In January, we celebrated with our students, alumni, partners and supporters as we officially opened our state-of-the-art business education hub.
May 13, 2020
By Elaine Cole
Dan D. Rogers Hall came down. Spencer Hays Hall, Tom and Marilyn Sumner Hall and Shaddock Auditorium arose. With the completion of the Spencer and Marlene Hays Business Commons, all four business school halls, including Charles D. Tandy Hall and Smith Entrepreneurs Hall, are united under one roof.
And what a roof it is.
“These facilities demonstrate the University’s response to the changing needs of higher education through enhanced technology and design as we create the optimal campus environment to stimulate students’ imaginations,” said Chancellor Victor Boschini at the formal dedication and ribbon cutting on January 31, 2020.
Mark Johnson, chair of the TCU Board of Trustees, spoke of the history of TCU Neeley as one of the oldest business schools in Texas, founded in 1884, accredited in 1963 and named after M.J. Neeley in 1967 in honor of his 25 years of service on the TCU Board of Trustees and his generous financial support of the university.
“Mr. Neeley also shared his entrepreneurial spirit, which is evidenced by the 30-some-odd companies he owned over the years.” Johnson said. “That spirit and vision live on at the Neeley School today and in those who made this beautiful facility possible.” Watch videos of Spencer Hays here.
Provost Teresa Abi-Nader Dahlberg spoke about TCU Neeley as a long-standing pillar of the powerful TCU community, delivering a world-class, global curriculum with an emphasis on experiential learning and graduating approximately 500 students at the undergraduate, masters and executive levels each year.
Dean Daniel Pullin remarked that the new Spencer and Marlene Hays Business Commons highlights the best of what a school of business can and should be in the 21st century.
“Business schools today must operate at the intersection of academy and industry. What’s more, we must prepare our students not just as graduates, but as the leaders we need to tackle the biggest issues of our time. And, let me tell you, the beauty of the Hays Business Commons isn’t just skin deep—it directly applies to our goal of preparing these leaders at every turn,” Pullin said.
The new and improved TCU Neeley School of Business adds much-needed modernized classrooms; meeting spaces; advanced technology; an auditorium for thought leaders to share their insights; outdoor terraces to take advantage of the Texas weather; and faculty and staff offices that invite and welcome students.
“Our new buildings help us bring the best of the world to TCU Neeley and the best of TCU Neeley to the world,” Pullin said.
PHOTO LINK: https://www.flickr.com/photos/neeley_school/albums/72157713055307241
NOTE: All photos were taken at the January 31, 2020, event.
