Institutional effectiveness is the mantra accrediting bodies use in their reviews of colleges and universities, and outcome assessment is the centerpiece of such effectiveness criteria. In the past year, Southern Methodist University underwent an accreditation review by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools that resulted in a favorable conclusion.

In an institutional effectiveness review, results are compared to institutional objectives. One of the missions of the University is to strengthen scholarly research and creative achievement. The material presented in this magazine provides a partial picture of our achievement in this area. SMU has schools for the humanities and sciences, business, engineering, communication and fine arts, law, and theology. The profiles, research news, samples of publications, and sponsored research activity show that faculty in all six schools are active in scholarship and creative endeavors.

This is the eighth volume of SMU Research, and every year, as the one who chooses the articles for inclusion, I always wish I had more pages at my disposal. The difficulty of making these choices is a reflection of the quality of our faculty and the productive environment of our institution. I congratulate the faculty on their achievements and scholarship.

This volume includes three feature articles: two on distinguished faculty members and one on the Meadows Museum. Professor Louis Jacobs, an internationally known paleontologist, has taken on the presidency of the Institute for the Study of Earth and Man. Charles Curran, the Elizabeth Scurlock University Professor of Human Values, is a Catholic dissident of international acclaim. Thanks to funds raised during the Campaign for SMU: A Time to Lead, the Meadows Museum, which houses one of the finest Spanish art collections outside of Spain, is moving into a new building. It will serve as a research resource for generations to come.

I hope you enjoy reading this volume as much as I enjoyed assembling it. We thank you for your continued interest.

U. Narayan Bhat

Dean of Research and Graduate Studies