SMU-in-Legacy Leadership

Southern Methodist University's mission is to be a leading private institution of higher learning that expands knowledge through research and teaching. Among its faculty, students, and staff, the University develops skills and cultivates principled thought and wisdom. The University is dedicated to the values of academic freedom and open inquiry and to its United Methodist heritage.
 

SMU Board of Trustees

 
R. Gerald Turner, SMU President
 

John Whaley, SMU-in-Legacy Campus Director

The University operates through seven administrative divisions and nine academic divisions.

                                                      >> SMU Leadership

R. Gerald Turner

SMU President

Since becoming president of Southern Methodist University in 1995, R. Gerald Turner has developed a long-term strategic plan, campus master plan, and the largest major gifts campaign in the history of SMU. Ending in May 2002, The Campaign for SMU: A Time to Lead exceeded its $400 million goal, generating more than $542 million in gifts and pledges. The five-year campaign has raised funds for 80 academic endowments, 171 new scholarships, 16 endowed faculty chairs and professorships, 28 student life initiatives, and full or partial funding for 14 new or renovated facilities and a new campus, SMU-in-Legacy, in Plano, Texas.

Beyond the campus, Gerald Turner serves on the boards of the United Way of Dallas, the Methodist Hospital Foundation, the Salvation Army of Dallas, and three publicly traded companies.

A native of Texas, Gerald Turner earned a B.S. degree in psychology from Abilene Christian University and M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in psychology from the University of Texas at Austin. He and his wife, Gail, a native of Graham, Texas, have two daughters. Angela is a professional opera singer; Jessica, an SMU alumna, is a professional actress.

John Whaley

SMU-in-Legacy Campus Director

Since becoming director in 2001, John Whaley has overseen continued growth in enrollments and graduate-level programs at SMU-in-Legacy. He is active in Collin County civic organizations and is a graduate of Leadership Plano. He envisions a campus that helps area residents excel in their professional lives.

A native of Dallas, John served as an Associate Dean with The University of Chicago for nine years before returning to North Texas and SMU. He holds a BA in psychology from Duke University and a master’s in public administration from SMU.