Diversity and Inclusion Officers
Dedman College Diversity Officers advise the dean on matters concerning diversity, equity, and in conversation with the dean, diversity council, and university chief diversity officer develop appropriate programs, policies, and strategies to accomplish our goals. We are resources for the college’s students, faculty, and staff.
Email: dedmandiversity@smu.edu
Office: Dallas Hall 222
Director, Dedman College Academic Services
J.B. Georges
Ed.D., University of Mississippi
Clements Hall 134D
Phone: 214-768-2298
E-mail: jgeorges@smu.edu
For over two decades, he has worked in higher education with a firm commitment to helping students realize their potential, achieve their goals, and become lifelong learners. Dr. Georges earned his Doctor of Education degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and his Master of Science in Education in Higher Education Administration from Baruch College. At New York University, Dr. Georges earned his Master of Arts degree in Culture and Communication and his Bachelor of Arts degree in Individualized Study. He also earned his Associate of Arts degree in General Arts and Sciences from Pace University. In addition to spending quality time with his family and friends, he enjoys drawing, music, entertainment media, and the creative and performing arts. He also enjoys personal fitness and sports, traveling, writing, reading, politics, community service, and learning new skills and concepts. Even though he is still a New Yorker at heart, he loves his life in Dallas.
Associate Professor and Altshuler Distinguished Teaching Professor in the William P. Clements Department of History
Jill Kelly
Ph.D., Michigan State University
Dallas Hall Room 55
Associate Professor of History and Altshuler Distinguished Teaching Professor Jill E. Kelly is a historian of South Africa. She writes about gender and violence under colonialism and apartheid. Dr. Kelly is the faculty mentor of a team of undergraduate and graduate researchers who conduct oral history interviews with underrepresented alumni for the Voices of SMU Oral History Project to document the experiences of Black, Latinx, and Asian students at SMU. She is a recipient of the M Award, SMU’s highest honor bestowed upon students, faculty and staff who give unselfishly of their talents to better the University.
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Distinguished Fellow at the Center for Presidential History and Lecturer in the Department of Political Science
LaiYee Leong
Ph.D., Yale University
Dallas Hall Room 58E
LaiYee Leong researches and teaches US foreign policy and comparative politics. She leads an interdisciplinary cluster that promotes the inclusion of Asian American perspectives in teaching. In AY2022-23, she served as Chair of AAPASA, the affinity group for Asian and Asian-American faculty and staff at SMU. She is the faculty advisor to the Asian Council, the umbrella organization for Asian and Asian-American student groups on campus. In recognition of her mentorship, the Asian council created the Dr. LaiYee Leong Community Champion Award, given to a graduating senior every year.