Students, faculty, alumni and community members gathered in Van Cliburn Concert Hall to celebrate the inauguration of Daniel Pullin as TCU’s 11th chancellor, ushering in a new era of leadership for the university after 22 years.
Pullin, who became chancellor in June after serving as John V. Roach Dean of the Neeley School of Business and then TCU president, emphasized servant leadership and the responsibility that comes with guiding a values-driven institution.
“To invest in this extraordinary university is to embrace the responsibility of servant leadership,” Pullin said. “For me, it means listening first, empowering those around me, and creating space for collaboration and growth. At TCU, we know that each one of us has the same opportunity to serve as we invest in each other, especially our students.”
The inauguration drew students, faculty, alumni, trustees, Fort Worth community members and more than 30 delegates from universities across the country.
Kit Moncrief, TCU Board of Trustees Chair, opened the ceremony with compliments to Pullin’s leadership.
“Chancellor Pullin has embraced every facet of TCU with energy, authenticity and purpose,” Moncrief said. “His deep understanding of strategy and community engagement has already strengthened our university, positioning us for even greater success.”
The ceremony also featured remarks from Chancellor Emeritus Victor J. Boschini Jr., who led TCU for more than two decades before passing the Chancellor’s Medallion to Pullin.
“Chancellor Daniel Pullin, you bring to this role a visionary spirit, a deep commitment to our students and a bold sense of purpose,” Boschini said. “His leadership is already inspiring new energy across campus, from academics and athletics to community engagement and innovation. He understands what makes TCU special, and he’s ready to build on that foundation with courage, creativity and care.”
Representatives from across the university also offered messages of support and hope for Pullin’s tenure. Student Body President Reagan Stephens praised the chancellor for his encouragement of student voices.
“As an undergraduate student, I speak for those who are just beginning their journey,” Stephens said. “We are the seekers, the explorers, the ones who dare to imagine what’s possible. You show us that our student voices matter, that our ideas can shape the future, and that our presence is powerful.”
Guest speaker, E. Gordon Gee, president emeritus of West Virginia University, lauded both Pullin’s vision and TCU’s growing influence.
“I know a great American university when I see one. Texas Christian University is clearly one,” Gee said. “Chancellor Pullin’s leadership is a master class in executive leadership and strategic planning.”
Pullin also spoke about TCU’s LEAD ON: Values in Action Strategic Plan. LEAD ON prioritizes student-centered growth, academic excellence and community impact Pullin said. These are the values that will continue to guide his leadership and the university’s next chapter.
“I believe in our students’ potential, because I see it in action every day,” Pullin said. “I see their passion and their power to shape a better future. Ultimately, I see them conquering challenges and dreaming big, as the TCU community invests in them to see those dreams realized.
The ceremony capped off LEAD ON: Values in Action Week, a celebration of the university’s mission, community and strategic priorities. The week featured the John V. Roach Honors Fogelson Forum with Texas entrepreneur Kendra Scott, a community engagement summit with Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker and a research showcase highlighting student and faculty innovation.
TCU also announced a $40 million naming gift for the Louise Dilworth Davis College of Science and Engineering.
