SMU Executive and Leadership Team

Pam Dyke, the Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director at SMU, directs the overarching institutional strategy and long-term operational vision. Overseeing the alignment of academic research with private nonprofit objectives, the Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director ensures that all university initiatives support the core mission of advancing knowledge. This leadership role involves coordinating with the Board to maintain fiscal health while expanding the reach of undergraduate and graduate programs. By optimizing resource allocation across diverse academic disciplines, Pam Dyke directly impacts the university's ability to prepare students for professional success. Ultimately, Dyke secures the institutional stability required to maintain a competitive edge in the higher education landscape, ensuring that every administrative decision reinforces the commitment to service and excellence in Dallas and beyond.

Poon Teng, the Chief Financial Officer at SMU, manages the complex budgetary frameworks and capital allocation strategies essential for a private research university. Overseeing the financial health of various academic departments, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources support both undergraduate and graduate educational goals. This role involves rigorous analysis of revenue streams and expenditure patterns to maintain institutional sustainability. By implementing robust fiscal policies, Poon Teng directly influences the capacity for research expansion and facility development. Teng maintains transparency in financial reporting, providing the necessary data for strategic decision-making across the university. Through careful management of endowment funds and operational budgets, the Chief Financial Officer guarantees that the institution remains well-positioned to deliver high-quality professional education while meeting the evolving demands of the academic market.

Rachel Mulry, the Chief Financial Officer & Interim Senior VP, Business & Finance at SMU, directs the comprehensive financial operations and business services of the university. Overseeing the integration of fiscal planning with administrative functions, the Chief Financial Officer & Interim Senior VP, Business & Finance ensures that all business activities support the overarching research and educational mission. This role involves managing large-scale financial portfolios and optimizing operational expenditures to maximize institutional impact. By driving efficiency in business processes, Rachel Mulry directly contributes to the university's financial stability and growth. Mulry coordinates with other executive leaders to align financial resources with strategic priorities, ensuring that the institution remains competitive in the private research landscape. Through the oversight of business and finance, the Chief Financial Officer & Interim Senior VP, Business & Finance maintains the fiscal integrity necessary for long-term academic excellence.

Carolyn Morris, the Advisory Board Member and President, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs at SMU, directs the university's external messaging and public engagement strategies. Overseeing the management of corporate relationships and public affairs, the Advisory Board Member and President, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs ensures that the institution's reputation remains strong among stakeholders and the broader community. This role involves crafting communication strategies that highlight the university's research achievements and educational impact. By managing public perception, Carolyn Morris directly supports the university's efforts to attract students and foster professional partnerships. Morris coordinates with the Board to ensure that all communications align with the institutional mission of service and academic excellence. Through the oversight of public affairs, the Advisory Board Member and President, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs drives the university's influence and visibility within the competitive landscape of higher education.

Scott Robson, the President at SMU, serves as the primary leader responsible for the overall strategic direction and academic success of the university. Overseeing the implementation of the institutional mission, the President ensures that all research, teaching, and service activities remain focused on preparing students for leadership roles. This role involves engaging with the Board and the broader academic community to set long-term goals for growth and excellence. By driving the university's vision, Scott Robson directly impacts the institution's standing as a premier private research university. Robson coordinates with the executive team to ensure that all departments work in harmony to achieve academic and professional milestones. Through the leadership of the university, the President secures the resources and partnerships necessary to maintain the institution's commitment to advancing knowledge and fostering meaningful contributions to society.

Andrew Keck, the Chief of Staff at SMU, coordinates executive communications and facilitates the execution of strategic priorities across the university administration. Overseeing the flow of information between the leadership team and various academic units, the Chief of Staff ensures that institutional goals remain synchronized with the broader mission of research and service. This role involves managing high-level projects that require cross-departmental collaboration to enhance the student experience. By streamlining administrative processes, Andrew Keck directly supports the efficiency of the university's leadership. Keck maintains a focus on organizational agility, allowing the institution to respond effectively to shifts in the higher education sector. Through the management of key initiatives, the Chief of Staff drives the implementation of policies that foster a culture of academic rigor and professional development for the entire campus community.

David Nguyen, the Associate Chief Information Officer, Infrastructure at SMU, architects the scalable digital foundations required for a modern research university. Overseeing the maintenance and expansion of campus-wide network systems, the Associate Chief Information Officer, Infrastructure ensures that faculty and students possess reliable access to essential academic resources. This role involves managing complex hardware deployments and cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive research data. By optimizing the technological environment, David Nguyen directly supports the university's commitment to innovation and digital learning. Nguyen coordinates with IT leadership to integrate new tools that enhance the efficiency of administrative and educational functions. Through the continuous improvement of infrastructure, the Associate Chief Information Officer, Infrastructure enables the seamless delivery of professional education, ensuring that the university remains at the forefront of technological integration within the higher education sector.

Mona Horton, the Interim Associate Chief Information Officer for Planning at SMU, designs the long-term digital roadmap and strategic technology initiatives for the university. Overseeing the assessment of emerging educational technologies, the Interim Associate Chief Information Officer for Planning ensures that institutional investments align with the evolving needs of research and teaching. This role involves analyzing data trends to forecast future infrastructure requirements and digital service improvements. By prioritizing projects that enhance academic productivity, Mona Horton directly impacts the university's ability to deliver high-quality professional education. Horton collaborates with various stakeholders to integrate technology into the core academic mission, fostering an environment of continuous improvement. Through the development of comprehensive planning frameworks, the Interim Associate Chief Information Officer for Planning secures the technological future of the institution, ensuring that digital resources remain a catalyst for student success and faculty research.

Dawn Norris, the Chief of Staff & Division of Affairs Student at SMU, manages the administrative coordination and student-focused initiatives that define the campus experience. Overseeing the alignment of student services with the university's broader educational goals, the Chief of Staff & Division of Affairs Student ensures that the campus environment fosters personal and professional growth. This role involves facilitating communication between student leadership and the administration to address community needs. By streamlining the delivery of student affairs programs, Dawn Norris directly impacts the quality of the undergraduate and graduate experience. Norris works to integrate student support services with academic requirements, creating a holistic approach to student development. Through the management of these critical affairs, the Chief of Staff & Division of Affairs Student drives the university's commitment to preparing students for meaningful contributions to their professions and communities.

Michael Hites, the Chief Information Officer & Vice President, Information Technology at SMU, leads the digital transformation and information technology strategy for the entire university. Overseeing the deployment of advanced computing resources, the Chief Information Officer & Vice President, Information Technology ensures that the institution maintains a robust technological infrastructure for research and teaching. This role involves managing large-scale IT projects that support the university's academic and administrative objectives. By driving innovation in digital services, Michael Hites directly enhances the university's capacity for high-level research and professional education. Hites collaborates with the executive team to align technology investments with the long-term vision of the institution. Through the leadership of the IT division, the Chief Information Officer & Vice President, Information Technology secures the digital capabilities necessary for the university to remain a leader in the competitive higher education market.