TCU
Said Daniel Pullin: “Commitment is the highest priority of Texas Christian University today and tomorrow and tomorrow. We will dream like those who made this great university like it is today. We will soar.”
Daniel Pullin was formally handed the keys of leadership of TCU on Thursday afternoon in an investiture ceremony that conferred the responsibilities of university president on him.
The formalities and decorum at the Van Cliburn Concert Hall were in accord with academic tradition that acknowledges the “great responsibility of stewarding a timeless institution and a university legacy,” as well as commemorate the first year of Pullin’s presidency.
Pullin was appointed president in December and began his duties in February.
“I am honored to have been entrusted with the role of helping lead TCU into its next 150 years,” Pullin said. “TCU’s vision of academic excellence and unrivaled student experience is a shared goal to which the entire Horned Frog community contributes. I look forward to working alongside Chancellor Boschini and all TCU leaders to ensure we reach our next level of distinction.”
TCU leaders, Fort Worth and Tarrant County community leaders, representatives from other Big 12 Conference schools, local universities, students, faculty and staff were among those crowded into the concert hall.
Pullin reports to the chancellor and is responsible for overall operations supporting and enhancing the university’s academic mission.
Academic regalia were introduced to TCU’s existing ceremonial items used in university events, including the Mace and Flame of Knowledge. The president's academic regalia now includes a presidential sash and pewter pin depicting Frog Fountain, given to Pullin by Chancellor Victor J. Boschini and the TCU Board of Trustees.
“In a season of milestone celebrations, the investiture further celebrates our tradition of excellence and underscores the importance of our shared values as a community that strives for impact and the greater good,” Boschini said.
Boschini added that Pullin now bears "the responsibility to carry forward TCU’s strong legacy of leadership and to build on this firm foundation.
“May you find strength in challenges. Gain wisdom in moments of change and,” the chancellor joked, “moments of terror, which you will have. Seek potential in people and all circumstances to continue to enrich our community with your entrepreneurial spirit.”
Pullin is TCU’s first president since 1962. McGruder Ellis Sadler, president since 1941, was conferred the title of chancellor in 1959. D. Ray Lindley served as president of TCU from 1959-62.
When Sadler retired in 1965, his replacement, James M. Moudy, was asked to serve as chancellor with all duties of community ambassador, major gift fundraiser and chief administrator. Since that appointment, all succeeding TCU chief executives have been called “chancellor” and have assumed the entire spectrum of responsibilities that at one time had required two administrators.
“I can think of no better way to commemorate the university’s sesquicentennial year than with the addition of Daniel Pullin as president,” said Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker in a statement. “For 150 years, TCU has thrived under visionary leadership, resulting in our nationally respected top 100 university serving students and attracting talent to Fort Worth from across the globe. Throughout those years, TCU and Fort Worth have grown and prospered, together.
“As the university looks ahead to the next 150 years, President Pullin’s expertise and innovation will help enhance TCU’s national reputation as a world-class university, develop leaders, and achieve academic excellence.”
Prior to his appointment, Pullin had been John V. Roach Dean of the TCU Neeley School of Business. In his recent past, Pullin was the dean of the Price College of Business at the University of Oklahoma, where he also served as university vice president. Before transitioning to higher education, Pullin worked for global consultancy McKinsey & Company and the private equity firm Hicks Muse Tate & Furst and its portfolio companies.
Pullin earned his undergraduate degrees from the University of Oklahoma and MBA from Harvard Business School before returning to Oklahoma to earn a Juris Doctor degree.
Pullin used the occasion as an opportunity to inspire the campus community to dream big for TCU's next 150 years and reaffirm the university's commitment to innovation, inclusion, and community engagement.
“Future generations will look back at 2023, and they will marvel at TCU’s greatness with full appreciation for what it took all of us to get to this point,” Pullin said during remarks from the lectern. “Commitment is the highest priority of Texas Christian University today and tomorrow and tomorrow. We will dream like those who made this great university like it is today. We will soar.”