TCU announced today the appointment of James R. Hille, former chief investment officer for the Teacher Retirement System of Texas in Austin, as new chief investment officer of the university’s $980 million endowment.  Hille begins his position May 1, 2006.

As CIO, Hille will be responsible for managing TCU’s endowment and will work with the investment committee of TCU’s Board of Trustees to set investment policy and execute the investment program. Hille will report to Brian Gutierrez, vice chancellor for finance and administration.

“We are pleased to appoint Jim to this new position at our university,” said Chancellor Victor J. Boschini, Jr. “Jim has a solid background managing investments, and we’re certain he can effectively advance the fund.”

“TCU’s endowment is among the top 100 in the country and appointing a CIO at this time is prudent,” said Gutierrez. “The endowment is a key asset that must be preserved and increased so that future generations of TCU students benefit from the University’s excellent educational opportunities and experience.”

In his position as CIO for the Teacher Retirement System of Texas, Hille oversaw a $95 billion benefit trust for the system’s more than 1 million members.  His duties included formulating and implementing a strategic asset allocation and investment policy, working with the Board of Trustees and investment consultants for the trust benefit and executing tactical positioning across seven asset classes and multiple currencies.

Prior to joining the Teacher Retirement System of Texas, Hille was the portfolio manager and analyst for the Employees Retirement System of Texas, located in Austin, where he was responsible, in part, for managing multiple portfolios including international and domestic mid-cap equities. Before that, Hille served as the assistant international portfolio manager for Taylor & Company in Fort Worth where he analyzed and pursued long and short investment strategies involving international securities.

Hille is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and holds an MBA from TCU. He also is a former United States Marine Corps officer.