Dean of TCU College of Science and Engineering to step down

Fort Worth, TX

11/12/2008

Dr. Mike McCracken will step down from serving as dean of TCU’s College of Science & Engineering at the end of this academic year.

 “I’ve been at TCU 37 years and have served as dean for 27 of those,” said McCracken. “The position has given me immense satisfaction and it is wonderful to see the college develop and evolve into what it has become. I am excited to see the people – whom I will miss most – carry on the college’s progress.”

McCracken originally joined the faculty at TCU to teach biology in what used to be the AddRan College of Arts and Sciences. In 1981, he was asked to serve as dean on an interim basis, which turned into a permanent basis. In 2000, the college split into AddRan College of Humanities and Social Sciences (now known as AddRan College of Liberal Arts) and the College of Science & Engineering. McCracken transitioned with the College of Science & Engineering where he has served as dean since.

At the end of the spring semester, McCracken will take a one-year sabbatical and then retire from the college on a full-time basis, although he will be available to teach a course or help as needed.

“Mike McCracken will certainly leave a great void in the college. He has made an immense and lasting contribution to the evolution of the University over many years. We will conduct a thorough search for a person who can add to the legacy of Dean McCracken,” said Provost Dr. Nowell Donovan.

Provost Donovan has assembled a diverse and representative committee of faculty, staff, students (both undergraduate and graduate) and one external member with ties to the college to conduct a national search for McCracken’s replacement.