SMU

07/18/2025

Please join us in welcoming Grant S. Moise, CEO of DallasNews Corporation and Publisher of The Dallas Morning News, as the new Chair of the Advisory Board for the SMU Cary M. Maguire Center for Ethics and Public Responsibility.

With a career dedicated to responsible journalism and civic engagement, Grant brings a deep understanding of ethical leadership. His appointment comes as the Center celebrates 30 years of promoting ethics education and public responsibility across campus and the Dallas community.

“The Center will play an important role in ensuring ethics and social responsibility remain woven into the fabric of our community,” said Moise.

Read more about the appointment and what’s next for the Maguire Center: bit.ly/4lYiL4f

07/17/2025

We asked, you answered: What's one thing you wish people knew about SMU? 🤔🐴

07/16/2025

Ellen Aughenbaugh ’26 is a double major in Biological Sciences and Studio Art and a 2025 Engaged Learning Fellow. 🧬🖼️

For her project Interlinked: Bridging Art and Science, Aughenbaugh created a powerful exhibition of oil paintings and charcoal drawings inspired by neuroscience-related themes. Her work explores the emotional connection between scientific research and everyday human experience, inviting audiences to see the beauty in both.

🔗 Read more about Aughenbaugh's work: https://bit.ly/4nSXKJW

07/15/2025

How is AI reshaping the world of finance?

At the SMU Cox School of Business, new research by Finance Professor Xiaowen Hu explores how artificial intelligence and big data are giving asset managers a competitive edge - when used the right way.

The key takeaway? AI is most effective when it supports, rather than replaces, human judgment. SMU researchers found that firms leading the way are those combining advanced technology with deep industry expertise to make smarter, faster decisions.

Read more: bit.ly/4lrJR3L

07/14/2025

We’re thrilled to welcome SMU Meadows School of the Arts alumna and Broadway veteran Kimberly Grigsby '91 back to the Hilltop as the inaugural Music Director of the new Sexton Institute for Musical Theatre, launching Fall 2026.

With decades of experience on Broadway, Kimberly brings world-class artistry and mentorship to a new generation of musical theatre performers.

The Sexton Institute will offer elite, conservatory-style training within SMU’s strong liberal arts foundation - preparing students to become bold storytellers, collaborators, and innovators in the field.

Learn more: bit.ly/3IqJfwS

07/11/2025

SMU is saddened to hear of the passing of David Gergen, long time friend of the SMU Tate Lecture Series.

David served as the moderator of the Linda and Mitch Hart Lecture for 26 years, guiding conversations that brought insight and inspiration to our community.

In 2024, the Harts honored David with a named directorship of the Center for Presidential History at SMU.

The gift and position will ensure that the SMU Center for Presidential History and the Gergen Director have the resources needed to train future leaders and bring distinguished experts and international leaders to campus.

SMU and the Tate Lecture Series thank David Gergen for a career of selfless public service and bold journalism that has left a lasting impact on the entire SMU community.

07/11/2025

This morning, six of our dedicated SMU Police Department officers headed to Kerrville, TX, to assist with flood relief efforts—bringing with them truckloads of donated supplies for those affected.

Joining them were two incredible student workers from the Office of Risk Management, Liam Schefferstein ’26 and Clara Beauchamp ’26, who volunteered their time to help unload supplies and support the community.

A special shoutout to the entire team for embodying the Mustang spirit to serve the community, and a big thank you to everyone in our community who donated items this week! 💙❤️

07/10/2025

SMU and the SMU Dedman School of Law is proud to celebrate an inspiring achievement.

A Law Unto Themselves: How Women Lawyers of Dallas Transformed Law and Community—Together is a powerful new documentary created by Clinical Professor Kandace Walter and alumna Chelsea Hilliard ’10. The film highlights the extraordinary impact of women lawyers in Dallas over the past 70 years.

The documentary earned the Stars of the Bar Award from the State Bar of Texas and national recognition for its celebration of leadership, equity and justice.

The project, which premiered on International Women’s Day, honors the trailblazers who shaped Dallas and the legal profession for generations to come.

Learn more: bit.ly/4kp6B37

07/09/2025

SMU researchers are lighting the way to the future of nanotechnology,

SMU Lyle School of Engineering Mechanical Engineering Professor Amin Salehi-Khojin and his team have developed a groundbreaking method that uses light to build next-generation nanostructures.

This innovative approach is simpler and more cost-effective than traditional methods, opening new doors for advancements in electronics, medicine, and more.

Learn how this research is shaping the future of material sciences: bit.ly/40byepb

07/07/2025

See below for information on how you can help the SMU Police Department support our friends in Central Texas ⬇️

07/06/2025

Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of life and devastation caused by the recent flash floods in Central Texas.

We hold in prayer all those affected—especially the families still waiting for news about their children, and the communities surrounding the impacted camps. To those in our SMU community with personal connections to this tragedy, please know you are not alone.

We are praying for comfort, healing and strength in the days ahead. If you feel moved to help, we encourage you to support the many relief organizations working to provide aid and assistance in the region.

07/04/2025

Red, white, and Mustang blue! Happy Fourth of July from SMU. 💙 ❤️

07/03/2025

We are happy to introduce our new SMU FiRs!

