As August arrives, our campus hums with anticipation for a new academic year energized by Mustang Momentum and the promise of what lies ahead. This fall, students will move into the newly renovated Virginia-Snider Commons and experience the reimagined Canterbury House, a vibrant new hub for belonging and religious life that will welcome students of all faiths and backgrounds. We will also greet our newest Mustangs through Stampede, a hallmark of the SMU experience and the beginning of their transformative journey.
Across campus, students are finding purpose and belonging in classrooms, residential communities, student organizations, leadership experiences, and campus traditions. At the heart of it all is our commitment in Student Affairs: to cultivate an environment where every Mustang finds community, feels supported, and is empowered to thrive.
In this 2025–2026 edition of Impact , you will find stories that illustrate the power of student engagement and the experiences that shape campus life. Shared through the voices of students and staff, and grounded in the data that informs our work, these stories reflect the energy of our campus and the meaningful difference Student Affairs makes in the lives of our students.
As the University prepares to launch a new strategic plan guided by President Hartzell’s bold vision, we are presented with a unique opportunity to reimagine our future as a division. In the year ahead, we will shape a new Student Affairs strategic plan that builds on our successes while challenging us to think boldly and innovate with intention. Together, we will continue creating experiences that empower students to lead lives of purpose, meaning, and impact.
Here’s to an inspiring year ahead on the Hilltop.
Go Mustangs!
K.C. Mmeje Senior Vice President for Student Affairs
EXTEND YOUR IMPACT GIVE
Join us in creating the next generation of Mustang stories. The programs and experiences featured throughout these pages are made possible through the generosity of SMU donors, whose 3,545 gifts throughout 2025–2026 helped enrich student life and strengthen the Mustang experience. Together, we can continue to foster belonging and empower students to thrive on the Hilltop and beyond.
TO STUDENT AFFAIRS
11
STUDENT ACTS DURING CELEBRATION OF LIGHTS
3,070 its murph Concert Founders’ Day Weekend STUDENT ATTENDEES 1,901
Hunt Scholars Class of 2030
616 Applications
58 Interviews
23 Recipients Students in Greek Organizations
1,477
STUDENT ORGANIZATION EVENTS
18
Crain Emerging Leaders
CASWELL LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
10
4 Fellows Coaches
$2,563,715
TOTAL FUNDS DISBURSED BY STUDENT SENATE
A Seat Table
Student Trustees and Student Body President
From leading initiatives to amplifying student voices, these leaders represent students today and are shaping the Hilltop for future Mustangs. We asked them to share their student leader stories and three words describing their student leader experience.
Caroline Pierce
Class of 2026
2025-2026 Student Trustee
Fort Worth, TX
Meaningful | Collaborative | Rewarding
“ “ “
B.A. in Journalism
One highlight of my Student Trustee experience was being able to share student perspectives and learn from leaders in the Dallas and SMU community. Through this role, I strengthened my communication, collaboration, and leadership skills. Student Affairs experiences that prepared me for this role include working as a student worker for the Senior Vice President for Student Affairs, Orientation Leader, and president of a professional fraternity.
Reid Spitler
Class
of 2027 Flower Mound, TX
2026-2027 Student Trustee
Empowering | Advocacy-driven | Connection
J.D. Candidate
My motivation to serve as Student Trustee stems from a desire to give back to the SMU community that has supported my growth since my first day on campus. Through undergraduate roles including Honor Council, the Student Affairs Advisory Board, and now as a Clinic Chief in the Hunter Legal Center, I have developed the leadership, advocacy, and collaboration skills needed to represent our student body. I am most excited to help strengthen connections between students and university leadership while learning from the leaders shaping SMU’s future.
Jazmin Darjean
Class of 2027 Grand Prairie, TX
2026-2027 Student Body President
Collaborative | Engaging | Memorable
B.B.A. in Management
B.S. in Psychology
I was motivated to serve as Student Body President by the opportunity to give back to the SMU community that has given me so much. Through experiences as an Orientation Leader, Tate Lecture Chair for Student Foundation, and Student Representative to the Board of Trustees, I have developed the leadership, communication, and advocacy skills needed for this role. I am most excited to connect with students across campus, strengthen our sense of community, and help advance important initiatives, including the University’s new strategic plan and the launch of the Dallas Office.
Winning Year
FOR STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
Through campus traditions and national championships, these student organizations delivered big wins for the Hilltop through leadership, competition, excellence, and Mustang spirit.
Polo Club
National Champions
In a historic showing during the National Championships at Cornell University, SMU’s Polo Club swept the Division II National Titles, with both the Men’s and Women’s teams earning championships. The program’s success was further highlighted by three All-Star selections and a Horsemanship Award winner.
