Scholarships
for the Association of Texas College & University Facilities Professionals - 2026 Conference
History
In January 2026, the Board of Directors for the Association of Texas College & University Facilities Professionals (TCUF) elected to create seven (7) scholarships in honor of the seven founding board members of the association. These "pioneering risk takers" from across the state saw a need, came together, and stepped in to fill a void that was created when the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) stopped hosting its facilities event. Over the years, thousands of professionals from across the state have benefited from that vision of that initial Board. The goal of these scholarships is to expand outreach of TCUF. They offer another step toward fulfilling the mission of TCUF, which the initial Board started so many years ago.The founding board members include:
- Doug Abraham (retired Industry Partner, VisSpiro Strategies)
- Dale Christiansen (retired from Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry)
- Theresa Drewell (retired from Texas Tech University)
- Hector Gonzalez (TCUF executive director, retired from UT Health San Antonio)
- Jennifer Gonzales (Senior Director, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board)
- Nancy Nusbaum (retired from Texas State University)
- Sonya O'Dell (retired industry Partner, Planning Matrix, Inc.)
The Association of Texas College & University Facilities Professionals (TCUF) Conference Scholarships serve as a catalyst for professional development within the A/E/C higher education community. Designed to empower facilities professionals to enhance their skills, expand their knowledge base, and foster meaningful connections, these scholarships are a cornerstone of TCUF's commitment to advancing excellence in the Profession.
The scholarships offer recipients the opportunity to attend TCUF's prestigious bi-annual conference, which offers access to top-tier educational resources, expert insights, and best practices in facilities development. Attendees gain invaluable knowledge in areas such as leadership, strategic planning, space management, master planning, construction trends, project cost analysis, advocacy, and organizational management. Moreover, they can engage with industry leaders, thought influencers, and fellow higher ed facilities professionals, fostering a vibrant network of support and collaboration.
TCUF recognizes that investing in the development of these facilities professionals directly contributes to the overall success and effectiveness of an institution's campus environment. The conference offers approximately 45+ hours of continuing education credits through the AIA|CES platform hosted by AIA Lubbock. By equipping leaders with the tools, skills, and connections necessary to excel in their roles, these scholarship ultimately benefit the institutions served by driving professional knowledge, strategic planning for institutional growth, design trends, project management, and enhancement of the campus fabric to provide a greater quality of life.
Applicants for the TCUF Scholarship are evaluated based on various criteria, including financial need, career objectives, professional experience, and commitment to continuing education. Through a comprehensive application process, TCUF intends to award scholarships to individuals who demonstrate a genuine passion for knowledge, leadership, and a strong dedication to professional advancement.
In summary, the Association of Texas College & University Facilities Professionals (TCUF) Scholarships play a vital role in nurturing the next generation of facilities professional leaders, empowering them to drive positive change and innovation within their institutions. By supporting facilities professionals on their journey toward excellence, TCUF reaffirms its commitment to elevating the profession and fostering sustainable growth and prosperity across Texas and beyond.
General Requirements
For the 2026 TCUF Conference in Houston, TCUF will award up to seven (7) scholarships. Each Scholarship will cover the following expenses, not to exceed a total of $2,000:
- Registration fees for the conference
- Lodging for up to three (3) nights
- Round-trip economy airfare to/from the conference city
- Incidentals (transportation between hotel and airport, tips, in-room refreshments, etc.)
Upon notification of award, TCUF will register recipient for the conference and reserve their hotel room at the designated conference hotel. Air fare, transportation, and other incidentals shall be purchased by the recipient and reimbursed by TCUF upon documentation of travel expenses. Expense claims must be submitted for reimbursement within 60 days of the last day of the conference.