TCU Chief of Staff and Secretary of the Board Announces Retirement, Transitions to Senior Advisor to the President
(January 15, 2025) Jean Pickett, a cornerstone of leadership at Texas Christian University for over a decade, will retire at the end of January. Effective February 1, 2025, Pickett will transition from the role of Chief of Staff and Secretary of the Board of Trustees to Senior Advisor to the President, serving in an advisory capacity through the Spring 2025 semester.
Pickett has served as the university’s Chief of Staff and Secretary of the Board of Trustees from 2013 to 2025, playing a pivotal role in supporting TCU’s strategic initiatives and priorities, with a focus on excellence in leading the Office of the Chancellor and President and serving the university and its 50+ members of the Board.
“Jean has devoted her talents to Texas Christian University with the utmost excellence, grace and integrity,” Chancellor Victor J. Boschini said. “Her years of leadership in higher education have developed in her exceptional foresight, wisdom, humility and a commitment to excellence in every situation. I am so grateful for her support and service to TCU, and it has been an honor to witness her lead our office team and serve the Board.
“While we will miss her daily presence sorely, we are grateful she will remain in an advisory capacity and delighted that she is now able to embark on her next adventures and travels, spending more time with her family, new grandson and friends. Jean’s standard of excellence, dedication, professionalism and commitment to the greater good has made a lasting impact on our office and TCU – a standard that will continue to impact TCU for years to come.”
During her tenure, Pickett has served as a trusted advisor to Chancellor Boschini and President Daniel W. Pullin. She has been instrumental in supporting numerous university-wide initiatives, including the development of TCU’s new LEAD ON: Values in Action strategic plan, the Investiture ceremony for President Pullin in November 2023, the historic celebration of TCU’s Sesquicentennial, the successful completion of the Lead On: A Campaign for TCU fundraising initiative, the establishment of the Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine at TCU, the university’s COVID-19 pandemic response, plus numerous new academic, enrollment and building expansions and more.
“Jean’s extensive knowledge of TCU’s operations, combined with her strong leadership skills and strategic mindset, have made her a huge asset to the TCU community,” said President Pullin. “Beyond her strategic role, Jean has fostered a positive and collaborative work environment within the Office of Chancellor and President. Through the years, her dedication to teamwork, serving with kindness and her ability to inspire others has had a trickle-down effect across all divisions and to our students. From serving the Board to serving our office team, Jean’s legacy is her commitment to excellence in everything she does.”
As Secretary of the Board, Pickett has worked to support impactful Board members and leaders over the years, establishing an effective meeting cadence and framework that allows for Board member dialogue, fellowship and the consideration of and responsiveness to university priorities.
“Jean is the linchpin between TCU’s campus community and the Board, serving everyone at TCU professionally and respectfully. She is always kind and responsive and has set a gold standard of excellence for Board relations. Jean has shown a great devotion to TCU over the years, and we have all been so fortunate to work closely with her.” Board Chair Kit T. Moncrief said.
As an advisor to the President through the spring semester, Pickett will continue to offer support to ensure a smooth transition. Dr. Lauren Nixon, Director of Programs and Executive Initiatives, will serve as Interim Chief of Staff, and Ms. Janine Cox, Deputy Chief of Staff, will serve as Interim Secretary of the Board of Trustees.
“It has been an immense honor to serve TCU and support the outstanding and visionary leadership of Chancellor Boschini and President Pullin,” said Pickett. “As Chief of Staff, I was fortunate to witness all the great work being done across the university and truly see our values in action. TCU is a very special place, and I look forward to watching the university and our incredible students continue to grow and thrive.”
A Career Built on Servant Leadership
Pickett’s career in higher education spans 35 years. Upon graduating from The University of Tulsa, Pickett served as a leadership consultant for Chi Omega sorority, traveling to various collegiate chapters nationwide to support – and inspire – women.
“Being a part of Greek life in college provided me with an incredible support system and opportunities for leadership and growth. It showed me the power of encouragement,” Pickett said. “I loved the opportunity to help empower women to be all they could be.”
After serving as a national leadership consultant and on the Chi Omega advisory board at The University of Tulsa, Pickett was tapped to serve as Chi Omega’s National Panhellenic delegate in 1992. Her professional volunteer service would continue, serving as the national Chi Omega Secretary from 2002-2004; national Chi Omega President from 2004-2008; and Chairman of the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) from 2013-2015. Receiving multiple awards and honors for her service, Pickett reflects on how those leadership experiences impacted her tenure at TCU.
“Serving in a leadership capacity for Chi Omega and National Panhellenic was such an incredible honor,” Pickett said. “I’ve had so many wonderful mentors and women who have supported and encouraged me over the years, and those opportunities allowed me to give back and empower others in a meaningful way. At TCU, we all have the opportunity to impact the next generation. Some of my fondest memories are nurturing students in our office, building their confidence and teaching life skills.
“My leadership experience also helped to prepare me for supporting Chancellor Boschini and President Pullin. Much of my role is functioning behind the scenes as an agent to carry forward and support their vision for excellence and a welcoming campus culture.”
Pickett first joined TCU in 2011 as Director of Development in the College of Education.
“My favorite memory from the College of Education was working with KinderFrogs,” Pickett said. “Connecting community members and alumni with the passion of our educators, all for the greater good of serving the needs of the children and families in Fort Worth, was gratifying. My eyes were opened to TCU’s immense capacity for impact.”
In addition to experience in fundraising, executive leadership and Greek life, prior to TCU Pickett served in fundraising at the Dallas Arboretum, in Undergraduate Admissions at The University of Tulsa and as a local news reporter in Bartlesville, OK.
As for her next chapter, Pickett says she is looking forward to having more time to devote to her family and friends.
“Purpose and meaning in life can ebb and flow over the years. My love of serving others and empowering the next generation doesn’t change, but now, I can give more of my time, energy and passion to my family. I feel called to be available for my husband, Howard, my children, new grandchild and all my loved ones. I am blessed by all that TCU has provided me and excited to embark on a new adventure,” Pickett said.
Reception Honoring Jean Pickett January 30, 2025
A campus community reception in honor of Jean Pickett’s service and retirement will be held from 3:30 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, January 30, 2025. For more details and to RSVP, visit >the TCU Calendar.
