Cohort 7 of the TCU Master Leaders Program (MLP) recently completed their 11-month leadership journey with a celebration held in the Legends Club at Amon G. Carter Stadium.
This celebration marked the completion of nearly a year of leadership development, cross-campus collaboration and real-world problem-solving aligned with TCU’s mission and values. A key part of the MLP experience is the creation and presentation of collaborative impact projects that address important needs and opportunities across campus. These projects are a meaningful part of each participant’s leadership journey and reflect their commitment to making a positive impact on the TCU community.
Impact Project Highlights
Below are the project highlights from Cohort 7, including a photo and short description
for each team:
Team A-I – Thanksgiving Meal for International Students
Erik Trevino, Amiso George, Dru Riddle and Dora Aguilera proposed a new campus tradition
by organizing a Thanksgiving meal for international students who remain on campus
during the holiday break—a gesture that fosters connection and belonging.
Team B – Revamping the Employee Handbook
Lucy Ledue, Vanessa Daley, Kristi Kolpanen and De’Evin Johnson developed a plan to
modernize TCU’s staff policy database, enhancing access, streamlining communication,
and preserving institutional knowledge.
Team C – Campus Energy Sustainability
Michelle Franklin, Martha Gonzalez, Michael Lambert and Vanessa Roberts Bryan focused
on energy savings and environmental stewardship. Their project supports TCU’s commitment
to sustainability by proposing strategies to lower energy costs, comply with upcoming
legislation, and reduce the university’s carbon footprint.
Team D – Student Accessibility on Campus
Michelle Franke, Katie Anderson, Michael Mack and Carrie Patterson proposed a task
force to coordinate support around essential student needs ensuring more students
can thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
Team E – FROG STAR(s) Program
Ana Rodriguez, Henry Johnson and Travis Kramer designed a technology assistance program
that would provide faculty with trained student assistants to support instructional
technologies, making it easier to integrate digital tools into teaching.
Team F – Faculty/Staff Shared Space
Mallory Odom, Ashley Tully, Randy Blake and Katherine Polzer proposed creating a dedicated
space to encourage cross-campus connection, collaboration, and a sense of community
among faculty and staff. As a result of their collaboration, they were able to secure
Lizard Lounge access to staff, previously only offered to faculty and graduate students.
Team G – Staff Professional Development Fun(d)
Carrie Franklin, Joseph Lopez and Savannah Horton addressed institutional growth by
proposing funding strategies for staff development initiatives.
Team H – Future Parking/Shuttle Solutions
Michael Leshner, Shannon Hightower, Romelia Gallegos and Adam King developed a forward-looking
plan to assess future parking needs and propose reinstating shuttle service across
campus.
Team J – Admission Opportunities for TCU Employees
Dedra Shores, Lizzette Green and Stephen Bates focused on enhancing access to higher
education by expanding admission opportunities and college readiness support for TCU
employees and their families.
These impact projects reflect the innovative spirit and collaborative leadership that define the MLP experience. As graduates of Cohort 7, these leaders leave a lasting mark through ideas and initiatives that advance TCU’s mission and strengthen the Horned Frog community.