The Campus Review
October 23, 2026
Texas Christian University (TCU) has brought back former chancellor Victor Boschini Jr. after TCU Chancellor Daniel Pullin resigned on October 22, 2026, less than 17 months after taking the university’s top job. Boschini’s appointment took effect immediately, with no interim designation.
The university did not disclose a reason for Pullin’s departure. The leadership change comes as TCU pursues enrolment growth, new student housing, and Carnegie R1 research status by 2035.
Key Facts About TCU’s Leadership Change
| Category | Official Detail |
| Institution | Texas Christian University (TCU) |
| Location | Fort Worth, Texas |
| Leadership Action | TCU chancellor Daniel Pullin resigns (effective Oct. 22, 2026) |
| Tenure Duration | Appointed June 1, 2025; served less than 17 months |
| Returning Chancellor | Victor Boschini Jr. (led TCU for 22 years from 2003 to 2025) |
| Designation | Permanent Chancellor (no interim title) |
| Governing Action | Formal announcement issued by the TCU Board of Trustees |
What We Know About Pullin’s Resignation
The announcement came directly from a statement issued by the TCU Board of Trustees on Thursday, October 22, 2026, as reported by The Texas Tribune. The university gave no official reason for Pullin’s resignation and disclosed no details regarding separation terms.
Pullin originally joined TCU in 2019 as dean of the Neeley School of Business. Following a national search, he began serving as university president on February 1, 2023, managing operations while reporting to Boschini.
The board and Boschini announced a succession plan in December 2024, and Pullin officially stepped in as TCU’s 11th chancellor on June 1, 2025. The university did not backfill the president role at that time.
Following the announcement, Pullin released a statement:
“I love our students and couldn’t be more proud of what their futures entail as they graduate and become outstanding TCU alumni. Thank you to everyone at TCU. I will always be invested in what TCU stands for.”
Kit Moncrief, chair of the TCU Board of Trustees, formally recognized Pullin’s service:
“We thank Daniel for his years of service at TCU. We wish him and his family only the best.”
During his leadership tenure at TCU, Pullin supported access initiatives such as TCU for Texans, which helps eligible Texas students cover tuition and certain living expenses.
What Boschini Inherits as TCU Targets Growth by 2035
The board appointed Victor Boschini Jr. with immediate effect, without an interim designation. Boschini previously led TCU for 22 years. Moncrief stated that Boschini will execute the university’s strategic plan while overseeing daily campus life.
Board Chair Kit Moncrief highlighted Boschini’s deep familiarity with the university’s ongoing mission:
“Victor’s proven leadership will ensure our Lead On: Values in Action strategic plan continues to be successfully implemented on behalf of our students, faculty, and our supportive community, while he and our team steward our daily campus life.”
Boschini shared his readiness to resume executive responsibilities immediately:
“I remain grateful for the chance to continue to serve TCU, our students and our community, amongst colleagues, alumni, fans, and Trustees who care so deeply for TCU.”
TCU’s Growth Plans Through 2035
The TCU leadership change comes as the university pursues several long-term targets.
- Enrolment: TCU reported 13,241 students in fall 2026 and aims to reach approximately 17,900 students by 2035.
- Research: The university aims to achieve Carnegie R1 research status by 2035. It currently holds an R2 classification.
- Student housing: Announced development plans include 2,450 beds in new campus housing and approximately 780 beds at the Morado on Berry project, highlighting the importance of campus housing as enrolment grows. The two projects represent more than $500 million in announced outside investment.
These figures describe targets and planned developments, not completed expansion.
| Strategic Priority | Current Benchmark (Fall 2026) | Target Objective (2035) |
| Student Body Size | 13,241 total students enrolled | Approximately 17,900 total (14,900 undergraduate, 3,000 graduate) |
| Research Classification | Carnegie R2 (Doctoral Universities, High Research Activity) | Carnegie R1 Research Status |
| Housing Developments | Two announced projects | 3,230 planned beds; more than $500 million in announced investment |
| Executive Leadership | Victor Boschini Jr. reinstated as Chancellor | Ongoing execution of the TCU Strategic Plan |
Looking Forward
The news that TCU chancellor Daniel Pullin resigns marks a dramatic moment for Texas Christian University. Rapid changes in higher education leadership create operational uncertainty, but TCU has chosen a proven playbook by bringing back Victor Boschini Jr.
As Fort Worth watches this transition unfold, the university relies on its most seasoned executive to keep strategic progress moving without missing a step.
Pranjal Kharche
