Diverse, dedicated, dynamic, and student-centered—these are just a few words to describe the Office of General Education team.
Learn more about our team.
Meet the Team
Lisa Cordoba
Administrative Assistant
Office of General Education
Email: lcordoba@smu.edu
Phone: 214.768.2229
Office: Laura Lee Blanton Building, Room 102
I enjoy helping students feel a bit of relief when they talk to me about their requirements. I try to explain things simply and offer follow-up information if needed. SMU give me the opportunity to help others and meet people in different departments. At the end of the day we are all working together to help all students achieve their goals and graduate.
Dallas Forbes
Undergraduate Degree Counselor
Office of General Education
Email: dforbes@smu.edu
Phone: 214.768.6248
Office: Laura Lee Blanton Building, Suite 100
I am so honored to be back on campus after graduating from SMU in 2016. I’m beyond excited to help students take advantage of the amazing opportunities that SMU has to offer. I am most eager to help students merge and organize their career goals with their educational pathways. I hope to alleviate some of the stress and anxiety associated with class selection and academic planning, as well as provide students with best practices to help them succeed in their courses.
Dustin Grabsch, Ph.D.
Assistant Provost for Undergraduate Education & Academic Success
Office of General Education
Email: dgrabsch@smu.edu
Phone: 214.768.4887
Office: Laura Lee Blanton Building, Suite 100
My favorite part of my work is to help students make the most of general education. General education provides a powerful opportunity for students to explore new pathways and possibilities. I guide students to approach exploration of general education requirements with both intentionality and curiosity. For instance, undecided students can explore passions or interests, while students who have multiple interests can pursue a minor or another major, or even discovering employability or advance study options. Whichever their motivation, they will be developing critical life skills during their years on the Hilltop.
Melina Padron
Senior Advisor for General Education
Office of General Education
Email: melinap@smu.edu
Phone: 214.768.6559
Office: Laura Lee Blanton Building, Suite 100
Higher education has always been a passion of mine, especially as a first-generation college student. I am honored to play a role in helping SMU students achieve their goals, both academically and personally. I'm excited to connect students with the great resources SMU offers to help them be successful during their time with us. SMU is a vibrant and diverse campus, and I look forward to joining you all on the Hilltop.
Brittaney Wilson
General Education & Academic Appeals Coordinator
Office of General Education
Email: brittaneyw@smu.edu
Phone: 214.768.6248
Office: Laura Lee Blanton Building, Suite 100
I am delighted to continue my professional growth at SMU and become a member of the Mustang family. I will now pursue my passion of supporting students on a collegiate level within the Meadows School of the Arts.
Other general-education contacts
Misty Lawrenson
Critical Reasoning Coordinator
Department of English
Email: mlawrenson@smu.edu
Phone: 214.768.2961
Office: Clements Hall, Room 108
Jay Orenduff
Second Language Advisor
World Languages and Literatures
Email: slr@smu.edu
Phone: 214.768.2094
Office: Clements Hall, Room 309