Latest News
Honoring Martin Luther King, Jr.
Every year our nation celebrates the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. – the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage Americans to improve our communities. But in many ways this year’s MLK Day will be very different than in years past.
Message from President Turner on Violence at Capitol
The violence and disruption at the U.S. Capitol yesterday were deplorable, as is any attempt to erode the rule of law, our founding principles of freedom, and the institutions and symbols of our great nation.
Lilly Endowment Inc. awards Perkins $1M for new Congregational Vitality program
SMU has received a $999,975 grant to support Perkins School of Theology’s Testimony as Community Engagement program. The grant is being made through Lilly Endowment’s nationwide Thriving Congregations Initiative.
Virtual reality recessional for December 2020 graduates
We know 2020 has been tough, and we want to provide you access to our cherished Hilltop traditions, even if they look a bit different this year.
SMU student earns prestigious international fellowship to study in China
Physics and mathematics major Jared Burleson named Schwarzman Scholar
Jared, a senior from North Richland Hills, Texas, has been named a Schwarzman Scholar, one of the world’s most prestigious and selective international fellowships. He is one of 154 scholars from 39 countries and 99 universities chosen from 3,600 applicants to study for a year at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China – an opportunity that sets him firmly on the path to achieving his dream.
Science in the City at SMU takes participants to the dark universe
'Tis the season for Commencement
David Miller will be the featured speaker when SMU honors more than 500 candidates for graduation on Dec. 19 in Ford Stadium.
SMU dedicated the Gerald J. Ford Hall for Research and Innovation on December 4, 2020, a new 50,000-square-foot interdisciplinary research hub that will equip faculty, students and industry partners with tools and resources to collaborate, solve complex problems and power new enterprises in the digital world of today and tomorrow.
Unflappable airline pilot Tammie Jo Shults delivered SMU's December 1 Tate Lecture
Tammie Jo Shults, former Navy aviator turned airline captain, kept her cool and safely landed Southwest Airlines Flight 1380 when the engine failed and debris damaged the fuselage.
Jane R. and Pat S. Bolin ’73 commit $7.5 million to the Cox School of Business
A $7.5 million gift from Jane R. and Pat S. Bolin ’73 to SMU’s Edwin L. Cox School of Business will foster collaboration inside and outside the classroom, and strengthen students’ advanced data analysis skills.
Edwin “Ed” L. Cox, Sr. ’42 remembered for generous support of SMU
SMU mourns the passing of renowned Dallas business leader, entrepreneur, public servant, educational pioneer and longtime University supporter and trustee emeritus Edwin L. Cox Sr. ’42, who died Thursday, November 5, 2020. He had recently celebrated his 99th birthday on October 20th and remained active and engaged with family and friends until his passing.
Responding respectfully to the election
We are proud to be hosting a polling place in Moody Coliseum on November 3 to support our SMU family and our surrounding community in exercising our solemn responsibility as members of this republic – voting.
SMU enrollment hits all-time high
The class of 2024 helps drive record enrollment at SMU
Undergrads and graduate students have taken a flexible path during the pandemic, driving student population to a record-breaking 12,385.
Study: Free-college programs has led to large enrollment increases
Investing in a culture of collaboration
Aurelia and Brad Heppner ’88 and family commit $11.5 million to the Cox School of Business
An $11.5 million gift from Aurelia and Brad Heppner ’88 and family to SMU’s Edwin L. Cox School of Business will strengthen the school’s commitment to fostering the leadership skills of tomorrow’s executives and investing in groundbreaking research that impacts the business world.
SMU community prepares students to research, register and vote in presidential election
Vote on campus on Nov. 3
Fueling the Future of Business
Gina L. and Tucker S. Bridwell ’73, ’74 Commit $15 Million to the Cox School
A $15 million gift from Gina L. and Tucker S. Bridwell (BBA ’73, MBA ’74) to SMU’s Cox School of Business will generate transformational economic research and cutting-edge business education for generations to come, through the creation of the new Bridwell Institute for Economic Freedom.
Message from Dr. Turner on 9-11
This is a somber day, as we remember the 2,977 souls of all races, religions and ethnicities that were lost in New York City, Washington, D.C., and outside of Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after terrorists hijacked and deliberately crashed four commercial airliners on Sept. 11, 2001.
SMU names Lisa Garvin as chaplain, minister to university
The Rev. Lisa Garvin will join SMU Oct. 19 as its new chaplain and minister to the University, the first woman to serve in the role.
SMU Commencement was a fabulous send-off for our 2020 graduates
It was joyful and well worth the wait: Enjoy photos, video of the ceremony and a time-lapsed look at how we gathered to celebrate.