For those who don't know, Faculty-in-Residence (FiRs) are a unique part of the signature SMU experience.

They host regular conversations over a meal with students, invite guest speakers, organize community events and trips to landmarks of cultural, historical, and social significance.

Welcome and good luck to our new FiRs:
- Dr. Maryann Cairns - Ware Commons
- Dr. Nils Van den Steen - Boaz Commons

07/02/2025

Dinosaurs meet music. 🦖🎵

A team led by SMU’s Center for Creative Computation Associate Professor Courtney Brown has created the Dinosaur Choir.

The choir, using wind instruments made from 3D-printed Corythosaurus skulls, replicates how these ancient creatures may have sounded. The project combines music, science, and tech - earning 3rd place at Georgia Tech’s Guthman Musical Instrument Competition.

Learn how SMU Meadows School of the Arts students are bringing prehistoric voices back to life: bit.ly/44bROEd

07/01/2025

One year in the ACC and our Mustang family showed up loud and proud every step of the way. Thanks for making this year unforgettable in athletics and academics! ❤️💙

06/30/2025

SMU is happy to announce that Michael Harris, a longtime Simmons professor and former department chair, has been appointed Dean ad interim of the SMU Simmons School of Education and Human Development.

With more than a decade at Simmons, Harris is ready to guide faculty, staff and students into an exciting new chapter.

Learn more: bit.ly/3G41lUN

06/30/2025

06/27/2025

Bibek Karki ’11, ’13, recognized in CSE Magazine’s “40 Under 40”, shares how the SMU Lyle School of Engineering helped shape his path to success. 📊🎓

His time in the accelerated bachelor’s and master’s program allowed him to participate in research, serve as a teaching assistant, advise the Lyle administration, design courses, and lead the university’s chapter of the International Society of Electrical & Electronics Engineers.

His story reflects the lasting impact of hands-on learning, leadership and mentorship at SMU Lyle.

Learn more about Bebek Karki and his journey at SMU Lyle: http://bit.ly/4kawxiU

06/26/2025

Meet the newest Mustangs on the Hilltop!

👤: Bryan P. Stone '92
💼: Dean, Perkins School of Theology - Southern Methodist University
❓: What aspects of Perkins’ mission resonate most with you?
💬: "The breadth and expansiveness of the Perkins’ mission resonates strongly with me as well as its stated mission of making theological education accessible to persons throughout the region, nation and world."

Read more about Dean Stone and our new members of leadership here: https://www.smu.edu/stories/mustang-momentum

06/25/2025

SMU Simmons School of Education and Human Development is making a difference in K–8 math education with Project SCALE.

The program, led at SMU by Dr. Leanne Ketterlin-Geller, helps schools implement effective fractions interventions and provide teacher training. By working with schools across the country, Simmons is supporting students and teachers to close learning gaps and build strong math skills. 📚💡

Learn more about Project SCALE: https://bit.ly/3TskAuh

06/24/2025

Dallas has always been an epicenter for trailblazers.

Join us in acknowledging the SMU connections, from leaders to alumni, that made Dallas' 2025 Power List!

🔴 Jay Hartzell - President of SMU
🔵 Amanda Dotseth '06 - Linda P. and William A. Custard Director of the Meadows Museum and Centennial Chair at SMU Meadows School of the Arts
🔴 Fallon Bock '16 - Designer & recipient of Jewelers of America 20 under 40, Bachendorf’s
🔵 Gillian Breidenbach '90 - Chief Partnership Officer for FIFA World Cup 26

See the full list: bit.ly/467VKaj

06/23/2025

Meet the newest Mustangs on the Hilltop!

👤: Janarthanan Jayawickramarajah
💼: Dean, SMU Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences
❓: How do you plan to foster interdisciplinary collaboration between the sciences, social sciences and humanities?
💬: "My role as dean is to amplify our collective strengths, champion interdisciplinary opportunities, and create a space for faculty and students to do their best work. We will continue to carry SMU forward by fostering excellence, collaboration and innovation across our disciplines."

Read more about Dean Janarthanan and our new members of leadership here: bit.ly/3ZdC7tp

06/20/2025

Join us in congratulating SMU Meadows School of the Arts alum Alecia Lawyer ’90! 👏

Lawyer, an accomplished oboist, has been named the inaugural Texas State Musician – Classical, one of the state’s highest honors in the arts. The “Classical” designation is a newly established category at the Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA), making Lawyer the first-ever Texas musician to receive this honor.

“I cannot imagine a more impactful honor or designation for me with my love of all things Texas.”

Read more about Lawyer's impressive career and about the award: bit.ly/4npQXaG

06/19/2025

Meet the newest Mustangs on the Hilltop!

👤: Todd Milbourn
💼: Dean, SMU Cox School of Business
❓: How do you see the role of business education evolving?
💬: "Business education must continue to rapidly evolve to meet the demands of a complex, interconnected world. Experiential learning will remain essential, with students tackling real-world challenges rather than learning in isolation."

Read more about Dean Todd Milbourn and our new members of leadership here: bit.ly/3ZdC7tp

06/19/2025

Juneteenth is this Thursday. Several events are being held across North Texas to commemorate the day slaves in Texas learned that they had been freed.