Christopher R. Watts Obituary — Marilyn & Morgan Davies Dean, Harris College, TCU | Fort Worth, Texas Death Report
FORT WORTH, TEXAS — The Texas Christian University (TCU) community mourns the passing of Dr. Christopher R. Watts, renowned academic leader and the Marilyn & Morgan Davies Dean of the Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences, who passed away [date not publicly disclosed]. Dr. Watts’ death represents a profound loss to TCU, the Harris College community, and the broader field of communication sciences and disorders.
Dr. Watts’ career at TCU spanned over a decade of distinguished leadership, teaching, and research. He was recognized not only for his administrative acumen but also for his deep commitment to clinical education and advancing the science of voice and swallowing disorders.
Academic Career and Leadership
Dr. Christopher Watts joined TCU in 2008 as the Department Chair of Communication Sciences & Disorders, where he immediately established a reputation for visionary leadership and academic rigor. From 2015 to 2018, he concurrently served as Assistant Dean, overseeing departmental administration, faculty development, and student initiatives. Following a national search, Dr. Watts was appointed as Dean of Harris College in 2019, a role he held with distinction, guiding the college’s academic, research, and community service missions.
Under his deanship, Harris College expanded its programs, enhanced clinical training facilities, and strengthened partnerships with healthcare institutions regionally and nationally. Dr. Watts was instrumental in promoting interprofessional collaboration across TCU’s schools and consistently championed student success and faculty mentorship.
Prior to his tenure at TCU, Dr. Watts held faculty positions at James Madison University, the University of South Alabama, and the University of Central Florida, accumulating more than 25 years of higher education experience, including 16 years in leadership roles. His contributions to academic administration and clinical training were widely recognized by colleagues and professional organizations alike.
Research and Clinical Contributions
Dr. Watts’ clinical and research expertise centered on laryngeal function in voice and swallowing, with particular emphasis on Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders. Over his career, he authored more than 80 peer-reviewed research publications and presented his findings to national and international audiences, advancing understanding and treatment of voice and swallowing impairments.
He also co-authored the seminal textbook “Laryngeal Function and Voice Disorders: Basic Science to Clinical Practice” (2019, Thieme Medical Publishers), which continues to serve as a cornerstone reference for speech-language pathologists worldwide. His work bridged the gap between basic science and clinical practice, emphasizing evidence-based treatment and patient-centered care.
Education and Professional Credentials
Dr. Watts earned both his Bachelor of Science in Speech & Hearing Science (1994) and Ph.D. in Communication Sciences & Disorders (1998) from the University of South Alabama, completing a rigorous clinical fellowship focused on neurological and neurodegenerative impairments. He held clinical certification as a speech-language pathologist and was elected as a Fellow of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) in 2014, a recognition of his exceptional contributions to the field.
He taught courses including:
- COSD 50383 Voice Disorders
- COSD 20303 Speech & Hearing Science
His teaching style was celebrated for blending scientific rigor with compassionate clinical insight, inspiring generations of students to pursue excellence in research, clinical practice, and healthcare leadership.
Honors, Awards, and Professional Affiliations
Dr. Watts received numerous honors throughout his career, recognizing both his research contributions and commitment to education. He held memberships in prominent professional organizations, including ASHA, and frequently served as a mentor to emerging scholars and clinicians.
Personal Legacy
Dr. Christopher Watts was more than a scholar and administrator; he was a dedicated mentor, colleague, and advocate for patient-centered care. His leadership fostered innovation, inclusivity, and academic excellence, leaving an indelible mark on TCU, Harris College, and the broader communication sciences and disorders community.
His passing is mourned by students, faculty, staff, and patients who benefited from his expertise, compassion, and guidance. His vision and work will continue to influence clinical practice, research, and education for years to come.
Funeral and Memorial Arrangements
Details regarding funeral and memorial services for Dr. Watts have not been publicly released. The TCU community and colleagues are encouraged to honor his legacy through continued dedication to education, research, and clinical excellence in the field he helped shape.