SMU Names Campus Leader Maria Dixon Hall as Chief Diversity Officer
Dixon Hall to convene University Diversity Council, supervise ombudsperson
Moving forward to accomplish shared goals developed with Black students, faculty, staff and alumni, SMU President R. Gerald Turner has announced that campus leader Maria Dixon Hall will fill the University’s newly created position of Chief Diversity Officer.
Message from President Turner on SMU Fall Operations Plan
As we prepare to welcome our students back for the upcoming semester, SMU's Emergency Operations Center (EOC) team has finalized and posted the Fall 2020 Operations Plan, designed to ensure the safety of our campus and minimize the spread of COVID-19.
Announcing SMU's Chief Diversity Officer
Maria Dixon Hall, Senior Advisor to the President for Cultural Intelligence and associate professor of corporate communications in the Meadows School of the Arts, has agreed to accept the newly created full-time position of Chief Diversity Officer to head our University-wide commitment to open dialogue, diversity and inclusion.
SMU to Host Outdoor Commencement at Ford Stadium Aug. 15
SMU will honor the accomplishments of its 2020 graduates at a festive open-air Commencement Convocation at 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, in Ford Stadium. The University will celebrate the best of its historic traditions while meeting the unique health and safety needs inherent in the current environment.
Message from President Turner on SMU Fall Operations Plan
As we prepare to welcome our students back for the upcoming semester, SMU's Emergency Operations Center (EOC) team has finalized and posted the Fall 2020 Operations Plan, designed to ensure the safety of our campus and minimize the spread of COVID-19.
Student uses the power of art to find his voice
Advertising major asks, "If I don't speak out, who will?"
Ra-Sun Kazadi never thought of himself as an activist, until he found the power of art.
Human rights education key to cultural change
SMU is one of just seven universities offering a major in human rights, which is not enough, says Human Rights Program Director Rick Halperin.
The problem with teaching kids not to see color
Instead, teach children to recognize racism and advocate for their friends
Maria Dixon Hall, senior adviser to the SMU president on cultural intelligence initiatives, says, "Even in our silence we are shaping our kids."
Dr. Turner Updates Faculty and Staff on Options for Working Families With Children in School
We understand the difficult choices that parents face during these uncertain times – in particular as you attempt both to care for your children and fulfill your professional responsibilities.
Law school launches helpline for COVID-19 legal issues
Call 214-SMU-COVD (214-768-2683) for free legal assistance for COVID-19 issues
Those needing legal assistance related to COVID-19 housing, immigration and consumer protection issues can receive assistance through SMU legal clinics or referral to local law firms and attorneys providing free services.
SMU paleontologist's Alaskan discovery yields new insight on dinosaur migration
More than 20 years of Arctic exploration yields rich rewards for paleontologist
SMU paleontologist Anthony Fiorillo's research in Alaska was grounded by COVID-19 this year; he was planning to study dinosaur tracks in Aniakchak National Monument, the most remote national park in the country.
Mitigating the pandemic's economic impact
New partnership to provide tech training scholarships for underserved students
A partnership with 2U will fund scholarships to SMU Global and Online to be used toward online tech boot camps in fields including coding, data analytics, cybersecurity, fintech and digital marketing.
SMU’s Caroline Brettell receives faculty career achievement award
Caroline Brettell, University Distinguished Professor of Anthropology, has been named the 2020 recipient of the SMU Faculty Career Achievement Award for her contributions to the teaching, scholarship, and service missions of the University.
Black executives leading change
SMU law grads among first Black women to hold top roles with influential civic groups
Texas Women’s Foundation Board Chair A. Shonn Brown ’95, ’98 and Junior League of Dallas President-elect Christa Brown-Sanford ’04 step up and speak out for equity and inclusion.
Forbes features wise words from SMU grad
Entrepreneur shares her insight on tackling difficult subjects – start with your family, she says
Neha Husein ’19, founder of the Just Drive app, and eight other entrepreneurs and influencers were selected to be part of Warm Robots’ inaugural “Council of Courage” by offering their own experiences and definitions of a courageous conversation.
New York City Ballet veteran embraces new role
In a New York Times profile, Silas Farley outlines new path
At just 26, dancer Silas Farley is transitioning from performance to leadership. Meadows School of Arts is the first step on his journey.
Law professor analyzes long history of false narratives by white supremacists
Attacks on black freedom began shortly after 13th Amendment was ratified
In this Washington Post analysis, law professor Jessica Dixon Weaver demonstrates that events like the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre have long been a deadly part of American history
SMU creative writing professor shines spotlight on Black authors
Author leads movement to fill bestseller lists with titles by Black authors
Sanderia Faye is the author of Mourner’s Bench, a story about 8-year-old Sarah Jones coming to terms with the traditions of her community in 1960s Arkansas and the progressive nature of her mother, who is involved with the civil rights movement.
