Daniel Pullin

Daniel W. Pullin is the 11th Chancellor of Texas Christian University (TCU), assuming the role on June 1, 2025. He has been a transformative leader at TCU, with a background in entrepreneurship, higher education, and global business. Before becoming Chancellor, he served as TCU’s President from 2023 to 2025 and was instrumental in the creation of the university’s strategic plan, LEAD ON: Values in Action, which focuses on student success, research, athletics, and community engagement.

Chancellor Pullin has significantly contributed to TCU’s growth by enhancing student outcomes, increasing research expenditures, and boosting athletic success. In 2024, he founded the Office of University Strategy and Innovation, which fosters TCU's innovative culture and ensures the university remains competitive in a rapidly evolving educational landscape. Despite his executive role, Pullin continues to teach as a professor of entrepreneurship and innovation.

Before joining TCU, Pullin served as the Dean of the Price College of Business at the University of Oklahoma, and in the corporate world, he worked at McKinsey & Company and Hicks Muse Tate & Furst. His leadership and impact have earned him recognition as one of the Most Influential People in Fort Worth and one of the Most Influential Business Leaders in North Texas.

Pullin holds a Bachelor's degree and MBA from the University of Oklahoma and a Juris Doctor from the same institution. He also graduated from Harvard Business School. Alongside his professional career, Pullin is deeply involved in community and educational leadership, serving on multiple local and national boards. He is passionate about sports, enjoying TCU's fine arts and athletic events with his wife, Ann Bluntzer Pullin, Ph.D.

Daniel W. Pullin: Biography

Daniel W. Pullin is an accomplished educator, leader, and innovator currently serving as the 11th Chancellor of Texas Christian University (TCU), a position he assumed on June 1, 2025. With a dynamic career spanning higher education, business, and entrepreneurship, Pullin’s leadership at TCU is focused on fostering student success, research excellence, and innovation. His strong foundation in both academic leadership and global business makes him uniquely qualified to guide TCU toward a bright future.

Early Career and Education

Pullin’s educational background laid the groundwork for his future success. He earned two undergraduate degrees from the University of Oklahoma: a Bachelor of Accountancy and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance. Later, he earned an MBA from Harvard Business School and returned to the University of Oklahoma to complete his Juris Doctor. This blend of business and legal education has been pivotal in shaping his innovative leadership style.

Leadership Roles in Higher Education

Before becoming Chancellor of TCU, Pullin was appointed President of Texas Christian University in 2023, where he played a key role in transforming the institution. His leadership saw the development of the university’s new strategic plan, LEAD ON: Values in Action, which was approved in November 2024. The plan, which reflects input from over 10,000 stakeholders, focuses on advancing TCU’s mission and positioning the university for continued success over the next 150 years.

Pullin’s leadership has led to significant improvements in student outcomes, research spending, and community engagement at TCU. As part of his efforts to ensure TCU’s future success, he founded the Office of University Strategy and Innovation in 2024, a body dedicated to driving forward-thinking strategies and promoting a culture of innovation within the university.

Previous Academic Leadership

Prior to his role at TCU, Pullin had a distinguished tenure as the John V. Roach Dean of the Neeley School of Business at TCU from 2019 to 2023. Under his leadership, the Neeley School saw remarkable growth in faculty, staff, and curriculum innovation, significantly improving the school’s national visibility and rankings. Before joining TCU, Pullin served as the Dean of the Price College of Business at the University of Oklahoma from 2014 to 2019. His time at Oklahoma also included a role as Vice President of the university, where he led several initiatives that enhanced the university’s business programs.

Corporate Experience

Before transitioning to higher education, Pullin worked in global consulting and private equity. He served at McKinsey & Company, one of the world’s leading management consulting firms, and at Hicks Muse Tate & Furst, a private equity firm. This corporate experience provided him with valuable insights into business strategy, operations, and entrepreneurial innovation, which he later applied in his academic leadership roles.

Recognition and Civic Engagement

Throughout his career, Pullin has been recognized as one of the 500 Most Influential People in Fort Worth by Fort Worth, Inc. and as one of D CEO Magazine’s 500 Most Influential Business Leaders in North Texas. His contributions to both higher education and the community have earned him several awards for teaching, academic integrity, and innovation in business.

Pullin is an active participant in civic leadership and higher education policy. He serves on several influential boards, including the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership, the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, and the Dallas Regional Chamber Board of Advisors. He is also a member of multiple university leadership groups, including the Big 12 Conference Presidents, the Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas (ICUT), and the Education Advisory Board (EAB).

