New leader outlines bold vision for TCU’s future across academics, athletics, community engagement and innovation
Daniel W. Pullin today began his tenure as the 11th Chancellor of Texas Christian University, signaling a bold new chapter in the university’s 152-year evolution — one defined by strategic growth, academic distinction, competitive excellence and a commitment to shaping the future of higher education. Pullin succeeds Victor J. Boschini, Jr., who now assumes the title of chancellor emeritus following more than two decades of transformational service to TCU.
“It is the honor of a lifetime to be named chancellor of TCU and be a part of the most dedicated, talented and passionate team of students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors and fans in the country,” Pullin said. “Together, we will ensure that TCU’s legacy is positioned for a future of inspiring and supporting generations of Horned Frogs.”
Pullin’s appointment follows a long-range leadership succession plan and positions TCU to accelerate its momentum as a top national university while preserving the student-centered culture that defines the Horned Frog experience. Previously, Pullin served as the John V. Roach Dean of the Neeley School of Business for three years. He led the university as president for the past two years, before the TCU Board of Trustees named him chancellor.
“TCU is building a university for the future, anchored by timeless values, powered by innovation and driven by measurable outcomes,” Pullin said. “Together, we will elevate student success, expand our research enterprise and fully leverage the strength of our community — including athletics, alumni and academic distinction — to LEAD ON in bold and meaningful ways.”
Pullin’s chancellorship begins at a time of record enrollment, expanded investment in research and facilities and the launch of LEAD ON: Values in Action — a bold strategic plan that positions the university to lead nationally in Student-Centered Growth; Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities; Athletics; and Community Engagement. The plan reflects these pillars and enhances TCU’s nationally recognized student experience, shared values and focus on connected community as platforms for institutional visibility, student success and unifiers for community spirit.
“Chancellor Pullin is the right leader to take TCU into our next exciting chapter,” Kit Moncrief, chair of the TCU Board of Trustees, said. “He has been a leader in higher education for more than 20 years, brings a fresh spirit of innovation and strategy and has led bold improvements at TCU. Daniel leans into TCU as a values-driven university and has an expansive vision for how TCU can be the model for student-centered success. On behalf of the TCU Board of Trustees, we are excited to welcome the entire Pullin family to TCU and Daniel as TCU’s 11th chancellor.”
A Vision Aligned with Values
Prior to leading the strategic planning process, which engaged more than 10,000 individuals
and resulted in the recently launched LEAD ON: Values in Action plan, the TCU community
worked together to reaffirm its values of Integrity, Engagement, Community and Excellence. Consequently, the work of the strategic plan is infused with TCU’s values as a key
to the plan and ensures work across the four pillars of student-centered growth; research,
scholarship and creative activity; athletics; and community engagement to achieve
the broader mission, vision and values of TCU.
Under Pullin’s leadership, TCU is deepening its investment in research and interdisciplinary scholarship, enhancing graduate education and reaffirming the personalized learning environment that defines the Horned Frog experience.
Embracing Change, Leading Through Innovation
Pullin has championed innovation that infuses traditional academics with his experience
in entrepreneurship and commercial enterprise, along with advanced degrees in law
and business administration. He elevated innovation to the cabinet level with the
appointment of a Chief University Strategy & Innovation Officer, championed a leading
Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) strategy in collegiate athletics and has supported
the success of centers of excellence. He also played a key role in driving nearly
half a billion dollars in private investment for student housing expansion through
a pioneering private partnership designed to meet enrollment growth demands and strengthen the residential student
experience.
“Higher education is at a crossroads, and TCU is leading through this moment with intentional, student-centered growth,” Pullin said. “We will continue to invest in infrastructure, ideas and people that prepare Horned Frogs for lives of meaning and leadership.”
The university is on track to welcome up to 18,000 students by 2035, backed by strong financial health measures — including being named the only Texas school to receive a Forbes A+ rating — and transformative capital development across campus.
A New Chapter, Guided by Legacy
Boschini will continue to serve TCU as a working chancellor emeritus by friend-raising,
fundraising, supporting student growth and enrollment and teaching two classes this
fall.
“Victor’s impact on TCU is immeasurable,” Pullin said. “He has been a leader with heart, humility and a relentless commitment to our students and community. I’m honored to build upon the strong foundation he established and to work alongside our incredible faculty, staff, students, alumni and partners.”
Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker said the continuity of TCU leadership will greatly impact the community.
“It is a testament to TCU, TCU’s Board of Trustees, Chancellor Pullin, Dr. Boschini and to Fort Worth that so much care has been taken with this transition of leadership at TCU and with the prioritization of community engagement as a pillar of the new strategic plan,” Parker said. “TCU and Fort Worth have been working together for the betterment of our community for more than 100 years, and both have flourished as a result of the strength of our communities working in tandem for the benefit of all. We congratulate and welcome Chancellor Pullin to this new position of leadership within our community and are excited for the future.”
As TCU prepares for its next chapter, Pullin’s leadership signals continuity as well as acceleration. From the classroom to the field, from the lab to the community, TCU is poised to lead with purpose and impact in every dimension of higher education.