A Plan with Impact
In 2018, the Division of Student Affairs launched a six-year strategic plan to bring greater focus and direction to how we serve students at SMU. Titled Cultivating Courageous Change (CCC), the plan outlined six goals that shaped our priorities across programs, services, and partnerships.
Since the plan’s introduction, the Division has experienced significant growth and change. We adapted to evolving student needs, expanded access to support services, and responded to national conversations about mental health, wellbeing, and belonging. CCC helped us make decisions with intention, collaborate across departments, and build strong partnerships across the university and beyond.
The pages that follow offer a closer look at each goal. You’ll find key achievements, meaningful stories, and data that reflect the scope and depth of the work. While this publication represents just a selection of what has been accomplished, it serves as a snapshot of the Division’s collective effort during this chapter.
A Letter from Leadership
Greetings from the Hilltop,
The campus is buzzing with possibility as we launch a new year fueled by Mustang Momentum! In our thrilling inaugural year in the ACC, we cheered as our athletes soared—topping the charts in their sports and earning a historic appearance in the first-ever College Football Playoffs. Students moved into the newly renovated Smith Perkins Hall, and across the Hilltop, we witnessed renewed collaboration that deepened student learning and elevated engagement. At the heart of it all, our mission in Student Affairs remains steadfast: to foster a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive environment where every Mustang can thrive.
In the 2024–2025 edition of Impact, you’ll discover powerful stories of transformation, achievement, and innovation—told through the voices of our students and staff and grounded in data that drives continuous improvement. These stories reflect the energy of our campus and the profound impact of our work. Our students— diverse, driven, and intellectually curious—embody a spirit of purpose that inspires us daily. Their ambition to use their SMU education to effect positive change is nothing short of remarkable.
This year also marks the conclusion of our divisional strategic plan, Cultivating Courageous Change. Join us as we celebrate the achievement of our Six Goals and 59 Objectives. As I reflect on these past seven years, I am deeply proud of the talented and passionate Student Affairs professionals who brought this vision to life in partnership with colleagues across campus. To all who have
Student Affairs Division,
It is my pleasure to congratulate you all on the successful conclusion of your divisional strategic plan, Cultivating Courageous Change. When the plan launched in 2018, little could we anticipate the changes to come as our campus and indeed the world navigated a global pandemic. Your commitment and dedication to our students and the SMU experience was steadfast and admirable. Completing a strategic plan is a significant achievement, a demonstration of focus, hard work, and effective collaboration. Doing so while centering the best interests of our students and the SMU community is particularly noteworthy. My congratulations, and heartfelt thanks for a job well done.
Dr. R. Gerald Turner, President Emeritus
contributed—past and present—thank you for your dedication to our students.
I would also like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to SMU’s 10th President, Dr. R. Gerald Turner, whose visionary leadership guided us through not only our strategic plan but three decades of transformation. As we honor his legacy, we embrace this new chapter of leadership with excitement and optimism.
The transition presents us with a unique opportunity to reimagine our future. With President Hartzell’s bold vision guiding us forward, we are energized to shape a new Student Affairs strategic plan that both builds on our successes and challenges us to view our work in fresh, innovative ways. Together, we will continue to create experiences that empower students to lead lives of purpose, meaning, and impact.
Here’s to another extraordinary year on the Hilltop.
Pony Up!
Senior Vice President for Student Affairs
Develop a comprehensive student experience
Every step, fully supported.
At the heart of the strategic plan was a commitment to making the SMU student experience more intentional, more connected, and more developmental from the moment students arrive through the day they graduate. Goal 1 asked us to examine every part of the student journey, and to ensure that each step was supported by meaningful experiences, inclusive mentorship, and growth-oriented programming.
Over six years, our division invested deeply in the systems and structures that guide student belonging and success. One of the clearest examples was the transformation of our orientation model. Stampede, the university’s extended welcome weekend, grew into a 40, 50 event experience featuring pep rallies, mentor meetups, faculty engagement, and Mustang traditions. In 2024, twelve new programs were added to Stampede, and another nine followed in 2025, including sessions co-led by academic and student support units.
