New Executive Director Leads Bridwell Institute at SMU Cox

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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Anna Martinez
annam@smu.edu

Former Dean Matt Myers moves into new role in Bridwell Institute for Economic Freedom

Dallas (SMU) July 7, 2026 – Matthew B. Myers, the David B. Miller Endowed Professor of Business at the SMU Cox School of Business, has joined the Cox School’s Bridwell Institute for Economic Freedom in the newly created position of executive director. 

The Bridwell Institute is dedicated to advancing the understanding of economic freedom and capitalism through rigorous teaching, independent research and informed public engagement. Myers’ new role took effect June 1, the start of the SMU 2026-2027 fiscal year. 

“The Bridwell Institute represents the future of the Cox School of Business,” said Todd Milbourn, dean of the Cox School. “As business leaders navigate rapid technological change, evolving markets and increasing global complexity, our responsibility is to prepare graduates who can think critically, lead with integrity and create lasting economic value. The Institute strengthens every dimension of our mission — research, student success, public engagement and thought leadership — and will be instrumental in elevating SMU Cox as one of the nation’s leading business schools.” 

“I am extremely excited about joining the faculty and staff at the Bridwell Institute and am especially thankful to Tucker and Gina Bridwell and to Dean Todd Milbourn for the opportunity,” Myers said. “In its next era, the Bridwell Institute will expand its mission to become a nationally recognized academic leader in policy-relevant research and thought leadership on capitalism and economic freedom. Southern Methodist University provides the perfect environment for that mission at a critical time in the national dialogue on economic freedom at large.”

Myers served eight years as dean of the Cox School, beginning in 2017. After successfully leading a $140 million renovation and expansion of the school’s facilities, he chose to step down in 2025 to return to teaching. He recently returned from serving as a visiting professor at IE Business School in Madrid. 

“Great institutions are built by leaders who plant trees knowing others will enjoy the shade,” Dean Milbourn said. “Former Dean Matt Myers has the vision to further elevate the Bridwell Institute, and because of his leadership, SMU Cox is even better positioned to educate principled leaders and shape the future of business. We’re thankful to Matt for his remarkable leadership and lasting legacy. We’re also thankful to Robert Lawson as he continues in his role as the Institute director.”

As executive director of the Bridwell Institute, Myers leads a team of seven faculty and staff members, including Lawson, the Jerome M. Fullinwider Endowed Centennial Chair in Economic Freedom and a clinical professor. Through his free-market research, Lawson, who became center director in 2015 and Institute director in 2020, measures the level of economic freedom in more than 160 countries across the globe.  

Building on its strong foundation of scholarly activity, including teaching programs, influential research, public forums and globally recognized indices, the Bridwell Institute for Economic Freedom seeks to deepen analysis of how entrepreneurship, competition and institutional design shape prosperity and quality of life. At a time of rising skepticism toward capitalism and growing policy challenges, the Institute aims to provide clear, evidence-based perspectives on both the strengths of market economies and the reforms needed to sustain them. The Institute will continue to champion intellectual pluralism, analytical rigor and public engagement, while expanding its focus on developing principled business leadership for the future. 

The Bridwell Institute for Economic Freedom was officially established in 2020 as an expansion of the former William J. O’Neil Center for Global Markets and Freedom at SMU Cox. The transition was made possible by a $15 million gift to SMU Cox from alumnus Tucker Bridwell, B.B.A. ’73, MBA ’74 and his wife, Gina. 

The Bridwell Institute’s predecessor, the William J. O’Neil Center for Global Markets and Freedom, was originally founded in 2008 through a gift from Investor’s Business Daily founder and SMU alumnus William J. O’Neil and his wife, Fay. 

About SMU Cox

The Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University (SMU Cox) is committed to influencing the way the world conducts business via prolific research that provokes innovation, change and global thought leadership. SMU Cox offers a full range of business education programs, including B.B.A., Full-Time MBA, Working Professional MBA (part-time, in-person and online) and Master of Science degree programs, as well as graduate certificate programs and Executive Education (programming tailored for C-suite leaders and management professionals). In 2020, the Cox School celebrated 100 years of business education at SMU and maintains an active alumni network globally. Accredited by the AACSB, SMU Cox is consistently ranked among the world’s leading business schools.