SPEECH AND DEBATE CLUB
ACC Champions
Senior Megan Watson and junior Emma Stammeyer led the SMU Speech and Debate Club to its first ACC Championship, securing the title with a victory over Boston College in the final round.
CRUM COMMONS Commons Cup Winners
The Commons Cup brings Residential Commons together through a year-long series of friendly competitions to build community and foster Commons pride. Hosted by the Housing Unification Board, events span four categories— athletics, intellectual, community engagement, and creativity—with Crum Commons earning the coveted 2025–2026 Commons Cup title.
Some of the most meaningful moments happen when students come together. From promoting wellness to celebrating traditions, these experiences strengthen connections and create a greater sense of belonging.
CHANUKAH menorah lighting Community in Action
“The inaugural menorah lighting was breathtaking, with 130 people from the community coming together to celebrate Chanukah. We were so grateful that President Hartzell, Dr. Mmeje, and Provost Mersey were able to speak, share their encouragement, and join the celebration. It was incredible to see how supportive SMU’s campus is of its growing Jewish community.
Class of 2026
Charlotte Wasserman B.A. in Economics
Grand Prairie, TX
Hilltop Hustle 5K 233 PARTICIPANTS
Presented by Exercise is Medicine (EIM), the Hilltop Hustle 5K celebrates the power of movement to support both physical and mental well-being. Through a partnership between the Simmons School of Education and Human Development and the Divsion of Student Affairs, the event welcomes the entire SMU community to come together for fitness, connection, and fun.
I loved how the Hilltop Hustle 5K was accessible to runners of all levels! I personally am NOT a runner, but I felt welcome and included in the race. My favorite parts of the event were the snacks (YUM!) and the cheerleaders stationed along the route to guide us and bring the fun. Their positive attitude made the race all the more enjoyable. Overall, I think the event was incredibly successful at bringing together the SMU and greater Dallas community to promote Exercise as Medicine.
Sofia Raquel Kirk
Class of 2027
Dallas, TX
B.F.A. in Theatre
I have participated in the SMU EIM 5K’s for the past two years! The first year that I participated was when I took Anatomy and Physiology with Dr. Abt. Prior to this event, I had never run a 5K before, but I love pushing myself and am always up for a challenge! I had such a great time that I signed up for the Hilltop Hustle the following year! As a very active person, I truly believe that exercise IS medicine not only for the body, but also for the mind! I’m already looking forward to next year’s 5K!
Lydia England
Class of 2027
University Park, TX
B.A. in Psychology and World Languages
Life Hilltop on the
OCTOBER
JULY & AUGUST
56 incoming Mustangs participated in the first-ever RoundUp session RoundUp
Residents moved in 3,175
45
Stampede Events
A NIGHT AT THE CLUB
1,412 Students
200 Organizations and Departments
#1DAY4DALLAS
233
Community partner sites 7 Volunteers 140 Combined service hours 572 Hilltop Hustle 5K competitors
190
Grilled cheeses served at A Night on the Lawn during Family Weekend
1,326
Students participated in Panhellenic and Interfraternity Council Recruitment
SEPTEMBER
2,348 HOMECOMING
Student Organization floats
20 Votes cast for Homecoming Royalty
NOVEMBER
Candles used for 3,600 Celebration of Lights
Chanukah menorah lighting on Dallas Hall Lawn
DECEMBER
400+ students networked with 51 employers Spring Career Fair
100 Mustang Band members perform at Holiday Bowl January 2
FEBRUARY
New students welcomed during January Stampede
From the excitement of Stampede and the energy of campus traditions, to the celebration of graduation and new beginnings, this is a snapshot of the moments, milestones, and memories that shaped our year together as Mustangs.
Incoming students 17 Hunt Scholars Class of 2030
Festive Mardi Gras celebration featuring a second line band, beignets, and more!
APRIL
MARCH
The Center for Faith & Learning annual symposium highlighting the intersection of intellectual and spiritual development. Faith & Artificial Intelligence
FOUNDERS’ DAY WEEKEND
Expanded. Reimagined. Built for Connection.
April 24-26 Celebration of Excellence graduates attended Multicultural Celebration
students embarked on SMU’s inaugural Camino Pilgrimage, engaging in a transformative journey spiritual growth along the historic Camino de Santiago.