We also reimagined how students navigate behavioral expectations. The Conduct Pathway model empowered students with choice-based sanctions designed to prompt self-reflection. Pathways include Accountability, Restorative, Perspective, Wellbeing, and Understanding, with interactive modules like “Values Clarification” (used in 185 cases) and “College Alcohol Statistics Finder” (181 cases) now integrated into the student conduct process.
Career development has been another cornerstone of this work. The Hegi Career Leaders (HCL) program provides professional guidance, employer engagement, and individualized coaching to undergraduate
students across disciplines. Since 2018, the program has supported over 250 students and facilitated more than 2,000 career counseling appointments, HCL participants maintain an average GPA of 3.66 and regularly cite the program’s mentorship and community as defining elements of their SMU experience.
Additionally, the Division strategically expanded the number of experiences that fulfill SMU’s Proficiencies & Experiences (P&E) general education requirements. As of 2025, 16 Student Affairs-sponsored programs, including Outdoor Leadership Training, the Honor Council, and Engage Dallas, count toward general education credits in Community Engagement, Human Diversity, and Oral Communication. These offerings not only connect classroom learning to co-curricular life but make student engagement academically meaningful.
Whether attending their first orientation event, meeting their Faculty-in-Residence in the Commons, or completing a capstone internship, students now encounter a Division-wide network of programs and professionals dedicated to their development. This goal affirmed that the student experience is not a single program, it’s a system of moments, choices, and relationships designed to support Mustangs every step of the way.
Hegi Family Career Development Center’s All Majors Career and Internship Fair
Stoles for Lavender Celebration
Diverse perspectives
A community shaped by understanding.
Goal 2 called on the Division to do more than offer inclusive programs, it asked us to embed respect for difference into the student experience. Over the life of the strategic plan, we cultivated a campus culture that actively affirms identity, promotes intercultural fluency, and encourages self-reflection. Our work spanned leadership development, academic partnerships, survey-based assessment, and some of the Division’s most high-impact and visible programming.
The Connect Mentorship Program saw record engagement this year, with 153 mentees and 72 mentors participating. Through partnership with Residence Life and Student Housing, each Commons hosted a Faculty Affiliate connected to Connect mentees, bringing mentorship into residential life and encouraging faculty-student engagement. The program also received donor funding for the first time in its 24-year history, enhancing its curriculum and outreach efforts.
Hidden Scripts training, developed to unpack invisible cultural narratives, was embedded into Orientation, Greek recruitment, residence life, and staff development. As of the 2024 - 2025 academic year, all incoming students are trained in the model. More than 1,400 students and staff participated in Hidden Scripts programming this year alone, including 634 Panhellenic potential new members, 448 IFC members, 275 Connect and RISE student leaders, and 100 new residence assistants.
1400+ people were introduced to the principles of cultural intelligence in Hidden Scripts training
225 students participated in the Connect Mentorship Program
33K
Meanwhile, the Women & LGBT Center played a central role in expanding identity-based education and community building. Through programs like CommuniTea, the Lavender Leaders peer leadership program, and major visibility events like Pride Visibility Day and the LGBTQ+ Symposium, the Center provided students with opportunities to reflect, lead, and celebrate across identities. Programs like Allies and Pronoun Training reached over 150 SMU and Dallas community members last year, including staff from Athletics, Development and External Affairs, and the Perkins School of Theology.
Flagship annual events, like the Women’s Symposium, Lavender Celebration, and All About Ballroom, continued to grow. Pride Visibility Day 2025 welcomed a headlining performance by drag artist and activist Sasha Colby and drew hundreds of students, alumni, and community members. The Women’s Symposium, now approaching its 60th year, continues to be one of SMU’s longest-running traditions and featured a student-led planning committee, CORE. Across it all, we remained focused on one clear aim: ensuring that every student, regardless of background, sees themselves reflected in our programs, and can find both connection and belonging during their time on the Hilltop.
250 CommuniTea attendees participated in creative activities and community building
1000+ community members engaged with the Women and LGBT Center at Dallas and Arlington Pride
Strategic partnerships
Because we’re stronger together.