Retirees moved by business owner’s commitment to employees
Richard Hawkins, SMU professor emeritus of sociology, and his wife gave a combined $2,400 to help a Plano costume shop struggling to meet its payroll.
Seven ways business owners can prepare for adversity
SMU super-entrepreneur shares what he’s learned from creating something from nothing
Carl Dorvil started his first business as an SMU junior. He offers this simple advice to business owners during COVID-19: “Adapt if you can, do something else if you can’t.”
Coaching kids through the pandemic
New Orleans Saints punter talks about tackling adversity
Thomas Morstead ’09 has raised millions for sick children through his What You Give Will Grow charity. Now he’s sharing big life lessons with little ones in the new The Middle School Rules book about him.
Caring for vulnerable patients
A new funding lifeline for a free clinic fighting the pandemic
As unemployment and COVID-19 cases rise, the Agape Clinic’s medical services are more vital than ever. And SMU alumna Mary Ann Scott ’65 aims to ensure the nonprofit’s healthy future.
SMU and NCSA announce new strategic partnership
Embrace Juneteenth today, and every day
Traditionally, Juneteenth is a day of family and community celebration – a time to proudly honor African-American history and culture. Please join me in embracing the spirit of Juneteenth today, and every day. Black Lives Matter.
SMU women's soccer kindness challenge inspires an NCAA campaign
What started as a blood drive for members of the SMU women's soccer team became an acts of kindness challenge, resulting in 156 kind acts and inspiring the NCAA Soccer United Against Hunger national food drive.
Simmons professor changes course to offer summit to minority families
When in-person seminars became impossible, Candice Bledsoe found a way to inspire students, families
Three hundred students, parents and teachers tuned in to learn leadership strategies, problem solving and design from local scholars and leaders.
SMU appoints Bobby Lothringer new University Registrar
Robert “Bobby” Lothringer will join SMU July 6 as its new University Registrar and will replace John Hall, who will retire in August after 50 years of service to the University.
Perkins professor finds meditation brings dignity and purpose to COVID-19 world
"Take a minute and sit still," says Perkins world religions professor Ruben Habito
Christian centering prayer, mindfulness meditation and Zen meditation can help one live with inner peace, quiet joy and gratitude during challenging times.
Today Show followed these students from kindergarten to high school graduation
Incoming SMU student Eileen Garcia one of 20 students followed for 13 years
Eileen was born the year after 9-11 and graduated from high school in the midst of a pandemic. She'll share a unique bond with other members of SMU's Class of 2024.
Cybersecurity tips for working remotely
SMU chief security officer shares best practices to keep devices and data safe
Cybercriminals are targeting people working remotely; these steps can help your personal and work information stay secure.
Statement on racial and social injustice
This is a painful time for our country again as we grapple with the virulent and continuing threat of racism, as well as the violence that often mars legitimate mass public protest.
SMU waives ACT/SAT score requirement for admission in 2021
Students applying to SMU for spring 2021 or the following fall 2021 may now choose whether they submit ACT or SAT scores for undergraduate admission and scholarship consideration.
SMU remembers Congressman Sam Johnson ’51
SMU mourns the loss of retired congressman and decorated war hero Sam Johnson ’51, who died May 27, 2020 at the age of 89.
SMU collaborators help community nonprofit pivot to e-commerce
When outdoor markets shut down, Restorative Farms had to retool its efforts quickly to stay afloat. It’s now selling seedlings online as GroBoxes.
Two SMU student teams win grants to prepare for safe return to campus
Student teams propose symptom-tracker apps, wellness recovery rooms, hands-free door-opening devices and an app for contact-free transactions.
Three days, 22 hours, 85 concerts
Alum band director plays Plano High fight song for each of his seniors
Jason Lewis ’04 and his assistant band directors traveled 168 miles and played in sunshine and pouring rain to show their appreciation to each band graduate.
SMU prof tracks the sound of silence
Noise levels in DFW down 30% during pandemic
It’s not your imagination – we’ve been generating a lot less noise during the pandemic, says SMU seismologist Stephen Arrowsmith.
Maguire Public Service Fellows to help at-risk communities
Students’ efforts will focus on research and programs related to the COVID-19 pandemic
This summer, 10 SMU undergraduate and graduate students will serve as Maguire Public Service Fellows, with much of their work focused on research and programs related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A final project tailored to this time
Students reach out to Italians to learn about their lives during the pandemic
In a video that’s heartwarming, funny and even musical, SMU students demonstrate fluency in empathy and awareness as they converse with new friends in hard-hit Italy.