Personal Life

Chancellor Pullin and his wife, Ann Bluntzer Pullin, Ph.D., are avid sports fans and enjoy attending TCU’s fine arts and athletic events with their family. Despite his demanding roles, Pullin remains involved in teaching at TCU as a professor of entrepreneurship and innovation, continuing to inspire the next generation of leaders.

Pullin’s background, leadership, and commitment to excellence have made him a transformative figure at TCU, where he continues to shape the future of the university and contribute to the broader academic and business community.

Vision and Goals as Dean of TCU's Neeley School of Business

As Dean of the Neeley School of Business at Texas Christian University (TCU), Daniel W. Pullin had a transformative vision aimed at elevating the school’s academic and operational performance to new heights. His leadership focused on positioning Neeley as a nationally recognized institution that combines academic excellence, innovative teaching, and a strong business network to equip students with the skills necessary for success in the dynamic world of business.

Academic Excellence and Curriculum Innovation

Pullin’s vision for the Neeley School of Business was grounded in the belief that a rigorous, forward-thinking curriculum was essential for preparing students to thrive in an ever-evolving business landscape. Under his leadership, the school made curriculum innovations to incorporate emerging trends such as entrepreneurship, data analytics, and global business strategy. This approach ensured that students not only gained theoretical knowledge but also developed practical, hands-on skills that could be applied in the real world.

Focus on Student Success and Outcomes

Pullin was deeply committed to ensuring that students had access to the best opportunities for career success. His goal was to build strong connections with industry leaders and alumni networks to help students secure internships, job placements, and networking opportunities. By creating pathways for students to engage with top companies and build professional relationships, Pullin aimed to significantly increase job placement rates and ensure that graduates of the Neeley School were highly sought after by employers.

Global Leadership and Impact

In his role as Dean, Pullin sought to increase the global reach and reputation of the Neeley School of Business. He focused on expanding the school’s international programs and partnerships, encouraging global learning opportunities such as study-abroad programs and international internships. Pullin’s goal was to enhance the school’s standing as a leader in global business education, ensuring that its graduates were prepared to navigate the complexities of the international market.

Faculty Development and Research Excellence

Pullin’s leadership emphasized the importance of attracting, developing, and retaining highly qualified faculty who could drive academic innovation and contribute to cutting-edge research in their respective fields. His vision included enhancing faculty development programs to support ongoing research and academic growth. By focusing on research excellence, Pullin aimed to position the Neeley School as a hub for business research that would inform policy, industry practices, and business trends.

Community Engagement and Corporate Partnerships

As Dean, Pullin was committed to fostering strong partnerships with businesses, governments, and community organizations to ensure that TCU’s Neeley School remained deeply connected to the needs of the business world. His approach focused on creating mutually beneficial relationships that provided students with real-world experience while contributing to the growth and innovation of the local and global economy.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Pullin believed that a diverse and inclusive community was essential for fostering innovation and preparing students for the complexities of the modern business world. His goals included increasing diversity among students, faculty, and staff at the Neeley School, ensuring that students of all backgrounds felt welcome and supported in their academic pursuits. He implemented initiatives to promote inclusivity within the school’s culture, recognizing that diversity in perspectives leads to stronger problem-solving and more successful leadership.

Awards and Recognitions

Fort Worth, Inc.’s 500 Most Influential People in Fort Worth

Daniel W. Pullin was recognized as one of the most influential individuals in Fort Worth, highlighting his significant impact on higher education and the community.

D CEO Magazine's 500 Most Influential Business Leaders in North Texas

Pullin was featured as one of the top business leaders in North Texas, reflecting his leadership in higher education and his ability to innovate at TCU.

TCU’s First Strategic Plan Development Recognition

His leadership in creating TCU’s strategic plan, LEAD ON: Values in Action, earned him recognition within the university and beyond for creating a bold, innovative vision for the future of the institution.

Teaching Awards

Throughout his academic career, Pullin has won several teaching awards, reflecting his dedication to student-centered education and his role as a professor of entrepreneurship and innovation.

Leadership Recognition in Higher Education

Pullin has been acknowledged by various higher education leadership organizations for his role in driving growth and innovation at both the University of Oklahoma and Texas Christian University.

Outstanding Leadership in Community and Education

Pullin has received multiple community leadership awards for his work in economic development, civic engagement, and advocacy for higher education within Fort Worth and Texas.

Corporate Leadership Recognition

Before his tenure at TCU, Pullin’s work with global consultancy McKinsey & Company and private equity firm Hicks Muse Tate & Furst earned him recognition for his business acumen and strategic impact in the corporate sector.