At SMU, partnerships aren’t just about working together, they’re about building something greater than we could accomplish alone. Goal 3 focused on expanding strategic collaborations within the university and beyond it, in ways that amplified student success, academic integration, career readiness, and civic impact.
Few programs embody this better than Engage Dallas, the university’s place-based community engagement initiative housed in the Residential Commons. Over the course of the plan, Engage Dallas grew into a recognized model of civic engagement, connecting students with South and West Dallas communities through sustained, student-led partnerships. Since 2020, Engage Dallas participants have served over 10,600 hours in our local community and 60 students have earned their civic engagement P&E requirement.
In 2024 alone, Engage Dallas organized service with 15 local organizations, hosted a two-day community engagement symposium, and partnered with SMU’s Orientation office to launch Stampede Service Day, resulting in 83 first year and transfer students contributing 166 hours of service during their first weekend on campus. The initiative also launched community-based film collaborations, mural installations, and a South Dallas bus tour with Remembering Black Dallas, creating immersive ways for students to connect with the city.
Career centered partnerships also expanded significantly. The Hegi Board Fellows program, a collaboration between the Hegi Family Career Development Center and Social Change and Intercultural Engagement, placed 16 undergraduate students on nonprofit boards in 2024-25, a record high for the program, which received 140 applications. Since its inception, the program has worked with over a dozen Dallas-area organizations and now fulfills SMU’s community engagement P&E requirement. In student feedback, participants consistently reported
increased confidence, professional growth, and deeper understanding of nonprofit governance.
The Hegi All Majors Career & Internship Fair also broke records. The 2024-25 the fair brought in 736 student attendees, 84 companies, and 185 employer representatives, making it SMU’s largest employer recruiting event to date. This growth was matched by an expanded Career Closet, Career Fair Prep Week, and dedicated outreach to employers across all disciplines to ensure equitable access to opportunities for every major.
Beyond Dallas, the Dr. Dennis Simon Civil Rights Pilgrimage continued its legacy of educational partnership by taking students, faculty, staff, and alumni through key sites of the American Civil Rights Movement. In 2025, the trip’s partner list included over 15 local organizations and museums across Memphis, Little Rock, and Tulsa. Participants described the trip as “epic,” “lifechanging,” and “a powerful way to witness living history.”
Within families and the campus community, Parent and Family Programs and the SMU Mothers and Dads Club played a major role in strengthening Mustang connections. The Club hosted over 2,600 guests at its Boulevard tent, sold out the annual Mothers Tea, and awarded $34,000 to 19 student organizations. Meanwhile, Parent and Family Programs sent over 1.17 million emails to families through CampusESP and hosted six Mustang Family Webinars with 447 live viewers and 215 replays, underscoring families’ investment in student success.
From residential life to recruitment events, from community gardens to boardrooms, Goal 3 reinforced a central truth: student growth is amplified through shared effort. By deepening relationships with faculty, alumni, nonprofits, employers, and families, we created a richer, more connected student experience, and built a stronger university in the process.
The
Board Fellows Program provides a meaningful way for me to give back to a city that I now call home, using my skills and experience to drive positive change beyond the campus.
-Zaheen Chowhurdy ‘27 Board fellow for The Texas Ramp Project
Promote comprehensive well-being
Student well-being is everyone’s job.
Goal 4 challenged the Division to expand our approach to wellbeing, beyond physical health or crisis response, toward a more integrated model that supports thriving across every domain: mental, emotional, and social. Over the course of the strategic plan, we moved wellbeing from a resource to a value, something embedded in campus life, shared across departments, and powered by collaboration.
At the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center, Counseling Services marked a major milestone as SMU became an official JED Campus following an 18-month evaluation process. Five strategic priorities now guide ongoing mental health efforts, including new recovery support groups and a campus-wide wellness day. In addition, case management services supported 190 students, and the Dean Rider Assistance Fund helped cover off-campus treatment costs for those with financial barriers to care.
