Texas Christian University is home to nearly 13,000 students who come from diverse faith backgrounds. With three chaplains, the Religious & Spiritual Life team is focused on continuing to nurture Horned Frogs as TCU grows.  

In addition to providing spiritual care, they support the campus’s religious organizations – which grew from 29 in the fall to 33 this spring – as well as offering religious education.  

“We teach people interfaith engagement,” Todd Boling, university chaplain, said. “It’s important that we all know how to engage with others of different beliefs.” 

Boling is supported in his work by Lea McCracken, associate chaplain and church relations officer, and a TCU alumna who recently completed their team. Katherine Wright ’14 (M.Div. ’17) now serves as assistant chaplain, as well as Disciples on Campus minister. 

“Students crave relationships and are looking for community. Their time in college can be the highest of highs and lowest of lows,” she said. “I want to empower them and watch them grow to be more confident adults living out their faith.”  

As a lifelong member of the Christian Church, her calling came early, and when she visited TCU with her high school youth group, her path was clear.  

“It was a dream for me and my family,” said Wright, who grew up on a farm in Melissa, Texas. As an undergrad studying religion at TCU, she furthered her commitment and faith, then committed to a master of divinity at Brite Divinity School on the TCU campus.  

Boling first worked with Wright when he came to TCU in 2011, and she was a sophomore.  

“Katherine was very involved in our office, taking the reins with [the Disciples of Christ ministry] even as a student. I’ve watched her grow in her ministry, and when we had the opening, I was pleasantly surprised that she applied,” he said. “She’s a real asset, especially with her deep history and experience as a DOC leader, connecting congregations with students and building relationships.” 

That is the part Wright truly enjoys most. 

“I care for [DOC students] as their minister and walk with them on their faith journey,” she said. “I’m with them when there are hard times as well as times to celebrate.” 

Her care, however, knows no denominational boundary. 

“Spending time with students is what I like best,” she said. “Like I had, I want to be that someone for them to lean on.” 

As TCU grows, Boling said, Wright’s ability to build relationships and connect congregations with students will be invaluable.  

“We’re very excited to have her, given what the future holds,” he said. 

Wright also supports the work of church relations within the DOC denomination, as well as planning university-led worship services, such as Carols by Candlelight, Ash Wednesday, Blessing of the Animals and Frogs First Worship. She also supports the office’s outreach initiative and joins her other chaplains in providing spiritual care to the community at large. 

Learn more about TCU Religious & Spiritual Life.  

-Susan Green