SMU Executive and Leadership Team

Pam Dyke, the Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director at SMU, directs the overarching strategic vision and institutional growth of the university. Overseeing the integration of academic programs with professional degree offerings, the Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director ensures alignment with the mission of providing high-quality education. This leadership role involves managing complex administrative structures and driving initiatives that enhance the university's reputation within the competitive landscape of private higher education. By optimizing resource allocation and fostering partnerships with industry leaders, Pam Dyke directly impacts the long-term sustainability of the institution. Furthermore, the Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director coordinates with the board to implement policies that support faculty research and student success. Through rigorous oversight of operational performance, Dyke secures the university's position as a premier center for learning and professional development in the North American market.

Katherine Sawers, the Chief Executive Officer at SMU, directs the implementation of institutional policies and the achievement of strategic objectives across all schools. Focusing on the alignment of academic mission with operational execution, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that the university meets its goals for student enrollment and research output. This leadership role involves coordinating with deans and department heads to foster a culture of excellence and innovation. By driving initiatives that enhance the university's academic standing, Katherine Sawers supports the development of high-impact degree programs. The Chief Executive Officer also monitors the competitive landscape to identify opportunities for growth and differentiation in the higher education market. Through effective communication and leadership, Sawers ensures that all stakeholders remain committed to the university's core values. This focus on strategic execution and institutional performance allows the university to maintain its reputation as a premier private institution dedicated to academic and professional success.

Poon Teng, the Chief Financial Officer at SMU, manages the financial health and fiscal strategy of the university. Overseeing the budgeting process, endowment management, and long-term financial planning, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources are allocated effectively to support academic and research goals. This leadership role involves analyzing economic trends and institutional performance to maintain fiscal stability. By implementing robust financial controls and reporting systems, Poon Teng provides the transparency necessary for informed decision-making by the board and senior leadership. The Chief Financial Officer also evaluates the financial viability of new degree programs and infrastructure projects, ensuring that all investments align with the university's mission. Through careful management of assets and revenue streams, Teng secures the financial foundation required for continued growth. This strategic approach to fiscal responsibility allows the university to invest in faculty, facilities, and student support services, ultimately driving the institution's long-term success.

Michael Hites, the Chief Information Officer at SMU, architects the digital infrastructure and technology strategy that supports the university's academic and administrative functions. Overseeing the implementation of advanced computing systems and data security protocols, the Chief Information Officer ensures that students and faculty have access to cutting-edge digital tools. This leadership role involves managing the university's network architecture and digital transformation initiatives to enhance research capabilities and operational efficiency. By integrating technology into the learning environment, Michael Hites drives innovation in how information is accessed and utilized across all schools. The Chief Information Officer also collaborates with other senior leaders to align technology investments with the university's long-term strategic goals. Through the deployment of scalable and secure systems, Hites supports the university's mission of providing a modern, technology-enabled education. This focus on digital excellence ensures that the institution remains at the forefront of technological advancement in higher education.

Andrew Keck, the Chief of Staff at SMU, manages the executive office operations and facilitates communication between senior leadership and the broader university community. By coordinating the strategic agenda and ensuring that key initiatives receive appropriate attention, the Chief of Staff optimizes the efficiency of the leadership team. This role involves managing complex projects and serving as a liaison for the board and other stakeholders. Andrew Keck ensures that the university's strategic priorities are clearly communicated and effectively executed across all departments. The Chief of Staff also oversees the preparation of reports and presentations that inform decision-making processes. Through careful management of the executive workflow, Keck supports the university's mission by ensuring that leadership remains focused on high-impact goals. This role is essential for maintaining organizational alignment and ensuring that the university's strategic vision is translated into actionable plans that benefit students, faculty, and the wider community.

Mona Horton, the Interim Associate Chief Information Officer for Planning at SMU, directs the long-term technology roadmap and strategic planning for the university's digital ecosystem. Focusing on the alignment of IT resources with academic needs, the Interim Associate Chief Information Officer for Planning evaluates emerging technologies to enhance research and teaching capabilities. This leadership role involves conducting comprehensive assessments of current systems and identifying opportunities for future investment. By developing strategic plans that address the evolving needs of the university, Mona Horton ensures that technology infrastructure remains robust and scalable. The Interim Associate Chief Information Officer for Planning also collaborates with academic departments to integrate digital solutions that support student success and faculty productivity. Through proactive planning and resource management, Horton drives the university's digital strategy forward. This focus on future-oriented planning allows the institution to adapt to the changing landscape of higher education while maintaining a strong technological foundation.

David Nguyen, the Associate Chief Information Officer, Infrastructure at SMU, manages the physical and virtual network infrastructure that powers the university's operations. Overseeing the maintenance and expansion of data centers, cloud services, and campus-wide connectivity, the Associate Chief Information Officer, Infrastructure ensures that all digital systems remain reliable and secure. This leadership role involves managing the technical teams responsible for hardware deployment and network performance. By optimizing the university's infrastructure, David Nguyen supports the high-bandwidth requirements of modern research and online learning platforms. The Associate Chief Information Officer, Infrastructure also implements disaster recovery and business continuity plans to protect critical institutional data. Through rigorous oversight of technical operations, Nguyen ensures that the university's digital environment is resilient and capable of supporting its academic mission. This focus on infrastructure stability and performance is vital for maintaining the seamless delivery of educational services across the entire university campus.

Eric Schwartz, the Executive Board at SMU, provides critical governance and high-level oversight for the university's strategic direction. As a member of the Executive Board, Schwartz evaluates institutional performance and ensures that academic initiatives remain consistent with the core values established in 1911. This role involves collaborating with other senior leaders to approve major capital investments and long-term research projects that define the university's market impact. By maintaining rigorous standards for institutional accountability, Eric Schwartz supports the expansion of graduate and professional degree programs. The Executive Board monitors the effectiveness of administrative policies, ensuring that the university remains responsive to evolving educational demands. Through active participation in board meetings and strategic planning sessions, Schwartz contributes to the stability and growth of the institution, ultimately guiding the university toward achieving its mission of excellence in teaching and research across all schools.

Arin Sullivan, the Deputy Director at SMU, manages the daily operational workflows and administrative efficiency of the university's academic departments. Focusing on internal process optimization, the Deputy Director coordinates cross-departmental efforts to streamline the delivery of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. This leadership role requires close collaboration with faculty and staff to implement policies that enhance the student experience and support academic rigor. By overseeing the execution of operational plans, Arin Sullivan ensures that the university maintains its high standards of service and educational quality. The Deputy Director also monitors departmental budgets and resource utilization to maximize institutional effectiveness. Through consistent engagement with administrative teams, Sullivan drives improvements in service delivery and operational agility. This focus on internal excellence allows the university to remain competitive while providing a robust educational foundation for students across all professional schools and academic disciplines.

Rene Archambault, the Deputy Director at SMU, leads the strategic development of external partnerships and community engagement initiatives. By cultivating relationships with corporate entities and professional organizations, the Deputy Director expands the university's reach and enhances the value of its degree programs. This role involves managing outreach efforts that connect students with professional opportunities and research collaborations. Rene Archambault ensures that the university's external presence aligns with its mission of fostering innovation and academic excellence. Through the coordination of regional and national initiatives, the Deputy Director strengthens the institution's reputation as a leader in higher education. Archambault also works with academic departments to align curriculum development with industry needs, ensuring that graduates possess the skills required for success in the modern workforce. This focus on external growth and partnership development directly supports the university's goal of maintaining a significant impact on the professional landscape.