Mustang Strong: See the latest information on COVID-19 for the SMU communityhere.



Moving Forward Together
The University shares the roadmap for making SMU more welcoming and inclusive for our Black community.

Every Vote Counts
SMU community prepares students to research, register and vote in presidential election
Vote on campus on Nov.3
SMU Names Campus Leader Maria Dixon Hall as Chief Diversity Officer
Moving forward to accomplish shared goals developed with Black students, faculty, staff and alumni, SMU President R. Gerald Turner has announced that campus leader Maria Dixon Hall will fill the University’s newly created position of Chief Diversity Officer.
SMU holds a virtual town hall addressing campus response to COVID-19 for students and parents
Watch the virtual town hall for students and parents with SMU President R. Gerald Turner, Provost Elizabeth G. Loboa and Vice President for Student Affairs K.C. Mmeje.

Important Conversations and Actions
This week, I had the honor of participating in a series of Zoom discussions with the leaders of our Black student organizations, alumni board, staff and faculty. Accompanied by Vice President of Student Affairs K.C. Mmeje, Senior Advisor to the President Maria Dixon Hall and our Provost-elect Elizabeth Loboa, I heard firsthand what it means to be Black at SMU. These were not easy stories to tell and they were difficult to hear.
Investing in a culture of collaboration
Aurelia and Brad Heppner ’88 and family commit $11.5 million to the Cox School of Business
An $11.5 million gift from Aurelia and Brad Heppner ’88 and family to SMU’s Edwin L. Cox School of Business will strengthen the school’s commitment to fostering the leadership skills of tomorrow’s executives and investing in groundbreaking research that impacts the business world.
Fueling the Future of Business
Gina L. and Tucker S. Bridwell ’73, ’74 Commit $15 Million to the Cox School
A $15 million gift from Gina L. and Tucker S. Bridwell (BBA ’73, MBA ’74) to SMU’s Cox School of Business will generate transformational economic research and cutting-edge business education for generations to come, through the creation of the new Bridwell Institute for Economic Freedom.
Message from Dr. Turner on 9-11
This is a somber day, as we remember the 2,977 souls of all races, religions and ethnicities that were lost in New York City, Washington, D.C., and outside of Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after terrorists hijacked and deliberately crashed four commercial airliners on Sept. 11, 2001.
SMU names Lisa Garvin as chaplain, minister to university
The Rev. Lisa Garvin will join SMU Oct. 19 as its new chaplain and minister to the University, the first woman to serve in the role.
SMU Commencement was a fabulous send-off for our 2020 graduates
It was joyful and well worth the wait: Enjoy photos, video of the ceremony and a time-lapsed look at how we gathered to celebrate.
SMU Names Campus Leader Maria Dixon Hall as Chief Diversity Officer
Dixon Hall to convene University Diversity Council, supervise ombudsperson
Moving forward to accomplish shared goals developed with Black students, faculty, staff and alumni, SMU President R. Gerald Turner has announced that campus leader Maria Dixon Hall will fill the University’s newly created position of Chief Diversity Officer.
Message from President Turner on SMU Fall Operations Plan
As we prepare to welcome our students back for the upcoming semester, SMU's Emergency Operations Center (EOC) team has finalized and posted the Fall 2020 Operations Plan, designed to ensure the safety of our campus and minimize the spread of COVID-19.
Announcing SMU's Chief Diversity Officer
Maria Dixon Hall, Senior Advisor to the President for Cultural Intelligence and associate professor of corporate communications in the Meadows School of the Arts, has agreed to accept the newly created full-time position of Chief Diversity Officer to head our University-wide commitment to open dialogue, diversity and inclusion.
SMU to Host Outdoor Commencement at Ford Stadium Aug. 15
SMU will honor the accomplishments of its 2020 graduates at a festive open-air Commencement Convocation at 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, in Ford Stadium. The University will celebrate the best of its historic traditions while meeting the unique health and safety needs inherent in the current environment.
SMU’s Caroline Brettell receives faculty career achievement award
Caroline Brettell, University Distinguished Professor of Anthropology, has been named the 2020 recipient of the SMU Faculty Career Achievement Award for her contributions to the teaching, scholarship, and service missions of the University.
Embrace Juneteenth today, and every day
Traditionally, Juneteenth is a day of family and community celebration – a time to proudly honor African-American history and culture. Please join me in embracing the spirit of Juneteenth today, and every day. Black Lives Matter.
SMU appoints Bobby Lothringer new University Registrar
Robert “Bobby” Lothringer will join SMU July 6 as its new University Registrar and will replace John Hall, who will retire in August after 50 years of service to the University.
Statement on racial and social injustice
This is a painful time for our country again as we grapple with the virulent and continuing threat of racism, as well as the violence that often mars legitimate mass public protest.
SMU waives ACT/SAT score requirement for admission in 2021
Students applying to SMU for spring 2021 or the following fall 2021 may now choose whether they submit ACT or SAT scores for undergraduate admission and scholarship consideration.
SMU remembers Congressman Sam Johnson ’51
SMU mourns the loss of retired congressman and decorated war hero Sam Johnson ’51, who died May 27, 2020 at the age of 89.
Pivoting to stay in touch spiritually
From mastering online learning to delivering conference-call sermons, Perkins School faculty, staff and students are embracing technology to stay spiritually connected while physically apart.
Understanding our viral adversary
It’s small and sneaky, turning its hosts into virus-spreading machines. Find out more from an SMU virologist’s answers to five big questions about the coronavirus.
Setting the pace for future athletic achievements
A $5 million commitment from Heather and Ray W. Washburne ’84 and family will enhance the student experience and elevate SMU’s competitiveness by establishing the Washburne Soccer and Track Stadium.
Distinguished geoscientist James Quick will open the doors to a new era of research and interdisciplinary collaboration as inaugural dean of SMU’s newly created Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.
Homecoming will look a little different this year, but we will still connect with fellow Mustangs and celebrate Pony Pride! Online or in-person, let’s keep the momentum going as we come home and say cheers to a brighter future.
October 16, 5 p.m. SMU Football - The no. 17 ranked Mustangs will play Tulane on Friday, October 16th at 5pm on ESPN.
October 27, 8 p.m. the black album. 2020. resistance. - In partnership with the Meadows School of the Arts, alumna Regina Taylor ’81, award-winning actress, director and playwright, will present a series of monologues, songs, poems, images and objects.
October 30, 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Black Lawyers Matter Conference - Registration for the event is required.
Wednesdays @ noon: #MuseumFromHome - Several ways to digitally engage with the Meadows Museum, including Color Our Collection, Tiny Tours and Crafternoons.
Campus Exhibits
Berruguete Through the Lens: Photographs from a Barcelona Archive - Through January 10, 2021 at the Meadows Museum. The museum is now open with normal hours but reduced capacity.See guidelines for a safe visit.
Michael Corris: Incidents on a Page: Dallas-Venice
- Online exhibit
DeForrest Judd – Sketches of Texas – Sketches of Texas Regions -Big Bend, Caddo Lake, Gulf Coast, Online exhibit
Octavio Medellin: Maya Toltec Temples and Carvings, 1938
– Online exhibit