Mustang momentum in action
From celebrations at the heart of the Hilltop to those showcasing their Mustang spirit around the world, the SMU community is experiencing a bold and exciting new era, filled with undeniable momentum, energy and ambitious vision.
Framework for the future
Over the past year, the University has engaged in an extensive process to develop a bold strategic plan for the future of SMU. This will provide a clear, aspirational roadmap that will guide our decisions, priorities and investments for the next decade.
Q&A: Shilo Brooks
The president and CEO of the George W. Bush Presidential Center offers insights into what makes a good leader, why institutions like the Bush Center are crucial to public education and policy, and how vital relationships with SMU and Dallas fuel a bright future.
Welcome to the stampede
The University continues to strengthen its leadership team with the naming of Michael Harris as Leon Simmons Endowed Dean of the Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education and Human Development and the addition of Shontel Grumhaus, senior vice president for Development and External Affairs.
Innovative pathways to success
Beginning in fall 2026, the University will offer two new undergraduate degree programs in game development and interdisciplinary studies that will prepare students for careers in diverse fields and emerging industries.
Breaking records
25,000+
first-year applications for Class of 2030 – highest in SMU history
Seeking answers
For Richter International Research Fellow Alexandra Lahiri ’26, what began as a childhood story told by her grandmother became a personal mission to uncover what really happened to her great-great-grandfather in Nazi-occupied Kalavryta, Greece.
Discovering her passion
A pandemic-era shift in perspective led doctoral student Juliana Rodriguez Antonio ’26 to new scientific findings.
Research finds creative solutions
Recent examples of SMU faculty and students consistently working to tackle large-scale challenges include making meaningful research more visible online, enhancing how science and engineering are taught in Texas, and developing powerful and portable acoustic sensors on a large scale.
Donors secure the future of legal clinic
Gifts totaling more than $6.05 million from the Stanton Foundation and 25 additional donors will endow and sustain the work of the First Amendment Clinic in SMU Dedman School of Law.
Figure:
Nothing but net
Through a planned gift, alumnus and former Mustang basketball player Jay Hollyman ’75 is giving back to the very programs that once supported his time at SMU.
24 hours of enduring impact
SMU Giving Day, the University’s annual fundraising challenge, took place on March 11, encouraging students, alumni, community members and friends to support vital initiatives across campus.
Mustang generosity
The latest major gifts support the University, its mission and its students in many different ways.
May commencement to feature new traditions and venue
All-University Commencement is a time of excitement for the future of our new graduates, proud memories of their accomplishments, and gratitude for the support of friends and families. This year’s ceremony will be particularly special with new traditions, venue and Commencement speaker Eric Dickerson.
Happenings on the Hilltop (and beyond)
May 16
Commencement
July 15–19
SMU-in-Taos Cultural Institute
September 25–27
Family Weekend
November 12–15
Homecoming and Reunions