MAY
GRADUATION
Mustang First Experience The
56 students for pilot session
RoundUp is an optional, extended orientation program designed to connect incoming students to the SMU community and life on the Hilltop. Over the course of 3 days and 2 nights, students experience SMU traditions, engage in fun activities and friendly competition, explore Dallas, and build lasting connections in “Peruna Pods” led by upper-division students and faculty/staff mentors.
“Fajor Ahmed
Class of 2029
Ashburn, VA
B.A. in Human Rights
RoundUp was such an impactful and fun experience. I made so many friends, and a lot of them are still my closest friends at SMU today. I was able to learn about opportunities on campus like Student Senate, which I’m now involved in, because of my time at RoundUp! Coming from out of state, I was scared to be at a school with such a distinct culture. I was honestly even considering not going to SMU. But being at RoundUp helped me realize that I belonged at SMU.
“Caleb Scalf
Lexington, KY
B.S. in Finance & Computer Science Class of 2029
RoundUp allowed me to hit the ground running when I first stepped on campus because I had already built relationships with peers and faculty who made SMU feel like home. That strong start also helped me quickly get involved in both social and professional organizations, like Greek life and Boulevard Investment Group. Thanks to the foundation RoundUp helped me build, I know my next three years on the Hilltop will be some of the best of my life. I’m truly so thankful for this experience. Pony Up!
LEGACY in MOTION
Honoring traditions that continue to shape the SMU student experience.
For a century, the Mothers Club has strengthened connections between families and the University, supporting generations of Mustangs and helping build a vibrant campus community.
The longest continuing program of its kind in the nation, the Women’s Symposium has elevated important conversations, celebrated achievement, and inspired leadership throughout the SMU community and beyond for six decades. Years
Students, faculty, and staff have journeyed together on the Civil Rights Pilgrimage for twenty-five years, participating in transformative experiences that deepen their understanding of history, justice, leadership, and civic responsibility.
2022 Civil Right Pilgrimage Group at Edmund Pettus Bridge
MEET OUR NEW Faculty-in-Residence
The Faculty-in-Residence (FiR) program is a distinctive part of the SMU experience, intentionally connecting academic life, mentorship, and community within the residential environment. Unlike many institutions, SMU offers students the opportunity to live alongside faculty who serve as integral academic and community leaders within each Residential Commons. Through meaningful interactions, FiRs help bridge the classroom and residential experience, fostering deeper learning and connection.
Dr. Joan Frances Arbery McElvaney Commons
Joan Arbery is a Teaching Associate Professor in the University Honors Program and has been a member of the SMU faculty since 2009. In addition to serving as an assistant director in Honors, she is the historian for SMU’s Phi Beta Kappa chapter, a member of the Faculty Senate, and a Fellow of the Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture.
Dr. Kevin Gunter
Crum Commons
Kevin Gunter is Associate Director of the Division of Music in the Meadows School of the Arts and Senior Lecturer II, serving as coordinator of the Class Piano program, where he has taught for more than 20 years. An inaugural recipient of the SMU Moody Outstanding Mentor Award, Kevin is widely recognized for his deep commitment to mentoring and supporting students.
Dr. Alida Liberman
Alida Liberman is an Associate Professor and Altshuler Distinguished Teaching Professor in the Department of Philosophy in Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences. Since joining SMU in 2018, she has been an active leader in faculty development, regularly facilitating teaching and learning workshops for the American Association of Philosophy Teachers and helping to design its first workshop focused on inclusive pedagogy.
IMPACT Making an The People
Behind every student experience is a team committed to helping Mustangs thrive.
Student Affairs is powered by talented professionals whose expertise and leadership support an exceptional student experience. As educators and scholar-practitioners, our staff builds purposeful learning and leadership opportunities that help students clarify and develop their knowledge, values, skills, and identities.
Whether celebrating traditions, cultivating belonging, promoting well-being, or showing up in moments big and small, they shape the Mustang experience and challenge students to become world changers.The pages that follow offer a glimpse into the achievements, dedication, and collective strength that define our division.
Student Affairs
For the past 15 years, Dr. Arthi Krishnan has quietly shaped the student experience through compassionate care, clinical excellence, and an unwavering commitment to continuous improvement at the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center. She has successfully guided the Health Center through three consecutive accreditation cycles while overseeing quality surveys, peer review initiatives, and laboratory operations, ensuring the highest standards of patient-centered care. Her work behind the scenes has strengthened the systems students rely on every day, creating a Health Center that is innovative and focused on delivering exceptional, responsive care.
Beyond her clinical leadership, Arthi is deeply committed to the broader mission of Student Affairs. She serves as a mentor to pediatric residents from Children’s Health, helping prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals through hands-on training at the Health Center. She also champions wellness beyond her role supporting initiatives like the annual Exercise is Medicine 5K and encouraging healthy, active lifestyles across the SMU community.