Picuris Pueblo near SMU-in-Taos fights COVID-19
Native American community embraces extraordinary isolation measures
The pueblo of just 200 members has had several close brushes with annihilation, says SMU archaeologist and director of SMU-in-Taos Mike Adler. Smallpox reduced the population from 2,500 to 500 in the 1600s.
Music therapy students deliver telehealth services
Improvising with kitchen utensil instruments and writing original songs
Meadows School students are using HIPAA-compliant Zoom accounts to tune in weekly with clients, aiding their physical and mental health via live music, talking, singing, playing instruments and movement.
Alum's film debuts on Amazon Prime
The Girls of Summer is a coming-of-age story with ‘lots of improv moments’
Tori Titmas ’15 wrote, produced and stars in the movie she made with members of her real-life family and her “adopted grandfather,” director John D. Hancock.
Celebrate your SMU degree now and in August
Graduating SMU students are making it special
Please watch this video message from President R. Gerald Turner and Chief Faculty Marshal Tom Fomby as they anticipate SMU’s August 15 Commencement Convocation.
SMU names new members to Board of Trustees
The SMU Board of Trustees elected six new members during the board’s spring meeting May 8, 2020.
Creating the ultimate gaming challenge
Could crowdsourcing the video game community crack COVID-19?
A citizen science effort launched by BALANCED Media|Technology and Complexity Gaming deploys the HEWMEN Cell app to test drug compound data against coronavirus, helping SMU researchers sift through possible treatments faster.
Software developed by SMU stops cyber attacks in a more effective way
Engineers from SMU’s Darwin Deason Institute for Cybersecurity have developed software that detects ransomware attacks before they inflict catastrophic damage.
From studying on the Dallas Hall lawn to celebrating on the Boulevard, our May 2020 grads look back on favorite moments from the past four years.
Alumni across the country are hosting #StampedeInPlace interactive virtual events
Check @SMUAlumniNetwork on Facebook for event listings.
Kitten cuteness and other diversions to chase your cares away
When every day can feel like you’re prepping for a big test, de-stress with virtual jigsaw puzzles, puppy and kitten cams and more chill ideas from SMU Libraries.
Learning to separate fact from fiction
As conspiracy theories abound, watch for bias and double-check information
How do you filter out fake coronavirus news? SMU librarian Megan Heuer offers information literacy tips.
Residential Commons traditions continue
SMU student Anna M. participates in Sunday Night Snacks while sheltering in place
Sunday Night Snacks is a weekly tradition in SMU's Residential Commons where Faculty-in-Residence and students get together over fresh cookies. Now the tradition has moved online, but the sense of community is still strong.
SMU profs and students launch artificial intelligence lab to seek COVID-19 solutions
Fred Chang and Jo Guldi lead the search for trends, hidden patterns, insights
Computer science, the digital humanities and students eager to make a difference are all in the mix for a high-stakes collaboration tapping brainpower and the gift of time.
How alumna Ti Martin ’82, co-proprietor of NOLA’s Commander’s Palace is serving the community
Alumna Ti Martin ’82, co-proprietor of the restaurant, keeps its hospitable spirit alive
The legendary Commander’s Palace has teamed up with a New Orleans nonprofit to help feed healthcare workers at all 15 local hospitals. Meals are delivered by out-of-work artists and musicians.
COVID-19 hits home for Nashville student
As her grandmother recovers, Caitlin Williamson has been reminded that family relationships are vital. She has taken this unique time at home to better understand who she is and where she comes from.
Ray W. Washburne ’84 named to industry group charting recovery path
Ray W. Washburne ’84, co-founder and co-owner of M Crowd Restaurant Group, has been tapped by President Donald Trump to serve on a task force developing a recovery plan for the nation’s food and beverage industry.
Reflections from the front line
SMU student is an essential worker in her part-time job at Target
From shortages to hoarding, SMU student Sarah Sedaghatzadeh has seen COVID-19 chaos all from the Target check-out line. Her advice? Stay home if you can; if not, be nice to essential workers.
SMU epidemiologist weighs in on plans to re-open Texas
CBS News reached out to global health expert Eric Bing for insight
Global health expert Eric Bing calls for more COVID-19 testing to establish a baseline before re-opening Texas.
Soap bubbles and Barbie bungee jumps
This SMU education prof takes at-home math to new heights
To help families make math fun and relevant to these times of handwashing and togetherness, SMU math education professor Candace Walkington suggests Soap Bubble Magic, STEMWalks and Barbie Bungee Jumping.
