Great universities start with scholars who share and create knowledge that pushes our understanding of the world to new levels. SMU is known for faculty who love to teach as much as they embrace scientific inquiry and other scholarly pursuits. SMU's strength lies in fusing teaching and research into breakthrough academic experiences. This balance is rare among national institutions yet fitting for a university like SMU that values balance and breadth in education.

Recruiting and retaining talented faculty is critical to the quality of SMU's academic programs. Outstanding teachers and researchers require state-of-the-art tools to develop meaningful scholarship and research and to inspire students in these pursuits. Through The Second Century Campaign, SMU must:

Raise to 100 the number of endowed academic positions, particularly for chairs and professorships, as well as department chairs and deans.

Endow departments, institutes and interdisciplinary studies in core academic disciplines as well as in emerging issues such as energy, education and environment.

Increase by 50 percent annual faculty research grants and expand opportunities for undergraduate research.

Make an unprecedented commitment to funding programs, technology and facilities that demonstrate the relevance and importance of faculty research in all schools of the University.