TCU Recognizes New, Newly Endowed Faculty for 2026-2027
TCU seeks professors and leaders who have a passion for teaching and for conducting
research — a combination that keeps them at the top of their fields. Through significant
and enduring investments, generous donors create new opportunities and shape vibrant
futures through exemplary research and teaching. Endowed faculty positions attract
eminent national and international scholars, who in turn draw other notable faculty
members as well as the brightest students to TCU.
Here, TCU News features newly endowed deans, chairs and professors for 2026-2027 as
they navigate their first full year in their new roles. TCU thanks its generous donors
and congratulates these deserving faculty.
DEANS
T. Dwayne McCay
Inaugural Louise Dilworth Davis Endowed Dean of Science & Engineering
T. Dwayne McCay became the inaugural Louise Dilworth Davis Endowed Dean of Science & Engineering when, under his leadership, the college and deanship were endowed by Louise Dilworth Davis ’77 in 2025. McCay has more than 30 years of experience in leadership and management positions in academia, industry and government, including American University of Vietnam, University of Texas – Permian Basin, Florida Institute of Technology, University of Tennessee System, the University of Tennessee Space Institute, University of Alabama – Huntsville, Sverdrup Technology Inc., U.S. Army Research Office, Air Force Rocket Propulsion Lab and NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. McCay was awarded UT Alumni Distinguished Professor, Auburn University’s highest technical award and the Engineering Achievement Award for work in industrial laser processing. He has 16 patents and more than 120 publications, and has presented in 10 countries.
Bernard Rousseau
Marilyn and Morgan Davies Endowed Dean of Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences
Bernard Rousseau joined TCU as the Marilyn and Morgan Davies Endowed Dean of the Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences, a position that was established in 2022 by TCU Trustee Marilyn Davies and her daughter, Morgan Davies ’12. He brings more than 20 years of experience in leadership roles at three Top 100, Carnegie R1 institutions – Vanderbilt University, University of Pittsburgh and Saint Louis University. Rousseau is a proven leader in increasing research expenditures, recruiting faculty, appointing leaders, improving rankings, exceeding student retention rates and securing gifts and pledges. His most recent leadership position was as dean of the Edward and Margaret Doisy College of Health Sciences at Saint Louis University, one of the largest colleges at the university. He is a professor of speech, language and hearing sciences.
CHAIRS
Tyson R. Browning
Inaugural Cox Family Endowed Chair
Neeley School of Business
Tyson R. Browning is the inaugural Cox Family Endowed Chair and professor of operations management in the Neeley School of Business. The Cox Chair was established in 2025 by TCU Trustee Brian Cox ’96 and his wife Moria Cox ’96. An internationally recognized scholar, Browning’s research focuses on project and program management, product development, systems engineering, process improvement and risk management. He has published more than 50 peer-reviewed articles, and his research has been cited more than 13,000 times. Browning also served as co-editor-in-chief of the Journal of Operations Management from 2018 to 2023 and has delivered more than 300 academic and industry presentations and workshops in 24 countries.
Andrew R. Graybill
Erma and Ralph Lowe Chair in Texas History
AddRan College of Liberal Arts
Andrew R. Graybill joined TCU this fall as the new Erma and Ralph Lowe Chair in Texas History in the AddRan College of Liberal Arts. This endowed chair was established in 2002 by TCU Trustee Mary Ralph Lowe and the Lowe Foundation. A historian of Texas and the North American West, Graybill’s research explores the region's history, with current projects focused on the Texas Longhorn. Before joining TCU, he directed Southern Methodist University’s William P. Clements Center for Southwest Studies for 13 years.
Alex Nikulin
Hunter Enis Endowed Chair in Petroleum Geology
Louise Dilworth Davis College of Science & Engineering
Alex Nikulin joined TCU this fall as the Hunter Enis Endowed Chair in Petroleum Geology in the Davis College of Science & Engineering. The chair was established in 2014 by TCU Trustee Emeritus Hunter Enis ’59 and his late wife, Shirley; Patti and Larry Brogdon; alumni and friends. As a geophysicist, Nikulin develops innovative technologies to improve subsurface imaging and characterization, with applications ranging from energy exploration and environmental monitoring to humanitarian efforts.