This year, Student Advocacy and Support also launched the Student Basic Needs Committee to coordinate responses to food insecurity, housing instability, and financial hardship. The Student Emergency Fund distributed over $35,000 in direct aid to students, while a partnership with SMU Dining enabled students to donate unused meal swipes to peers facing food insecurity. They also partnered with Athletics to offer a tailored version of Bringing in the Bystander, training 223 student athletes.
Commons-based programs also contributed to a culture of care. The SMU Housing Unification Board (HUB) worked across all 11 Residential Commons to support mental, physical, and social wellness. In 2024, 2025, HUB hosted five large-scale events, organized Commons Leagues in six intramural sports, and partnered with Engage Dallas and Campus Recreation to support wellness through service and competition. The year also saw the highest Commons Cup participation in program history, with Morrison-McGinnis Commons making a historic jump from 11th to 1st place.
Alternative Breaks added a new local wellness focused trip over winter break, partnering with three community organizations to provide students with direct-service experiences tied to food security, sustainable gardening, and healthy living. The trip added to an already growing suite of service-learning opportunities that connect wellness with civic responsibility.
In all, our approach to student well-being became less about “where to go for help” and more about “how we show up for each other.”
From the Rec Center to the residence halls, from counseling rooms to Commons lounges, Goal 4 expanded the places and ways students can find support and positioned wellbeing as a shared responsibility and a core part of the SMU experience.
SMU Campus Recreation Hosts TexFit 2025
TexFit began in the late 1990s as the Texas Aerobics Choreography Exchange, a gathering between UT Austin, Texas A&M, and Texas State. Since then, it has evolved into a premier fitness conference and expo for collegiate programs across Texas and surrounding states. In February 2025, SMU Campus Recreation proudly planned and hosted the annual conference, bringing 220 individuals from 18 universities to campus. Through lectures, certifications, trainings, and networking, TexFit advances student wellbeing by developing the next generation of fitness professionals.
Better data. Smarter decisions. Data informed decision making
Goal 5 reinforced the idea that behind every great student experience is a strategy, and behind every strategy is good data. Over the life of the strategic plan, the Division of Student Affairs invested in tools, assessments, and systems that helped us understand what students need, evaluate what works, and allocate our resources with purpose.
One of the most significant shifts came in how we assessed and tracked engagement. The launch and ongoing expansion of SMU360 gave departments a centralized platform for marketing, tracking, and measuring student involvement. SMU360 became the foundation for a more coordinated outreach model. It ensured that departments weren’t operating in silos and helped students navigate involvement opportunities.
On the evaluation side, we brought structure to our assessment practices through CAS Program Reviews. Over the course of the plan, eight departments completed CAS self-studies and external reviews. A new nine-year review cycle begins in 2025. By aligning this work with the SACS accreditation timeline, we ensured that every department will have the opportunity to complete a fullcycle review between 2024 and 2033. This commitment to regular, thoughtful evaluation has helped departments reimagine priorities, justify resource needs, and improve service delivery.
We also engaged in large-scale survey work. The NSSE (National Survey of Student Engagement) was reintroduced after a decadelong pause and administered three times during the plan, capturing insights from nearly 3,000 first-year and senior students. These results gave the Division actionable insights on academic connection, inclusion, and co-curricular involvement. Similarly, the NCHA (National College Health Assessment) helped shape our approach to well-being. It revealed key trends in student mental health, stress, and lifestyle behaviors. Insights from the campus hazing survey, thriving campus survey, and RLSH Benchworks tool were also used to guide training, staffing, and communication strategies.
Physical spaces also evolved with the help of data. Capital improvements to Virginia-Snider Commons, Smith-Perkins, Thomas House, and Hughes-Trigg Student Center were guided by student feedback, usage trends, and staffing evaluations. New org chart updates in 2018 and again in 2023 created stronger alignment between operational structures and divisional strategy. These changes improved communication and decision making across departments.
Goal 5 helped shift our culture. Assessment became more than a compliance task, it became a mindset. By asking better questions, collecting better data, and using what we learn to improve, we made sure our decisions were grounded in what students need now and what will serve them best in the future.
9k+
Events listed in SMU360
Since its adoption, SMU360 has listed over 9,000 events from departments and student organizations— serving as the centralized hub for promoting campus events and tracking engagement.