As a member of the Student Affairs Social Committee, Arthi’s active involvement within the division helped cultivate a sense of connection and community among colleagues, recognizing that a supportive workplace ultimately strengthens the student experience. Her willingness to collaborate
and contribute wherever needed reflects the values that define Student Affairs and demonstrates that leadership is measured not only by the work we accomplish, but by the people we inspire.
Arthi’s remarkable leadership and dedication are recognized with the Courageous Change Leader Award, the division’s highest staff honor. Her dedication to excellence, innovation, and compassionate care continues to leave a lasting impact on the Health Center, Student Affairs, and the student experience at SMU.
IMPACT AWARD
Dr. Monique Marsh-Bell has transformed Counseling Services into a more accessible and trusted resource, ensuring that students receive support when they need it most. Through innovative leadership and a commitment to removing barriers to care, she reimagined how students access mental health services, creating more responsive systems while expanding connections to community providers for ongoing support. Her vision helped ensure more students receive timely, high-quality care and established Counseling Services as a place where students feel welcomed, supported, and understood.
Monique’s impact extends beyond Counseling Services. Through initiatives like Wellness Day, improvements to mental health resources, and the development of a diverse, highly skilled counseling team, she strengthened the University’s commitment to student well-being while fostering greater trust in campus support services. A collaborative leader and trusted mentor, she continually seeks ways to improve care, empowering colleagues across Student Affairs to better support students while leaving a lasting impact on the Mustang community.
OUTSTANDING NEWCOMER
In her first year, Heavin Holguin made an extraordinary impact through her innovative thinking and commitment to supporting students. As a member of the Student Advocacy and Support team, she developed a coordinated model of care for students experiencing food insecurity, housing instability, and financial hardship, creating a more proactive, holistic approach to meeting students’ basic needs. Her leadership has also strengthened The Shop, expanding its reach and ensuring students receive timely, meaningful support.
Beyond her direct work with students, Heavin has become an invaluable colleague whose collaborative spirit and thoughtful problem-solving have enriched Student Affairs. Whether identifying new ways to better serve students or fostering a culture of encouragement and connection, she consistently goes above and beyond. Her remarkable contributions in such a short time exemplify the care and dedication celebrated by the Outstanding Newcomer Award.
STUDENT AFFAIRS CHAMPION
Dr.Curt Herridge, Associate CIO for Data and Application Services within the Office of Information Technology, has been an exceptional partner in advancing the mission of Student Affairs through innovation and a shared commitment to student success. Working alongside nearly every area within the division, his leadership helped strengthen the digital tools and systems that shape the student experience, leading transformative initiatives including SMU360 and 12Twenty. By bringing together stakeholders from across the University, he helped create technology solutions that are thoughtful, connected, and centered on the needs of students.
Curt’s ability to build meaningful partnerships has been central to the success of countless technology initiatives across Student Affairs. His nominator shared, “Curt has been an invaluable partner who is thoughtful, responsive, and always focused on finding solutions that benefit both staff and students.” Through his collaborative leadership and dedication to continuous improvement, Curt has become a trusted partner and a true champion of the Student Affairs mission.
AN INSIDE LOOK Student Affairs
Leadership roles held on university-wide committees
Staff presented at a national conference or were published in 2025-2026
Degrees from SMU
Doctoral National awards, honors, and leadership selections in 2025-2026
Bachelor’s
Master’s
9 CURRENT STAFF MEMBERS ARE “M” AWARD RECIPIENTS
LOOK AT Affairs
Current staff with more than 10 years of service to SMU 22
40 CELEBRATING years
AT SMU
Dr. Jennifer “JJ” Jones
Congratulations to Dr. Jones on an extraordinary 40 years of service to SMU. Her unwavering commitment to the community has left a lasting impact on generations of Mustangs and helped shape the student experience on the Hilltop into what it is today.
17 New staff members joined the Division in 2025-2026
1 TRIPLE MUSTANG
Holds three degrees from SMU
New Home. Shared Mission.
Career Development at SMU enters its next chapter.
This summer marked the transition of the Hegi Family Career Development Center from the Division of Student Affairs to the Academic Affairs portfolio. This move creates new opportunities for a more coordinated and integrated approach to supporting students throughout their career development journey.
Over the years, the Hegi team has guided thousands of SMU students as they explored career paths, secured internships, and launched meaningful professional lives. We are deeply grateful for their unwavering commitment to students during their time in our division. We wish the Hegi team continued success and impact in their new home within Academic Affairs.
