Parent Leadership Council

SMU’s Parent Leadership Council is a select group of dedicated parents who serve as ambassadors to the SMU parent community and provide volunteer and philanthropic support to enhance the life of the University and its students. Parents develop unique perspectives of SMU as they witness the transformation of their children into world-changing adults. This distinctive outlook allows SMU parents to champion the University in special ways.

SMU’s vibrant community and innovative programs position students for limitless opportunities. A deep seeded tradition of philanthropy makes this possible. The generous, annual support of SMU parents makes an immediate impact on the lives of students and helps bridge the 30% gap between the true cost of an SMU education and the price of tuition.

The support of current parents is critical to fueling every part of the SMU experience. With SMU parents contributing more than $13.5 million last year, the Parent Leadership Council hopes to inspire the continuation of a strong tradition of parent support. 

* For more information about PLC, please contact Amy Thompson


As parents of three Mustangs, we know that strong  family involvement is an important part of the SMU experience. SMU counts on the support of Mustang  families like us to shape the students,  faculty and programs that are changing the Hilltop and beyond.
Terry and Brian Modoff, Co-chairs for the Parent Leadership Council and parents of Austin ’21, Francesca ’21, ’22 and William ’25

SMU parents provide vital funding that enhances the experience of all students.

Since tuition only covers about three-quarters of an SMU education, our students rely on the generosity of alumni, parents and friends who make current-use contributions. These current-use gifts provide annual support for academic programs, student experiences and faculty members who shape a new generation of world changers.

The SMU Parent Fund is a vital funding source that creates unique opportunities for students and enhances programs across campus. It provides essential resources for SMU’s highest priorities, including financial aid, faculty support and the campus experience. Every member of the SMU community benefits.

Giving is Rewarding

Philanthropists at heart, PLC members often give generously to other University priorities as well. Donors are recognized for their cumulative annual giving at the levels below.

  • Prior-level benefits and an invitation to an exclusive opportunity to interact with SMU leadership
  • Tate Circle Recognition in SMU’s President’s Associates
  • Hyer Circle Recognition in SMU’s President’s Associates

Parent Leadership Council 

Brian T. Modoff, Co-chair
Terry Modoff, Co-chair
Christopher J. Ahearn
Lawson C. Allen
Mary Lauren Allen
Melissa M. Barber
Patrick Barber
Katherine J. Bayne
Samuel G. Bayne, II
Amy Boehm
Christopher Boehm
Betsy H. Bradley
Dave A. Bradley
Jack Butler
Michael Canmann
Susan Canmann
Angela J. Cheves
Brad E. Cheves
Erin M. Crocker
Patrick J. Crocker
Nicole DeSensi-Willis
Stacey Dobos
Theodore Dobos
Daniel S. Dross
Paula E. Dross
Jon Feltheimer
Laurie Feltheimer
Michelle McKinney Frymire
Richard Frymire, Sr.
Erin Furtney
Tom Furtney
Alexander C. Juden
Michelle Juden
Dr. Elizabeth G. Loboa, Ph.D.
Melanie Lorant
Catherine C. Masterson
George Masterson
Marla J. Mayer
Robert Medina
Todd Ridgeway
Anja R. Shoup
George L. Shoup, Jr.
Jenifer F. Smyth
John E. Smyth
Erin Stark-Medina '95
Mimi Swank
Steven Swank
John M. VanderLinden
Angela G. Vlahos
Nick A. Vlahos
Matthew B. White '91
Stacey R. White
Gary Willis