Last week, TCU marked a rare moment in its history: the inauguration of its 11th chancellor. Daniel W. Pullin stepped into a role that had been held for 22 years by his predecessor, bringing a vision for growth, research, and deeper community engagement. The Van Cliburn Concert Hall hummed with anticipation as faculty, students, alumni, trustees, and civic leaders gathered — a standing-room-only audience witnessing both a ceremonial tradition and a forward-looking statement about TCU’s future.
Pullin approached the podium with calm confidence, the bronze Chancellor’s Medallion resting against his chest, a tangible symbol of continuity and responsibility. He spoke first of people — the students, faculty, and staff whose daily passion gives life to the campus — and of the university’s mission.
“To invest in this extraordinary university is to embrace the responsibility of servant leadership,” he 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.”
Board of Trustees Chair Kit Moncrief framed Pullin’s leadership in both strategic and personal terms.
“Chancellor Pullin has embraced every facet of TCU with energy, authenticity and purpose,” she 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.” During the medallion presentation, she reflected on the historic milestone: “You will lead us boldly into a new era, one that reflects the full promise, mission and enduring excellence of Texas Christian University.”
The inauguration also drew voices from beyond Fort Worth. Dr. E. Gordon Gee, president emeritus of West Virginia University and one of the nation’s only five-time university presidents, offered a national perspective on TCU’s trajectory.
“I know a great American university when I see one. Texas Christian University is clearly one,” Gee said. With humor, he added, “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.” His words reinforced TCU’s rising profile and the confidence that Pullin’s guidance inspires.
The ceremony capped LEAD ON: Values in Action Week, a campus-wide celebration of TCU’s strategic priorities. The week transformed the campus into a showcase of ambition in motion: drone shows, live music, and entrepreneurial talks punctuated academic presentations. Students and faculty displayed research projects reflecting the depth of inquiry across disciplines, highlighted by a $40 million gift to the College of Science & Engineering — the largest in the college’s 25-year history. Athletic facilities were unveiled, demonstrating TCU’s holistic approach to developing student-athletes academically, physically, and personally.
Through it all, Pullin returned to the students, framing them as the heartbeat of the university.
“I see their passion and their power to shape a better future,” he said. “Ultimately, I see them conquering challenges and dreaming big, as the TCU community invests in them to see those dreams realized.”
He challenged the community to keep shaping what comes next.
“If you want to see what the future of higher education looks like, look at TCU. There is nothing ordinary about TCU. Our values are in action. And while the world will change, our commitment is immutable.”
By the end of the week, TCU had done more than celebrate a new chancellor. The university had made a statement: it is a place where tradition, ambition, and values converge, poised for growth under Pullin’s leadership. And in his closing charge, the Horned Frog community found both inspiration and direction:
“Dream big. Be bold. And LEAD ON.”