Parking problems, rising tuition and uncertainty about housing have been at the forefront of many students’ minds. President Daniel Pullin’s strategic plan – set to be discussed at the November TCU Board of Trustees meeting – addresses these key issues alongside a few others.

Pullin, however, has one main focus: students.

Pullin said the goal of his strategic plan is to give TCU students a campus environment that allows them to live, learn, work, play, engage and build lifelong relationships. 

Putting TCU on the map as “Fort Worth’s place to be” is at the forefront of his mind, he said.

Before any of this can occur, however, Pullin spoke on the daily issues that current students face.

Parking

Pullin said his plans include increased parking infrastructure on the east side of campus as one of the first projects. 

However, Pullin also shared his view of the current parking situation.

“At some level, parking exists,” Pullin said. “It may not be in the area that everyone wants it to be.”

TCU parking leadership reported that there are more spaces on campus than there are registered vehicles, Pullin said. 

Pullin also noted that the shuttle routes this year have doubled.

Regardless of the current parking situation, adding a new incremental parking garage as soon as possible is still a high priority for Pullin. He is eager to share this vision with the board to earn their support.

Tuition

Coming off of a 7.9% increased tuition rate from the 2023-2024 school year, the current total cost to attend TCU is just below $80,000 a year, according to TCU’s website.

Pullin wants students to understand the financial aid office is awarding more scholarships than ever before. He also encourages students struggling with the increasing tuition rates to make themselves aware of every opportunity the office can provide.

“Regardless of the size of someone’s banking account, if they’re capable and talented enough to be successful in our increasingly difficult curriculum, they can have a home here at TCU,” Pullin said. 

The future development of a formal program for current students is up in the air. Pullin hinted toward a future component of fundraising that will be put toward need-based scholarships. These plans are pending the board’s decision in November.

Housing

With two new residence halls opening in spring 2025, Pullin’s plan hopes to grow TCU in size. However, Pullin expects the two-year on-campus living requirement to remain as he sees its value.

“So much of our success, from a retention and graduation rate perspective, has to do with that connectivity and engagement of students the first two years that they’re here,” Pullin said. 

So, how will TCU maintain its commitment to connection with an increasing student body? 

Pullin says an enviable student-faculty ratio is key. Through his plan, he expects the current 13:1 ratio to remain the same.

“If you look at the draft of the strategic plan, the first word is ‘student,’” Pullin said. “It starts with student-centered growth, not growth for growth’s sake.”

Overall goals

Pullin’s ultimate goal for the strategic plan spans beyond parking spaces or new residence halls. In addition to the student and city-focused goals, his main goal is to be a safe space for students.

“I’m most proud that I have never said ‘no’ to a student who asked me for time or needed help,” Pullin said. “Every decision I make will be based upon answering the interest of the student.” 

Over the next 10 years, a goal that Pullin emphasized is to focus on health sciences. He said that if the health sciences are at the right spot, amazing things will follow – and he’s excited for the mission and impact to come. 

Pullin is excited to live out this strategic plan among his students and looks forward to his presentation for the board of trustees this November.