Excellence in academic leadership
In an ever-evolving learning landscape, strategic leadership plays a key role in student success and faculty achievement. In support of the University’s mission to fuel excellence in legal and graduate education and leadership, SMU has welcomed two new academic deans to the Hilltop. These hires will further SMU’s momentum toward the higher echelons of academics and research, ensuring its place as one of the premier private research universities in the nation.
Robin Suzanne Poston
Bringing to SMU her experience as vice provost and dean of the University of Memphis Graduate School, Robin Suzanne Poston has been named dean of the Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies and associate provost for graduate education.
The former director of the Systems Testing Excellence Program at University of Memphis’ FedEx Institute of Technology, Poston “was the chief architect in the rise of University of Memphis from R2 to R1 in the Carnegie rankings, and we are excited that she is joining SMU’s leadership team at this time in our quest for even greater academic quality,” said Elizabeth G. Loboa, SMU provost and vice president for Academic Affairs.
Jason P. Nance
Further leading the University into its next chapter of excellence, Jason P. Nance has been appointed the Judge James Noel dean at Dedman School of Law. An established education policy and law scholar, Nance previously held multiple roles at the University of Florida Levin College of Law, including associate dean for academic and faculty affairs, associate director for the Center for the Study of Race and Relations, associate director for education and law at the Center on Children and Families, and associate dean for research and faculty development.
“His early public education experience combined with a distinguished legal career and passion for education equity issues bring talents that will be valuable on many levels at SMU,” said SMU President R. Gerald Turner.