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CALM Studies
Founded in 2012 by TCU Religion Professor Andy Fort, the CALM Studies initiative seeks to support TCU's welcoming campus culture and enhancement of the student experience by fostering self-growth, community belonging, personal insight, as well as meaning and purpose.
Our vision is rooted in the understanding that flourishing arises not merely from achievement or success, but through the cultivation of enduring human values.
Simply put, mindfulness is the practice of actively cultivating a gentle awareness of one’s mental, emotional, and physical environments. Major companies like Aetna, Google, Apple, and others have embraced these practices to help employees deal with stress, increase work-life satisfaction, and become more effective in their occupations, whether they work as marketing directors, attorneys, nurses, engineers, or in other positions.
Through courses, programs, and partnerships, the initiative promotes a holistic approach to education that nurtures spaces where students, faculty, staff, and community members can grow, reflect, and learn to live well together.
Faculty & Staff
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       Dave AftandilianAssociate Professor of Anthropology 
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       Giri AkkarajuProfessor of Biology 
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       Ariane BalizetProfessor of English 
 Associate Dean for Faculty and DEI
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       Muriel CormicanAssociate Dean of Undergraduate Students 
 Professor of German
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       Mark DennisProfessor of East Asian Religions 
 Director of CALM Studies
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       Chuck DunningCALM Convos Coach, Consultant 
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       Andy FortProfessor of Asian Religions 
 Founder of CALM Studies
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       Sharon GoodingDirector of the Office of Institutional Equality 
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       Blake HestirProfessor of Philosophy 
 Associate Director of CALM Studies
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       Lydia MackayAssociate Professor-Assistant Chair for the Department of Theatre 
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       Ulrika ShraggeCALM Studies Coordinator 
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       Jane Torgerson, MDDoctor of Medicine 
Student Leaders
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       Ani Baquerizo
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       Talia Christian
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       David Duong
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       Sabrina Leto
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       Michala Pollard
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       Kim Rahebi
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       Jayesh Sharma
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       Setu Shiroya
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       Megan Stiffler
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       Ella Tran
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       Lauren Vanrachack
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       Kha Vu
Former CALM Leaders
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       Nick Bell
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       Sierra Carrabino
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       Lexi Cole
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       Sierra Cole
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       Tallon Endicott
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       Bryce Hopper
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       Kaylee Meyer
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       Christine Pho
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       Tommy Ramos
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      Marissa Sanchez
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       Max Sklansky
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       Julianne Tai
