Bold move
Law school plan needs to be examined

It’s just a cloudy game of wait and see as to whether TCU will acquire the Texas Wesleyan University School of Law or possibly start one from scratch.

The facts, however, are these: Chancellor Michael Ferrari has had talks with officials from the law school about the possibilities. TCU doesn’t currently have a law program, but competitors such as Southern Methodist University and Baylor University have had well-respected programs for some time. Ferrari has made a point of wanting more highly-competitive graduate school programs.

TCU has boosted its business school which would make for a very attractive dual degree when combined with a Juris Doctor degree.
Simple facts like those make it look like an easy decision with no repercussions.

In truth, TCU needs to be careful with such a bold move as it has in the past when making purchases and other improvements for good of the university.

The building that currently houses the Human Resources Department on Berry Street was purchased after Bank of America moved across the street. TCU was able to make that look aesthetically pleasing for the surrounding area.

The corners of TCU, specifically the Lowden Track and Field Complex on Bellaire Drive, have been made particularly attractive, not only to benefit the students, but to benefit the neighborhood.

TCU made it a point to not step on anyone’s toes in the process. The neighborhood was used to a facility that was open to the public.

Originally the plan for the new track was for student use only, but TCU changed that when the neighborhood reacted negatively.
That same policy should be followed when attempting to acquire a law school. TCU should be careful with things that are already in place at Texas Wesleyan.

What about the current faculty and students? TCU debatably has qualified faculty which could teach in a law school setting. Does that mean faculty at Wesleyan gets let go?

We’ve done well in the past at taking care of everyone involved. Here’s to hoping everyone’s toes come out OK one more time.

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