Christopher R. Watts Obituary — Marilyn & Morgan Davies Dean, Harris College, TCU | Fort Worth, TX Death Report
FORT WORTH, TEXAS — The Texas Christian University (TCU) community mourns the passing of Dr. Christopher R. Watts, esteemed academic leader, educator, and the Marilyn & Morgan Davies Dean of the Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences. Dr. Watts’ death represents a profound loss for TCU, Harris College, the broader academic community, and the field of communication sciences and disorders.
Dr. Watts’ distinguished career spanned more than 25 years in higher education, including 16 years in leadership roles, and was defined by his dedication to research, clinical excellence, and student mentorship. His impact on TCU and the field at large will be remembered for generations.
Academic and Leadership Career
Dr. Christopher Watts joined TCU in 2008 as Department Chair of Communication Sciences & Disorders, where he immediately distinguished himself through visionary leadership, academic rigor, and commitment to student success. From 2015 to 2018, he served as Assistant Dean, supporting faculty development, curriculum innovation, and departmental growth. Following a national search, Dr. Watts was appointed as Dean of Harris College in 2019, a position he held with distinction until his passing.
Under his leadership, Harris College expanded its academic programs, enhanced clinical facilities, and strengthened partnerships with healthcare institutions. Dr. Watts championed interprofessional collaboration and research integration, establishing Harris College as a leader in health sciences education in Texas and nationally.
Prior to TCU, Dr. Watts held faculty positions at James Madison University, the University of South Alabama, and the University of Central Florida, contributing significantly to academic administration, research, and clinical training.
Research, Clinical Expertise, and Publications
Dr. Watts’ research focused on laryngeal function in voice and swallowing, with a particular emphasis on neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. He authored over 80 peer-reviewed research publications and presented his findings at national and international conferences, advancing both clinical and scientific understanding of voice and swallowing disorders.
He also co-authored the authoritative textbook “Laryngeal Function and Voice Disorders: Basic Science to Clinical Practice” (2019, Thieme Medical Publishers), which remains a cornerstone reference for speech-language pathologists worldwide. Dr. Watts’ work bridged scientific research and clinical application, emphasizing evidence-based treatment and improved patient outcomes.
Education and Professional Credentials
Dr. Watts completed his Bachelor of Science in Speech & Hearing Science (1994) and Ph.D. in Communication Sciences & Disorders (1998) at the University of South Alabama. He completed a clinical fellowship in speech-language pathology, specializing in neurological and neurodegenerative impairments. He held clinical certification as a speech-language pathologist and was elected a Fellow of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) in 2014, in recognition of his significant contributions to the field.
Dr. Watts taught courses including:
- COSD 50383 Voice Disorders
- COSD 20303 Speech & Hearing Science
His teaching style combined scientific rigor with clinical insight, inspiring countless students to excel in research, patient care, and professional practice.
Honors, Awards, and Professional Service
Throughout his career, Dr. Watts received numerous accolades for his research, teaching, and leadership. He served in multiple professional organizations and contributed to shaping national standards for communication sciences and disorders. His mentorship of emerging clinicians and scholars remains a significant part of his professional legacy.
Legacy and Personal Impact
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Watts was admired for his compassion, mentorship, and dedication to fostering growth in his students, faculty, and colleagues. He influenced thousands of lives through his leadership, clinical expertise, and commitment to evidence-based practice.
Dr. Watts’ work will continue to influence clinical care, education, and research in speech-language pathology and communication sciences. Harris College, TCU, and the broader academic and clinical communities mourn his loss while honoring his enduring contributions.
Funeral and Memorial Information
Funeral and memorial arrangements for Dr. Christopher R. Watts have not yet been publicly announced. The TCU community, colleagues, students, and friends are encouraged to honor his life by reflecting on his contributions to education, research, and clinical practice.
