PRESS RELEASE

CHANCELLOR DANIEL W. PULLIN INAUGURATED, MARKING TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY’S FIRST LEADERSHIP TRANSITION IN 22 YEARS

Inauguration of 11th Chancellor in TCU history underscores commitment to values, student-centered growth, research excellence and community impact

FORT WORTH, Texas (Nov. 6, 2025) — Texas Christian University inaugurated Daniel W. Pullin today as the 11th chancellor in the university's history, marking TCU’s first leadership transition in nearly 22 years. Pullin’s selection signals the next chapter in the university’s national trajectory — one focused on student success and impact, accelerating research growth and strengthening Fort Worth’s innovation ecosystem.

Held in Van Cliburn Concert Hall at TCU in the Megan and Victor Boschini Music Center, the ceremony brought together more than 30 academic delegates and university presidents from across the country, along with faculty, students, alumni, trustees and members of the Fort Worth community. The standing-room-only event blended academic tradition with institutional purpose, underscoring TCU’s identity as a distinctive academic institution where excellence, community and values intersect.

TCU Board of Trustees Chair Kit Moncrief welcomed attendees and underscored Pullin’s leadership and momentum since stepping into the role.

“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. He is a great leader of people — fostering collaboration and championing innovation that will shape not only TCU, but the future of higher education.”

Pullin emphasized that his leadership approach begins with people and is anchored in TCU’s mission.

“To invest in this extraordinary university is to embrace the responsibility of servant leadership,” Pullin said. “For me, that means leading with courage, humility and a deep commitment to others — listening first, empowering those around me and creating space for collaboration and growth.”

The ceremony featured remarks from Dr. E. Gordon Gee, president emeritus of West Virginia University and one of the nation’s only five-time university presidents, who recognized TCU’s rising influence and Pullin’s leadership in a guest speaker address.

“I know a great American university when I see one. Texas Christian University is clearly one,” Gee said. He added with humor, “I have been president of more than half the universities in this country,” before calling Pullin’s leadership “a master class in executive leadership and strategic planning.”

During the medallion presentation — the symbolic transfer of leadership marked by the Chancellor’s Medallion bearing the university seal in bronze, signifying strength, resilience and continuity — TCU leadership reflected on the significance of the moment.

“You will lead us boldly into a new era, one that reflects the full promise, mission and enduring excellence of Texas Christian University,” Moncrief said.

The inauguration was the culminating moment of LEAD ON: Values in Action Week, where TCU put its strategic priorities into motion. The campus-wide series showcased the pillars of TCU’s Strategic Plan, LEAD ON: Values in Action: 

In addition to commemorating and celebrating the University’s historic inauguration of its 11th Chancellor, the week demonstrated TCU’s forward momentum as a dynamic, values-led and student-centered national institution that is leading research, driving innovation and strengthening economic and cultural impact both locally and nationally.

Pullin, in his inaugural remarks, reinforced that students remain the heartbeat of TCU and the foundation of its future.

“I believe in our students' potential, because I see it in action every day,” he 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.

He also challenged the community to continue shaping what comes next.

“If you want to see what the future of higher education looks like, look at TCU,” Pullin said. “There is nothing ordinary about TCU. Our values are in action. And while the world will change, our commitment is immutable.”

Pullin closed with a forward-looking charge: “Dream big. Be bold. And LEAD ON.”

Media assets and resources: 

TCU Media Contact:
Holly Ellman
Associate Director of Communication
817-257-NEWS (6397)
h.ellman@tcu.edu

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