The Department of Theatre performed at the 2025 Fine Arts Gala alongside Grammy Award winner and Tony-nominated actor Jenn Colella.
“Time, talent or treasure.” Often said by Scott Sullivan, former dean of the College of Fine Arts, the phrase has become integral to the college’s Board of Visitors (BOV) and its endeavors to ensure the college leaves a lasting impact on the TCU campus and beyond.
The board features engaged community members who provide expertise and support to advance the college’s academic reputation and award-winning programs.
“The goal is to strengthen the college as it evolves while greatly valuing the incredible contributions of time, talent and treasure of our members,” said Michael Mullins, who is finishing his last year as the BOV chair.
“‘We have built such a strong bond along the way, with a warm, communal spirit and great sense of fun.”
A Legacy of Dedication and Support
A number of board members have served for many years and support the fine arts by providing insightful guidance and spearheading fundraising initiatives.
Michael Mullins has served as the BOV chair for the last five years.
“Membership is a three-year term with options for renewal,” explains Mullins. “This has been a blessing because the dedication has been so great to the college and TCU.”
“I have a long history with TCU, starting my freshman year in the marching band,” said Kathleen Stevens ’61, who served as chair from 2001 to 2006. “We are dedicated to sharing our students’ talents and the importance of the College of Fine Arts to our community.”
Being selected as a board member requires a vigorous nomination process. The executive committee votes after receiving a list of nominees from current members who believe the candidates will be interested, enthusiastic and willing to serve.
“It is essential to shine a light on our exceptional fine arts programs and provide scholarships to talented students,” said board member Stuart Schultz III ’00. “We want students to ultimately graduate and represent the university while earning a world-class education in the process.”
Shaping the Future
Throughout the academic year, the leadership of each academic unit is invited to BOV meetings to share their vision and goals for their respective programs. The board looks to understand how best to support each unit’s goals and identify opportunities, as they prepare students with valuable skills they will need in their future careers.
For the past decade, rising seniors have traveled to NYC to perform for casting agents and industry professionals.
A key initiative is the Fine Arts Gala, a biennial fundraiser to provide opportunities for students to attend master classes, national competitions and the Theatre Senior Showcase in New York City, among others.
“The Fine Arts Gala is the perfect venue for introducing our outstanding students to those who may not be familiar with our fine arts programs,” said board member Brenda Cline ’82. “The gala is like a pebble thrown into a still pond — it has a ripple effect of generating even greater circles of advocacy, awareness and financial support for the college.”
The Board alongside Amy Hardison Tully, Teresa Ann Carter King Dean of the College of Fine Arts, are excited for the future of the college and its impact in serving the community through arts education and programming.
“Our members have an incredible reputation for advocacy,” said Dean Tully. “They are not only passionate supporters of the arts at TCU, but they enthusiastically advocate for our students, faculty and programs in the community.”
“‘Time, talent or treasure’ is a marvelous description because to be a board member means to be involved and uplift the college,” said Mullins. “I have a deep appreciation for the continued commitment, enthusiasm and wisdom of our board members. This board sets a high standard for which we can all be proud.”