The leaders discussed the new, developing TCU strategic plan, as well as Fort Worth business and community connections, pathways to student success during university growth, and the importance of research across the business landscape.
September 20, 2024
By TCU Neeley School of Business
Craig Crossland, the John V. Roach Dean for the Neeley School of Business, kicked off the long-standing Tandy Executive Speaker Series by welcoming a familiar face as the inaugural guest this year – Texas Christian University President Daniel W. Pullin. In a nod to the university president’s habit of wearing purple Converse shoes, Crossland made sure he matched the dress code and wore his own purple sneakers.
The Tandy Executive Speaker Series is a long-standing event that brings North Texas leaders together for thought leadership and networking. This month’s event also served as an opportunity to introduce Crossland, who started this leadership role at TCU Neeley this summer, and demonstrate how academics and industry intersect across our community.
During the one-hour event, Pullin provided insights about TCU's developing strategic plan and the positive impact TCU has on Fort Worth's economy. He credited city leaders who built the foundation for Fort Worth recently being named the fastest growing city in the nation and No. 12 largest city overall.
“We live in Fort Worth, Texas. It’s a great business community and we’d be foolish not to take advantage of the wisdom that emanates around us,” Pullin said.
“With the dynamic economic growth around us, we will continue to work with our faculty, staff and students to partner with companies and other community organizations to tackle the challenges and opportunity of our time,” he added.
Crossland concurred with Pullin’s insights and highlighted Fort Worth’s role as a standout business community with leaders willing to pour into TCU and the Neeley School of Business.
“It’s evident that our alumni and corporate partners are invested in developing the next generation of leaders. An example of that support in action is the Neeley Mentorship Program,” said Crossland, as he looked across the audience that included business and community leaders. “In fact, for those of you looking for a little bit of activity, aside from golf, we have 80 sophomores and each of them is preparing for upcoming internships and would benefit from the guidance of an established business professional.”
As part of TCU’s upcoming strategic plan, Pullin outlined four pillars as priorities:
- Student-centered Growth
- Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities
- Athletics
- Community Engagement
He explained that each pillar reflects an opportunity for the university to continue pushing forward with innovation and creativity, with the best interest of the student always at the forefront.
“We are a university that is transformational, not transactional,” Pullin said. “Not only are we creating college graduates, we are creating leaders who are ready to make an impact in their communities and in the world.”
The next Tandy Executive Speaker Series on Tuesday, Nov. 19 will include Robert Isom, CEO for American Airlines, as the featured guest.