3k+
Students completed NSSE
The National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) measures how students spend their time and what they gain from their college experience. Their feedback has guided improvements in support and involvement across the Division.
Record Gift amount for Renos
Move this to the top whe/if we get it
Hughes-Trigg Student Center completed renovations in 2021
Innovation Grants
These grants are awarded to division staff annually through an application process and have fueled ideas that strengthened engagement, improved services, and deepened community connection. Funded initiatives included the InterSections, R.I.T.U.A.L., Mustang PEP Talks, SMU Career Closet, the Sophomore Project and more.
One major takeaway [from NPI] was a quote mentioned in one of our sessions stating, ‘it only takes one person’s candle to light 1000 more.’ This reminded me just how important the work that we do as student affairs professionals is and how much of an impact we can have on the students we work with.
— Nicole Moore, Coordinator for Student Center and Activities
Advance professional excellence
We grow, so our students can too.
Student success depends on the people who support it, and Goal 6 focused on those people. Over six years, the Division of Student Affairs committed to advancing professional excellence by building pathways for staff learning, recognition, and leadership. We didn’t just train up, we leveled up. From onboarding and research to community-building and national visibility, we created structures that allowed professionals to grow while deepening their commitment to the students they serve
One outcome of this goal was the launch of the Student Affairs Staff Research Fellows (SASRF) program. Funded through an Innovation Grant, this initiative supported staff-led research aligned with higher education practice and SMU’s strategic priorities. In its first year, three staff members conducted qualitative research on student experiences in the Mustang Band following conference realignment. Their findings, now in manuscript development and under review for national presentation, contribute not only to institutional knowledge but to the broader field of student affairs scholarship.
Residence life staff at RC10 Fest
Maddie Steele, Nicole Moore, and Jennifer Barker attend NASPA’s New Professionals Institute (NPI)
This spirit of scholarship was matched by expanded access to professional development funding, which enabled staff to attend national conferences, complete certifications, and pursue continued education. Seminars featured external thought leaders, including a spring supervisor seminar led by Ron Idoko, brought to campus in response to Division climate survey feedback.
All supervisors in the Division were required to attend, and the program helped build a stronger, shared language for leadership. On the community building side, 75 staff members participated in Together We Dine, a facilitated dinner dialogue on identity and inclusion hosted in partnership with Project Unity and St. Luke’s Community United Methodist Church. The program gave staff space to explore hard conversations.
Staff onboarding also received renewed attention. In 2023, the Division launched a more formalized new employee orientation and began distributing welcome boxes to help new hires feel part of the community from day one. The Division also created more
opportunities to highlight internal talent, featuring colleagues in Division newsletters, and shoutouts. In a community as large as ours, these small gestures built cohesion.
We celebrated big wins too. Staff received university honors such as the Presidential Award for Excellence, served as Presidents of the Staff Association, and were named M Award winners. Staff also strengthened their academic contributions. Many teach in SMU classrooms across schools and disciplines, blending co-curricular and curricular education. This unique dual impact reflects the Division’s deep bench of talent.
Across the life of the plan, we kept one principle in view: when we invest in our staff, we multiply our impact. Through research, recognition, training, and trust, Goal 6 created the conditions for excellence to take root, and ensured that students are supported by professionals who lead with both expertise and heart.
Hegi employer relations team at the President’s Picnic
With the conclusion of Cultivating Courageous Change, the Division of Student Affairs is entering a period of reflection and discovery. As we develop our next strategic plan, we will engage our campus community to gather insight, assess evolving needs, and identify new opportunities. This pause will ensure our next divisional plan aligns with institutional priorities and reflects the voices of our students, staff, and partners. We look forward to shaping a bold new vision for the future.
In conjunction with the launch of the Strategic Plan, CultivatingCourageous Change, the Division of Student Affairs established awards to honor those staff members and colleagues whose performance exemplifies the values we hold and qualities we strive for as we serve students. Meet this year’s four outstanding recipients on the next two pages.
