Daniel Pullin embraced his new position as president of TCU at a meet-and-greet after formally holding the position of dean of the Neeley School of Business.

The meet-and-greet took place on Thursday, Feb. 9, in Rees-Jones Hall, where food and refreshments were offered.

Pullin arrived in a purple tie paired with purple Converse, showing his school spirit for TCU. He spoke in a quiet, soft tone even amidst the loud chatter that surrounded the space.

He spoke about how he spent a lot of time ensuring that there was a successful handoff from his former position as dean of the Neeley School of Business.

He is now putting his focus toward the office of the president, where he is learning from faculty and staff leaders about the current state of TCU and where the school is headed in the future.

Pullin added that with TCU’s 150th anniversary this year, it couldn’t have been better timing to reflect on the past as well as use the opportunity to help move the institution forward in the years to come.

As president, he now has a whole new set of responsibilities.

“One of my chief responsibilities is to work alongside the cabinet and our vice-chancellor in order to ensure smooth operations, outstanding student care and success services,” Pullin said. “And making sure that we’re supporting our faculty with the tools to match their talents so that we can continue to provide world-class education.”

He added that his goal is for the institution to grow and flourish for the benefit of the students.

Pullin believes his prior experience as the dean of the Neeley School of Business has prepared him for his new role.

“I think it is really beneficial for me to have had that traditional academic leadership experience,” Pullin said. “I have been working with an amazing set of faculty in the Neeley school and understanding what their aspirations are, understanding the knowledge and thought-leadership that they provide to our students as well as broader communities.”

Pullin has been teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels which has made him more connected to the student voice.

“I think being president of the university in many ways is a full contact sport,” Pullin said. “You got to be on the field, you got to be visible, and you have to be in the classrooms. You have to be in the corridors, you have to be in the spaces in between. And it’s not just what you have to say to students, it’s your ability to listen and really learn and validate the student’s voice because really the ultimate instrument of your impact is you and where you go.”

Pullin’s ultimate focus is on the betterment of the university and students.