Folsom Institute Advisory Board

Photo of students and board members at Folsom event

Industry Leaders Shaping the Future of Real Estate Education

The Folsom Institute Advisory Board is a distinguished network of 224 members, composed of both SMU alumni and non-alumni professionals. Its structure includes 12 Corporate Partners, 53 Leadership Circle members, 110 Advisory members, and 61 Associate members—emerging real estate professionals under the age of 35. This dynamic composition forges connections between the University, its students, and a network of 136 real estate companies spanning 19 cities across the United States.

Board Impact

Board members offer guidance to undergraduate and graduate real estate-focused students seeking Leadership, Insight, Networking, or Knowledge (LINKed) advice. The sessions provide an advisory gateway for Folsom Board members and students to connect in either a breakfast or lunch one-hour casual setting. Each session usually consists of 3-students to 1-board member.

Industry Forums & Panels

The Folsom Institute's speaker series targets leading professionals in real estate, with the intention of introducing students to the various disciplines within the real estate industry.

Industry Learning Labs

Companies have the opportunity to host a 1-hour information breakfast or lunch session. Events can be held either in the Folsom Institute's conference room or at the company's office.

LINKs Mentorships

Board members offer guidance to undergraduate and graduate real estate-focused students seeking Leadership, Insight, Networking or Knowledge (LINKed) advice. The sessions provide and advisory gateway for Folsom Board members and students to connect in either a breakfast or lunch one-hour casual setting. Each session usually consists of 3 students to 1 board member.

Master Class Series

Folsom board members contribute case studies for our master class study program. The goal is to expose students to real-world decision-making in an interactive discussion format outside of the normal classroom environment.

Mock Interview Day

The Institute annually hosts our Real Estate Mock Interview Day, where both undergraduate and graduate students hone their interviewing and networking skills. the day offers up to 50 30-minute sessions, providing a 20-minute mock up interview and 10 minutes of feedback. Some interviews have transitioned into internships and full-time employment.

Real Estate Career Roundtables & Fairs

The SMU Cox Career Management Center and the Folsom Institute co-host annual fall and spring Real Estate Roundtables. These events enable students to connect and network with leading CRE companies while learning about company dynamics and opportunities.

Los Angeles Affinius Capital Hines event

Property Tours

Board members or select companies can host 10-20 students during a Friday afternoon property/project tour. These are one of our most requested events from students each year!

BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

"The Folsom Institute offers students an incredible opportunity to supercharge their potential careers in commercial real estate. I wish it was around when I was at SMU. Whether it’s through attending Board meetings with the Advisory Board and the incredible programming including Dallas’ most recognized business leaders, to access to industry leaders serving as Adjunct Professors, to real estate case study competitions, and internships- any student interested in a career in commercial real estate has the opportunity to accelerate their career path through their participation in Folsom Institute."

JEFF ELLERMAN, Stream Realty Partners, Executive Vice Chairman

Board Structure

Membership on the Folsom Institute Advisory Board is by invitation. Board members are selected based on their industry leadership, commitment to supporting students, and desire to advance the Institute's mission. The Advisory Board includes professionals at multiple levels of engagement.