Laura Shwarts Laura Shwarts COURAGEOUS LEADER CHANGE
Laura Shwarts, Assistant Director for Student Advocacy and Support, exemplifies courageous leadership through her commitment to student wellbeing, collaborative service, and a deep sense of compassion. Over her six years at SMU, she has been a steady and trusted presence—one who consistently steps up during transitions and ensures students receive the care and support they deserve. Her impact is shown through every interaction, act of quiet leadership, and extra mile she walks for others.
Laura is known across campus as a reliable partner who supports students with empathy and consistency. “She has built strong relationships with a variety of campus constituents and is often the first person that campus partners think of when they have a student issue that they need help with,” one nominator shared. Another colleague observed, “She’s someone students feel they can trust... the one who helps them see a path forward when they
can’t see one at all.” With a calm and nonjudgmental approach, she makes students feel seen and empowered, even in their most difficult moments. Her leadership also shines in moments where she steps beyond formal responsibilities. When The Shop faced staffing challenges, Laura quietly ensured it remained operational. “Her caring, compassionate nature, diligent efforts to keep full inventory, and meaningful, intentional discussions with students who utilized The Shop show that Laura was a consummate professional—someone who could truly be counted on to serve others,” another nominator wrote.
Beyond her student impact, Laura is a morale-builder and campus connector—leading committees, fostering partnerships, and uplifting her team. She embodies the best of Student Affairs: heart, humility, and a relentless drive to remove barriers for students.
IMPACT AWARD
Through her dedicated leadership, Ashley Fitzpatrick embodies the values of the Impact Award in her role as Director for Fraternity and Sorority Life. A 2009 alum and current doctoral student at SMU, her strategic vision and commitment to student success have transformed the fraternity and sorority experience—fostering a vibrant, valuesdriven Greek community. Under her guidance, the community has achieved significant milestones, including council expansions, increased chapter collaboration, and a successful transition from spring to fall recruitment.
Known for her calm presence under pressure, superb communication style, and focus on students’ best interests, Ashley’s inclusive and strategic approach was evident during summer and fall of 2024. One nominator shared, “Ashley diligently trained her new staff members and took a deep personal interest in mentoring the student leaders...These efforts paid off, and some of the largest recruitment numbers seen at SMU were a tangible, positive outcomes.”
A thoughtful, deliberative problem solver, colleagues admire Ashley’s patience, advocacy for work-life balance, and her infectious enthusiasm for their contributions. She leads by example, never hesitating to engage in the very work she asks of others. Ashley remains a respected role model whose presence uplifts those around her.
OUTSTANDING NEWCOMER
Maddie Steele quickly distinguished herself as an outstanding newcomer to the Division of Student Affairs. As the Residential Community Director for Crum Commons, Maddie has demonstrated initiative and creativity in her role. One colleague shared, “Maddie has improved the SMU experience for countless students and staff through her dedication to modeling the way and being a positive agent of change.”
Maddie designed and delivered learning experiences to colleagues, residential assistants, and interns on important topics for supporting student success. “The activities she plans are innovative and thought-provoking and often involve pushing our residents to think deeply about topics that will support them beyond their time at Crum,” noted another nominator.
Maddie’s contributions extend beyond her Commons—supporting conduct, serving on search committees, and empowering peers. Her professionalism and compassion have made positive impact on Crum Commons and SMU.
STUDENT AFFAIRS
CHAMPION
Cheryl Posner, Director of Employer Relations and Operations in the Cox Career Management Center, is a shining example of what it means to be a Student Affairs Champion. Her deep commitment to student success, equity, and cross-campus collaboration has made a transformative impact on the student experience.
Her leadership in launching the SMU Career Closet—partnering with the Hegi Family Career Development Center and Social Change and Intercultural Engagement—has provided professional attire to over 1,400 students, directly addressing critical barriers to career readiness. Her nominator noted, “Her student-first approach is reflected in the feedback we’ve received as students have described the experience as ‘invaluable’ and ‘comforting’.”
Beyond the Closet, Cheryl supports coordinated employer outreach, alumni panels, and shared tools like 12Twenty, making her an irreplaceable campus partner in student development.