Rewind solo jams by Cary Pierce ’91 and Jack O’Neill ’90 of Jackopierce
SMU alums Cary Pierce ’91 and Jack O’Neill ’90 met as Meadows students and formed the band Jackopierce. Now sheltering at home, they treated fellow Mustangs to solo sets that mixed music with SMU memories and answers to audience questions.
Necessity is the mother of reinvention
For the Odee Company, co-owned by Steve and Sarah Lodwick Holland ’80, the ability to adapt to shifting demands has kept the business going since 1923. Now the printer is churning out hospital gowns for frontline health workers.
Art alumna invites us into her virtual kitchen as she makes delectable ceramics
Fans of “The Great British Baking Show” will marvel at the pastry feats of art alumna Ginger Geyer ’75 of Austin. What’s the secret ingredient in her Instagram-perfect pies? Lots of clay.
Artful activities for beating boredom
Meadows Museum offers crafts, coloring pages, tiny tours and more
Got Kool-Aid, flour and water? Find out how to transform them into sculpture with an easy recipe from the Meadows Museum. The staff has been busy concocting fun crafts, learning experiences, virtual tours and more for all ages to enjoy at home.
Changing course to fight COVID-19
How one alum got creative when the going got tough
In just 48 hours, Lucy and Andy Rieger ’09 pivoted J. Rieger & Co. – their family distillery in Kansas City, Missouri – from producing whiskey to making hand sanitizer for hospitals, nursing homes and the community.
Alum leads innovation network to combat shortages
Hubert Zajicek, M.B.A. ’06, a physician and founder and CEO of the Health Wildcatters incubator in Dallas, helped create the Health Hacking Crisis Network to find quick solutions to problems like the face-mask shortage among healthcare workers.
Rethinking the retail environment
RevTech ‘SAFE Schools’ grants encourage innovation
What are the long-term solutions for staying safe and using retail services on campus? A partnership between several SMU programs challenges student teams to imagine the future.
SMU Center for Family Counseling offers free remote services
SMU’s Center for Family Counseling is now offering free telehealth counseling to anyone who needs it during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pivoting to stay in touch spiritually
From mastering online learning to delivering conference-call sermons, Perkins School faculty, staff and students are embracing technology to stay spiritually connected while physically apart.
Reassuring kids during COVID-19
The disruption of daily routines is tough on families, especially children. SMU’s counseling program offers advice for helping your kids feel safe during this uncertain time.
Avoid turning home into ‘Camp Chaos’
First, take a deep breath. Next, try to approach sheltering at home with a sense of challenge, even adventure, says SMU psychologist George Holden. Check out his pointers for using this time to grow closer as a family.
Understanding our viral adversary
It’s small and sneaky, turning its hosts into virus-spreading machines. Find out more from an SMU virologist’s answers to five big questions about the coronavirus.
DIG manufactures face shields for area medical professionals
Seth Orsborn, professor and director of DIG, and Alyssa Phillips, DIG lab manager, to manufacture face shields for area medical professionals.
Take care of yourself during these tough times
11 tips from SMU Counseling Services
Given the spread of COVID-19 and the disruption to our lives, grief, frustration and uncertainty all are normal reactions. The situation is new and unpredictable! How do we stay emotionally well during these times?
Setting the pace for future athletic achievements
A $5 million commitment from Heather and Ray W. Washburne ’84 and family will enhance the student experience and elevate SMU’s competitiveness by establishing the Washburne Soccer and Track Stadium.
Distinguished geoscientist James Quick will open the doors to a new era of research and interdisciplinary collaboration as inaugural dean of SMU’s newly created Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.
SMU remembers Robert Hyer Thomas '53, '57
SMU mourns the loss of Robert “Bob” Hyer Thomas ’53, ’57 attorney, civic leader and -beloved University alumnus, who died February 9, 2020, at the age of 88.
A Message to the SMU Community
A recent media report has identified a time two years ago, during the 2017-2018 academic year, that an environment existed within the women’s basketball program that did not meet the goal of being both competitive and supportive of our student-athletes.
SMU is following the Centers for Disease Control recommendation that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to China due to the outbreak of novel coronavirus.
Staying safe from the Coronavirus
Student Health Services is closely monitoring an outbreak of a potentially severe respiratory illness caused by a new coronavirus first detected in Wuhan City, China in December.
SMU’s robotic arm is helping Beaumont boy make a remarkable recovery after polio-like condition
A robotic arm built by mechanical engineering professor Edmond Richer at SMU’s Lyle School of Engineering is delivering a stronger future for young Braden Scott, helping re-create connections between his brain and muscles.