Mauricio “Mo” Rodriguez
Inaugural J. Luther King, Jr. Endowed Chair in Finance
Neeley School of Business
Mauricio “Mo” Rodriguez is the inaugural J. Luther King, Jr. Endowed Chair in Finance, a position that was established in 2025 by the Luther and Teresa King Family Foundation. Rodriguez is also professor of finance and real estate and director of the Luther King Capital Management Center for Financial Studies in the Neeley School of Business. A TCU faculty member since 1994, Rodriguez’s research spans real estate and financial markets, including corporate real estate, real estate investment trusts, capital markets and commercial real estate. His work has appeared in leading academic journals, including Real Estate Economics, Journal of Real Estate Research and The Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics. Rodriguez received the International Real Estate Society Achievement Award for his contributions to real estate research, education and practice and has held leadership roles, including president of the American Real Estate Society and president of the Real Estate Research Institute.
PROFESSORS
Ebrahim Fathi
Ross B. Matthews Professor in Petroleum Engineering
Louise Dilworth Davis College of Science & Engineering
Ebrahim Fathi joined TCU this semester as the Ross B. Matthews Professor in Petroleum Engineering in the Davis College of Science & Engineering. This endowed professorship was established in 2007 by TCU Trustee Ross B. Matthews ’84 and his wife, Kathleen Matthews. The engineering professor’s research focuses on developing sustainable energy solutions through carbon capture, utilization and storage, engineered geothermal systems, artificial intelligence and advanced subsurface engineering. His interdisciplinary work combines data science, computational modeling and reservoir engineering to address complex challenges in energy production, storage and environmental sustainability.
Keith M. Hmieleski
Inaugural Gutierrez Endowed Professor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Neeley School of Business
Keith M. Hmieleski is the inaugural Gutierrez Endowed Professor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the Neeley School of Business. This chair was established in 2022 by TCU Trustee Joe Gutierrez and his wife, Faith Gutierrez. An internationally recognized scholar, Hmieleski’s research examines the psychology of entrepreneurship, including human agency, leadership, improvisation, character strengths and new venture teams. His research has received more than 14,000 Google Scholar citations, reflecting the broad influence of his scholarship. Hmieleski has also been recognized among the world’s top 1% most impactful scientists and has published extensively in leading journals, including Academy of Management Journal, Journal of Management, Journal of Business Venturing and Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice.
Michelle Kimzey
Abell-Hanger Professor in Gerontological Nursing
Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences
Michelle Kimzey is the new holder of the Abell-Hanger Professorship in Gerontological Nursing. The Abell-Hanger Professorship was established in 1988 by the Abell-Hanger Foundation. Kimzey, an associate professor of nursing in the Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences, is an expert in dementia care and education. Kimzey’s teaching and research center on improving care for people living with dementia while preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals to provide compassionate, evidence-based support.
Kaylee R. Kipp
Burnett Ranches Endowed Professor in Ranch Management
Louise Dilworth Davis College of Science & Engineering
Kaylee R. Kipp joined TCU as the Burnett Ranches Endowed Professor in Ranch Management in the Davis College of Science & Engineering. The professorship was established in 1992 by the late Anne Marion, TCU Trustee Emerita, and her late husband, John Marion, and The Burnett Foundation. A livestock parasitologist and animal scientist, Kipp’s teaching and research focus on improving herd health, productivity and sustainability through science-based parasite management while preparing the next generation of ranch managers.
Scott R. Nollet
John William and Helen Stubbs Potter Professor in Mathematics
Louise Dilworth Davis College of Science & Engineering
Scott R. Nollet was named the John William and Helen Stubbs Potter Professor in Mathematics in the Davis College of Science & Engineering. This endowed professorship was established in 1995 by TCU Trustee Deedie Potter Rose ’63 and her late husband, Rusty Rose. A member of the TCU faculty since 2000, Nollet is an algebraic geometer whose research advances fundamental questions in pure mathematics while supporting undergraduate and graduate student research through teaching and mentorship.