Professors next door
Meet the faculty who’ve moved into the neighborhood
We are pleased to announce the appointment of three new Faculty-in-Residence (FiR) who began their service July 1, 2025. Dr. Maryann Cairns has been selected as the FiR in Ware Commons and Dr. Nils Van den Steen in Boaz Commons. Dr. Cathy Lysinger has been selected as the Virginia-Snider Commons’ FiR for Fall 2026, and will be supporting the commons in its re-opening after renovations.
Maryann Cairns is an Associate Professor serving Dedman College in the Department of Anthropology. Dr. Cairns is an environmental anthropologist dedicated to using creative research design and cultural understanding to safeguard environmental resources and human health. Dr. Cairns has led major research investigations in multiple regions, including Latin America & the Caribbean, the Western Balkans, and the United States. Her research has been supported by the National Science Foundation and a Fulbright US Scholar Award, and she is a previous recipient of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Science & Technology Policy Fellowship. She is the recipient of multiple teaching awards, including the SMU Rotunda Outstanding Professor Award, the Extra Mile Award, and the President’s Associate’s Award. She has mentored and trained many undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral scholars both in the US and internationally. She believes in collaborative, open scholarship, and always enjoys speaking to public audiences about her research.
Dr. Maryann Cairns
Nils Van den Steen is a Clinical Professor of Information Technology and Operations Management in the Cox School of Business. He was born in Belgium and spent his twenties living and studying in Ghent, a city he still considers the most beautiful in the world. During this time, he earned an undergraduate degree in Business Engineering, a graduate degree in Operations Management, and a PhD in Business Economics. In 2021, he moved to Dallas to join the Cox School of Business. Teaching is more than just a profession for Professor Van den Steen - it’s a calling. He finds inspiration and joy in the challenges and rewards of the classroom, and every week brings new reasons to love what he does. Off duty, Nils cherishes life with his wife and high school sweetheart, Sylke, along with their two beloved pets: Sir Momo Wellington, a charming 5-year-old powderpuff dog, and Leia, their playful 4-year-old cat. In his free time, he immerses himself in storytelling through tabletop role-playing games or playing video and board games with friends—always with a coffee in hand.
Cathy Lysinger has served on the piano faculty in Meadows since 2004. During graduate school at the University of Houston, Cathy was the Gold Medalist in two significant piano competitions, the Music Teacher National Association Young Artist competition and the Wideman International Piano Competition. She continues to perform occasionally as soloist and collaborator while focusing most of her time sharing her passion for performance and teaching with countless students for the past 35 years. Cathy’s favorite role in life is as mother to Abby, a mezzo-soprano based in Houston, and Sophie, also a musician, and a senior at Plano West High School. Abby and Sophie are thrilled that Mom and our Chiweenie, Rider, will move into the renovated Virginia-Snider Commons in the fall of 2026 to serve as Faculty-in-Residence. Cathy is looking forward to sharing all of her passion for SMU and Dallas with VS residents.
Dr. Cathy Lysinger
Dr. Nils Van den Steen
Game on, Mustangs
In our first year competing in the ACC, the SMU Spirit Teams and Mustang Band elevated Mustang pride across campus. Spirit visibility expanded with 22 new flags, and more than 90 students tried out for Cheer, Pom, and Peruna. From campus traditions to community events like the MLK Jr. Parade, Spirit Team members brought energy and excellence everywhere they went.
The Mustang Band had a banner year, performing at all home games, campus events, ACC Football Championship in Charlotte, College Football Playoffs in Pennsylvania, and the ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament. They also hosted the 91st Pigskin Revue, were featured at the Texas Music Educators Association, and closed out the year with their first concert in Caruth Auditorium at the Meadows School of the Arts. With 110 members and a sharp new uniform, the Band set a record with its highest membership to date and expects add even more talent next year.
Mustang Band at the ACC Championship Game
PerunaPalooza
Celebration of Lights 2024
Student Body Presidents Michael Castle ‘25 and Will Leathers ‘26 in the Homecoming Parade
The Big Event
Hilltop Highlights
A visual look at the year in student affairs
Mustang Band at SMU vs Penn
Peruna and Peruna handlers at SMU vs Pitt
Move In 2024
Pets-in-Residence get a blessing at Crum’s Pawty
Painting a bigger picture
Students bring service to life through art.
