Victor Boschini has been a student-focused leader since being named chancellor of TCU in 2003. He frequently attends campus events and you’ll find him in the classroom, too, teaching at the College of Education. Boschini leads TCU’s 10,000 students and more than 2,000 employees.
Education:
Indiana University (PhD-Education Administration, Bowling Green State (MA-Personnel), Mount Union College (BA)
First Job:
“I worked in car wash. I was fired within a short period of time. But I learned that my life was easy and I should never take for granted that hard work would always be the key to success. … By the way, I was not fired because I was a slacker, but because summer was over and they no longer needed me.”
Greatest Inspiration:
“That’s easy. My father. He was smart but had limited opportunities due to his economic situation. Still, he used everything he did have to advance himself and his family. He was always positive and always the hardest worker in the room—regardless what room.”
How I Motivate Others:
“I try to show them that we are all part of a team and that none of us—especially me—are as smart alone as we will be together. I try to be honest and genuine, and I try to give honest, upfront feedback as often as possible.”
Scary Moment:
“Getting lost in Berlin. I am very geographically challenged, so that did not help the situation.”
Favorite Movie:
“Grease, because I think it says a lot about peer pressure and other high school issues that we all take for granted but are
so powerful.”
What I’d Tell an 18-Year-Old Me:
“Slow down, smell the roses, and let go and let God.”
What Keeps Me Up at Night:
“Everything. I am a big worrier. Here are a few of my current ones: Are all my children and their spouses OK? Are they happy today? Will our incoming class be too big? Will we be able to hire enough professors for the coming year? Will the Chick-fil-A on campus have chicken minis for breakfast tomorrow?”
Who’d Play Me in a Biopic?
“No one. I am too boring. It would be like watching your library card expire.”
Toughest Challenge:
“The ever-increasing pressure by society to prove that a college education is really a common good for the entire nation, versus just a good thing for the individual. This used to be assumed in America, but no longer is.”
Looking Ahead:
“I am surrounded by so many bright young people with ideas that both challenge and support some of mine!”
This Q&A is extended content from the Dallas 500, a special edition produced by D CEO that profiles the region’s most influential business leaders.
