entrepreneurship, strategy and international business and has examined poverty and inequality in emerging economies. He has published or is in the process of publishing more than 150 academic articles in leading journals and has generated approximately 35,000 citations, representing the most at TCU. He is the co-author of four textbooks and has served as editor of top journals in his field. He currently serves as associate editor of the Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal.
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