Texas Christian University announced a $10 million commitment from The Roach Foundation of Fort Worth for a philanthropic investment that aligns with priorities in TCU’s Strategic Plan and strengthens the university’s growing research enterprise across all pillars of LEAD ON: Values in Action: Student-Centered Growth; Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities; Athletics; and Community Engagement.

This commitment will support interdisciplinary collaboration among faculty and students working in areas such as engineering, data science, human performance and applied technology, while also building on the visibility and impact of Horned Frogs athletics programs.

“We are immensely grateful to The Roach Foundation for this investment in the future of Texas Christian University and our students, which builds on the family’s legacy of generosity and support of TCU,” said Chancellor Daniel W. Pullin. “By connecting the strength of our research agenda with talented Horned Frogs, we’re creating new pathways for discovery, innovation and real-world impact. This latest gift supports the development of new opportunities for our students to lead in industries shaping the future. The Roach, Bailey and Davis families have always sought to support the greatest need that impacts the most students, and this is a wonderful way to show support for TCU’s research initiatives.”

The gift comes as the university continues expanding its research infrastructure and scholarly activity as part of its long-term goal of achieving Carnegie Research 1 (R1) status, the highest classification for research universities in the United States. Recent investments — including AI², a $10 million university-wide initiative designed to accelerate research through advanced computing, artificial intelligence and collaborative infrastructure — are strengthening faculty support, expanding technology capabilities and positioning TCU for continued growth in research funding and national competitiveness.

“TCU’s academic experience is exceptional because everything the university does — inside and outside the classroom — is focused on enriching the student experience,” said Amy Roach Bailey ’89, TCU Trustee and chair of the Board’s Academic Affairs Committee. “Our family’s giving has always been centered on creating opportunities that benefit all Horned Frogs across campus. This investment reflects our belief in TCU’s strategic vision and in the students and faculty who will shape the future through research, innovation and discovery."

Funding Meaningful Research
“TCU has been part of our family in many ways, from football traditions to supporting our sweetest Horned Frogs at KinderFrogs School, and to spending time with the many students at the John V. Roach Honors College,” said Lori Roach Davis ’96. “It’s a privilege to know that this gift supporting TCU’s Strategic Plan will continue to ensure that TCU students will excel academically and have more opportunities to engage with faculty on meaningful research and learning experiences.”

Provost Floyd L. Wormley Jr. said the gift has numerous possibilities to use interdisciplinary research to solve real-world problems.

“Philanthropic investments like this allow us to bring together expertise from across the university to tackle complex challenges,” he said. “There are many opportunities to support interdisciplinary research and specifically connect engineering, technology and human performance research, so we can accelerate discovery and develop solutions with real-world impact.” 

A History of Philanthropy
The Roach family’s connection to TCU spans more than six decades. The late John V. Roach ’61 (MBA ’65) and Jean Wiggin Roach ’64 first met as students, beginning a family legacy that has continued through multiple generations of Horned Frogs. Their daughters, Bailey and Davis, are both alumni, and the next generation of the family continues the tradition with recent graduates and current students. John V. Roach was a member of the TCU Board of Trustees from 1981 to 2022. He served as chair from 1990 to 2005, leading the university through a period of transformational change and growth.

Over the years, the Roach family and The Roach Foundation have made significant contributions across campus, supporting academic programs, scholarships, athletics facilities and student initiatives that advance TCU’s mission. This includes major campus efforts such as the restoration of Frog Fountain Plaza at the Brown-Lupton University Union, reinforcing their longstanding commitment to enhancing both the academic and campus experience for Horned Frogs.

Their philanthropy has helped shape many visible spaces and programs at the university, including the John V. Roach Dean of the TCU Neeley School of Business and the Jean W. Roach Chair of Laboratory Schools in the College of Education, plus Judy and the late Paul Andrews’ gift in honor of John V. Roach to name TCU’s Honors College. They have established and backed numerous endowed faculty funds, academic programs and athletics facilities, as well as seven student scholarships.

In honor of their generous philanthropic support, their name can be found on academic buildings and athletics facilities across campus, including the Roach Family Plaza at the Spencer and Marlene Hays Business Commons, the John & Jean Roach Terrace and the Roach North Colonnade at the Dee J. Kelly Alumni & Visitors Center, the Roach Professional Development Center at the William E. and Jean Jones Tucker Technology Center, the Delta Delta Delta House named for Jean Wiggin Roach, Amy Roach Bailey and Lori Roach Davis, the Roach/King Suite Level at the Dutch Meyer Athletic Complex and the Roach Concourse at the Ed and Rae Schollmaier Basketball Practice Complex.

The Roach Foundation’s commitment strengthens TCU’s ability to connect academic research with applied innovation, an approach that continues to grow in importance as universities expand research funding and deepen industry partnerships.

Through investments like this, The Roach Foundation continues to help strengthen TCU’s research enterprise while expanding opportunities for students and faculty to collaborate across disciplines. The commitment reinforces the university’s momentum toward R1 status and its broader vision outlined in LEAD ON: Values in Action.