In addition to being a recent graduate of the TCU Neeley School of Business Executive MBA program, Merianne Roth earned a promotion and now serves as TCU’s Vice Chancellor of Marketing & Communication. Her journey, filled with determination, integrity, and support from her family and colleagues, has earned her a spot in the Poets&Quants 2024 Best and Brightest Executive MBAs.
August 09, 2024
By Amber Billops
Merianne Roth combines her corporate and higher education experiences to lead Texas Christian University’s marketing and communication team, and applied both to her lifelong learning journey to earn her Executive MBA.
Roth was recognized among the Best and Brightest Executive MBAs by Poets&Quants in the business school publication’s annual list of global students.
“I am fortunate to have been able to choose a career and positions that have given me high-stakes experience, mentors, friends and purpose,” Roth said. “I’m still close to the teams I’ve been a part of and am proud of the relationships that have been built, as well as being a part of organizations that make a difference.”
In the TCU Neeley School of Business program, Roth was a standout student. Even before being named to Poets&Quants 2024 Best and Brightest Executive MBAS list, Roth was voted by her peers and faculty - in two independent recognitions - as the most outstanding student in the cohort.
"Being a lifelong learner and earning an EMBA at 50 was no small task," she said. "It was only made possible by the support of family, my incredible team, and the leadership at TCU."
Her academic path at Neeley was marked by transformational experiences and deep connections with her cohort. Roth takes pride in how they worked together, balanced demanding careers, family responsibilities, and formed bonds that will last a lifetime.
As she was preparing for graduation in May, her eldest son, Truman, was also graduating from high school. The combined education achievements added to the excitement and pride in the Roth household, as Truman prepares to join the Horned Frog family, too.
"I’m so happy that he will spend his next years at TCU as well. It’s been an exciting time in our household," she said.
Roth credits her professors in Neeley with enriching her learning and providing a lasting impact on her approach to leadership and strategy. Professor Vassil Mihov, who is also the Theodore and Beulah Beasly Faculty Fellow, made finance engaging, while Rita Kosnik, a Neeley adjunct professor, reshaped her perspective on human interactions. Lectures in ethical leadership and complexity theory by Professor Mary Uhl-Bien, who is also the BNSF Railway Endowed Professor of Leadership, introduced Roth to new strategic approaches and reinforced the importance of values in leadership.
Suzanne Carter, executive director for TCU EMBA program and professor of strategy practice, recognized Roth’s excellence as a student at TCU and her outstanding character and contributions.
“Faculty praised her as articulate, caring, strategic, and collaborative, noting her ability to challenge ideas with civility and her incredible curiosity and work ethic," Carter said. “Her engagement and preparation set a high standard for her cohort, who admired her intellectual insight, supportive nature, and leadership.”
Roth's professional achievements extend beyond her role at TCU. She is also actively involved in the community, serving as a trustee and leadership chair at Fort Worth Country Day, a board member of Fort Worth Forum, and contributing to various other organizations like the Presbyterian Night Shelter. These roles showcase her commitment to making a positive impact in her community.
Roth advises prospective EMBA students to not wait for a mythical perfect moment to pursue an education opportunity.
"For years, I kept thinking a better window would appear where I had more brain space, but life happens and rarely gets easier," she said. "The biggest trick is carving time out of a packed working-parent schedule and making some hard decisions about how you’ll invest your time."
Her journey exemplifies the transformative power of education, the importance of integrity and purpose, and the impact of supportive relationships.
Roth said, "TCU has invested so much in me, and I’m proud to be a Horned Frog.”
