What Is CALM Studies?

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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

  • Dave Aftandilian

    Dave Aftandilian

    Associate Professor of Anthropology

  • Giri Akkaraju

    Giri Akkaraju

    Professor of Biology

  • Ariane Balizet

    Ariane Balizet

    Professor of English
    Associate Dean for Faculty and DEI

  • Muriel Cormican

    Muriel Cormican

    Associate Dean of Undergraduate Students
    Professor of German

  • Mark Dennis

    Mark Dennis

    Professor of East Asian Religions
    Director of CALM Studies

  • Chuck Dunning

    Chuck Dunning

    CALM Convos Coach, Consultant

  • Andy Fort

    Andy Fort

    Professor of Asian Religions
    Founder of CALM Studies

  • Sharon Gooding

    Sharon Gooding

    Director of the Office of Institutional Equality

  • Blake Hestir

    Blake Hestir

    Professor of Philosophy
    Associate Director of CALM Studies

  • Lydia Mackay

    Lydia Mackay

    Associate Professor-Assistant Chair for the Department of Theatre

  • Ulrika Shragge

    Ulrika Shragge

    CALM Studies Coordinator

  • Jane Torgerson, MD

    Jane Torgerson, MD

    Doctor of Medicine

Student Leaders

Former CALM Leaders