Meet the Team

Diverse, dedicated, dynamic, and student-centered—these are just a few words to describe the Office of General Education team.

Learn more about our team.

  • Lisa Cordoba Headshot

    Lisa Cordoba

    Specialist for Undergraduate Education & Academic Success
    Office of General Education

    Email: lcordoba@smu.edu
    Phone: 214-768-2229
    Office: Laura Lee Blanton Building, Suite 338

    I enjoy working with students and helping them meet their requirements to graduate. SMU gives students the opportunity to grow and have experiences that shape them into well rounded individuals.

    I can help with:

    • Student Petitions
    • Academic Advising
    • Common Curriculum Requirements
    • Council in General Education
    • General Education Workshops and Events



    Book an Appointment with Lisa

  • Dallas Forbes

    Undergraduate Degree Counselor
    Office of General Education

    Email: dforbes@smu.edu
    Phone: 214-768-6248
    Office: Caruth Hall, Suite 253

    The best part of my job is helping students take advantage of all the amazing opportunities SMU has to offer. I hope to alleviate some of the stress and anxiety associated with class selection and academic planning.

    I can help with:

    • Student Petitions
    • Academic Advising
    • Common Curriculum Requirements
    • Degree Planner
    • Faculty and Staff Workshops

    Book an Appointment with Dallas

  • Dustin Grabsch Headshot

    Dustin Grabsch, Ph.D.

    Assistant Provost for Undergraduate Education & Academic Success
    Office of General Education

    Email: dgrabsch@smu.edu
    Phone: 214-768-4887
    Office: Laura Lee Blanton Building, Room 338

    My favorite part of my work is to help students make the most of general education. General education provides a powerful opportunity for students to explore new pathways and possibilities. I guide students to approach exploration of general education requirements with both intentionality and curiosity. For instance, undecided students can explore passions or interests, while students who have multiple interests can pursue a minor or another major, or even discovering employability or advance study options. Whichever their motivation, they will be developing critical life skills during their years on the Hilltop.

    I can help with:

    • Council on General Education
    • Course or Experience Proposals
    • Advanced General Education Policies
    • Office and Staff Feedback & Recommendations




    Book an Appointment with Dr. Grabsch

  • Melina Padron Headshot

    Melina Padron

    Senior Advisor for General Education
    Office of General Education

    Email: melinap@smu.edu
    Phone: 214-768-6559
    Office: Laura Lee Blanton Building, Suite 338

    My mission at SMU is to support undergraduate students during their academic career on the Hilltop. I want to ensure that students can have a valuable and enriching college experience so that they can positively impact their community while achieving their own dreams.

    I can help with:

    • Peer Academic Leaders
    • General Education Workshops and Events
    • Common Curriculum Requirements
    • Student Petitions



    Book an Appointment with Melina

  • Brittaney Wilson Headshot 2024

    Brittaney Wilson

    General Education & Academic Appeals Coordinator
    Office of General Education

    Email: brittaneyw@smu.edu
    Phone: 214-768-6248
    Office: Laura Lee Blanton Building, Suite 338

    I love that I can work behind the scenes to support students on their path to graduation. SMU gives students the unique opportunity to use their life, professional, or extracurricular experiences to fulfill graduation requirements.

    I can help with:

    • Experience Proposals
    • Student Petitions
    • Common Curriculum Requirements
    • Degree Planner


    Book an Appointment with Brittaney

Other general-education contacts

  • Misty Lawrenson Headshot

    Misty Lawrenson

    Critical Reasoning Coordinator
    Department of English

    Email: mlawrenson@smu.edu
    Phone: 214-768-2961
    Office: Clements Hall, Room 108


  • Jay Orenduff Headshot

    Jay Orenduff

    Second Language Advisor
    World Languages and Literatures

    Email: slr@smu.edu
    Phone: 214-768-2094
    Office: Clements Hall, Room 309