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SMU Education Policy and Leadership

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SMU Education Policy and Leadership

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M.Ed and Ed.D. Higher Education programs
Education Policy and Leadership
SMU SMU's higher education program offers M.Ed. and Ed.D.

degrees specializing in the study of colleges and universities. The program offers a hands-on learning environment, a strong faculty of researchers and practitioners, and an engaging group of students. Please contact us to learn more about the program and the exciting opportunities ahead!

10/21/2026

"Over the past ten years on our campus, the scholars have always been at the heart of everything I do. Becoming a Dean offers a meaningful opportunity to reach even more students by supporting, coaching, and learning alongside their teachers."

Congratulations to M.Ed. alumna and Principal Certification Program student, Breanna Wilches, on recently being appointed Dean at Uplift Williams Primary!

"Growing up, my parents instilled in me a deep respect for education and ensured I always had the support I needed to succeed. Realizing that this kind of academic support was a privilege, one that not everyone in my own family experienced, led me to dedicate my life to teaching and earn two degrees in Education. I truly believe that a quality K–12 education unlocks endless possibilities. As a teacher and coach, my passion lies in nurturing our youngest learners, sparking a love for literacy, and helping them grow into confident, lifelong learners."

10/20/2026

Its our pleasure to introduce you to another new member of the Ed.D. K12 Educational Leadership Program, Alicia Rodriguez!

Meet Alicia, the “Bilingual Ms. Frizzle,” whose Texas roots and adventures abroad bring a world of curiosity into her classroom! With 20 years of teaching experience, she celebrates the languages, stories, and strengths students carry with them.

Raised in Los Fresnos, between Brownsville and South Padre Island, Alicia’s educational journey took her to ITESM “El Tec” in Monterrey, Mexico, and Emerson College in Boston. Next came South Korea, where she spent ten years teaching English and running a small English academy.

Back in Texas in 2016, she became a Texas-certified bilingual and gifted-and-talented teacher, later earning her master’s in Bilingual Education from SMU in 2021.

Alicia brings corazón, creativity, and a sense of adventure to learning. Whether championing students or connecting with families, she leads with warmth and keeps learning herself. Her classroom spirit? Every language belongs, every child brings something wonderful, and there’s always another discovery around the corner!

10/17/2026

Last Ed.D. Weekend, Dr. Barringer and our 3rd year cohort of Ed.D. Higher Ed. students had the wonderful opportunity to visit Dallas College Eastfield Campus in Mesquite, Texas, as a part of their special topics class on The American Community College.

They were given the chance to tour the campus and learn from President Eddie Tealer, CFO Tiska Thomas and Sharon Cook, Senior Director of Campus Administration.

10/16/2026

🚨Alumni Alert!🚨

Congratulations to Ed.D. Higher Ed. Alumna, Vice President of External Operations and Dean of Tarleton State University, Dr. Rachel Capua, on being named the 2026 Young Professional of the Year by the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce!

Dr. Capua’s commitment to “expand access to higher education, strengthen student pathways, and align[ing] academic programs with workforce needs in Fort Worth and across Tarrant County” is well recognized, and we are proud to have been a part of her vocational journey.

Click here to read more: https://bit.ly/4dlmXcE

10/15/2026

It’s time to feature another new student of the 2026 Ed.D. Higher Ed. Cohort! Introducing Bonnie Hainline!

Bonnie found her voice through a whistle. What began as a part-time role officiating intramural sports as an undergraduate student sparked a lifelong passion for leadership, growth, resilience, and helping others discover their own potential. Today, she works in collegiate recreation and wellbeing, creating experiences and systems that support student and community success. Bonnie earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Texas at Austin, a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Oklahoma State University, and an MBA from Southern Methodist University. She brings a strategic and relational approach to her work, meeting people where they are and helping them to get where they want to go. As she begins her doctoral studies, Bonnie looks forward to exploring how organizational design in higher education can support individual and community wellbeing. She is excited to contribute meaningful scholarship and learn alongside her cohort.

10/14/2026

Interested in becoming a university administrator?

From student affairs, to advancement, to enrollment services, and more. Find out how an M.Ed. in Higher Education from SMU can help you build your career!

Join us for an online information session this coming Wednesday (10/21) at 6:00 PM CDT to learn more.

Sign up today: https://bit.ly/4dtQ5yp

10/13/2026

Go from Teacher of the Year to Principal of the Year!

Join us this coming Tuesday (10/20) at 5:00 PM CDT to see how an M.Ed. in K-12 Educational Leadership can help you take the next step in your career.

Already have your master's degree? Then our online principal certificate program can help get you there in about half the time.

Click here to sign up now: https://bit.ly/47HLbu8

10/12/2026

Join us in welcoming Cindy Rodriguez to the Ed.D. Educational Leadership program at SMU!

Cindy serves as Assistant Director of Student Services for Garland Independent School District, where she supports districtwide efforts related to student discipline, school safety, behavioral threat assessment, Title IX compliance, bullying prevention, and student support systems. She has worked in education and student services for more than 10 years and is passionate about creating safe environments where students can succeed. Cindy earned a Master of Science in Criminology with a specialization in School Violence, and her professional interests include school safety, student behavior and discipline, threat assessment, and educational leadership. She is excited to begin this doctoral journey and learn alongside professionals from a variety of educational backgrounds. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, exploring new places, and spending time with family and friends.

10/09/2026

“I was struck in the conversation by the need for nuance in our conversations, the benefits and costs of being innovative, and the need for more relationship-building and collaboration across colleges, universities, and partner organizations to better serve our students and local communities.”

Associate Professor of Higher Education, Sondra Barringer, was recently featured in a panel on key issues facing higher education today, including academic freedom, funding for community colleges, trust in higher education, uncertainty, and many other topics.

10/08/2026

It’s time for another new Ed.D. Student Highlight! This week, we highlight Rebekah Craig in the Higher Education Program.

Diversity of experience best defines both Rebekah’s academic and professional journey. Academically, she has training in clinical medicine, biomedical research, and health policy and management. Her career has included roles in biomedical and public policy research, teaching, grants administration, business administration, and organizational leadership. For the past two years, she has served as Director of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs in the UT Southwestern Graduate School of Biomedical Research, where she draws on her varied experiences to help improve the graduate academic experience for both trainees and faculty. Rebekah hopes this degree program will equip her to bring innovative, evidence-based advances to her institution and support continuous improvement in the experience and success of trainees. In her free time, she enjoys experiencing and creating art, watching British television, and planning her next travel adventure.

Address

3101 University Boulevard, Ste 345
Dallas, TX
75205

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm

Telephone

+12147683354

Website

https://www.smu.edu/Simmons/Academics/Education-Policy-and-Leadership

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