This year, Engage Dallas students brought color and connection to the walls of Modern Senior Living. Led by senior Raissa Umwali, and funded through the Office of Engaged Learning, the mural project was designed in collaboration with residents and painted by student volunteers. The day ended with a block party on site—an afternoon of food, music, and shared celebration. For residents, it was a visual investment in their space. For students, it was a chance to take ownership of a service project from concept to execution.
The mural was one of several hands-on experiences made possible through Engage Dallas, SMU’s place-based community engagement initiative. A long-term effort that pairs each Residential Commons with a South or West Dallas neighborhood, Engage Dallas emphasizes sustained, student-led service and partnerships rooted in community needs.
Read Raissa’s story engagedallas.
story at blog.smu.edu/
Senior spotlights
The class of 2025 takes the next step in their academic journey.
Eden Kifu
Major(s): Accounting Hometown: Dallas, Texas
A Dallas native, Eden supported her peers through her work with the Campus Recreation operations team. This fall, she’ll continue her journey on the Hilltop as a graduate student in the Master of Science in Accounting program at the Cox School of Business.
Caroline Hall Amber Franklin
Major(s): Medieval Studies Hometown: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Originally from Oklahoma City, Caroline made her mark as President of the Student Union and as the Student Representative to the SMU Board of Trustees. She also served as a Student Assistant with the Hunt Leadership Scholars Program, supported the Medieval Studies Program, and was a proud member of Chi Omega and the Dedman College Student Advisory Board. This fall, she begins her next chapter at the University of Oklahoma College of Law.
Major(s): Biological Sciences, Health & Society Hometown; LaGrange, Georgia
Amber brought her passion for health equity to life through handson research with the Anxiety and Depression Research Center at SMU and as a SERV Physician Recruitment Leader. She also held leadership roles in Tri Delta and the Dedman College Student Advisory Board. Originally from LaGrange, Georgia, Amber will continue her journey at UT Southwestern Medical School.
Invest in student success
Every gift to the Division of Student Affairs helps create meaningful opportunities for SMU students.
From mental health services and career preparation to leadership programs and community building, your generosity makes a lasting impact.
Wellbeing Community
Your gift supports vibrant campus life through student organizations and programs like Engage Dallas and Stampede. Help students build lasting connections.
Give to programs that keep Mustangs healthy in every sense—mental, physical, and emotional. From recreation to peer wellness educators, your support helps students thrive.
Student Support
Every Mustang deserves support. Your gift provides access to care, advocacy, and emergency intervention for students navigating tough moments.
Leadership
Fuel the next generation of leaders. Your donation supports leadership development through scholar programs, student government, career readiness, and advisory boards.
Staff highlights
Recognizing outstanding accomplishments and contributions from across student affairs.
Congratulations to our graduates!
Bonnie Pickett, Master of Arts in Creative Technology
Dr. Carrie Teller, Doctorate of Ministry
Monica Lomelin, Bacherlors in Psychology
Chanita Carson, Master of Science in Sport Management
7 Student Affairs staff are M award winners
Awards and recognitions
ShyAnte’e Williams, Dr. Pamela D. Anthony Award Dr. K.C. Mmeje, A. Maceo Smith Leadership Award
64% of Student Afffairs staff members have a graduate or post grauduate degree
Charles Aguillon, Gretchen C. Voight New Employee Excellence Award
Dr. Aramis Watson, James A. Hurd Award
Presented and represented
Dr. Kim N. Pryor, Association of Higher Education
Dr. Dawn F. Norris, Assocation of Texas College & University Facilities Professionals
Dr. Jon Carman, Society of Biblical Literature
Evan Saperstein, Southern Association of Colleges and Employers
Dr. Mindy Sutton and Ashley Fitzpatrick, NASPA
Gino Simione, Association of Student Conduct Administration Conference
6
average # years of SMU service of a student affairs staff member
