SMU Executive and Leadership Team

Pam Dyke, the Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director at SMU, directs the overarching strategic vision and operational management of the university. Overseeing institutional growth, the Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director ensures alignment between academic research goals and long-term financial sustainability. This leadership role involves coordinating with the Board to refine the private nonprofit research mission while expanding the reach of undergraduate and graduate programs. By optimizing administrative workflows, Pam Dyke directly impacts the efficiency of the university's diverse academic disciplines. Ultimately, Dyke secures the institutional reputation through rigorous adherence to educational standards and community service initiatives, fostering an environment where professional education thrives across the Dallas campus and beyond.

Poon Teng, the Chief Financial Officer at SMU, governs the fiscal health and resource allocation strategies for the entire university. Overseeing budgetary planning and long-term financial forecasting, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that research initiatives and academic programs receive necessary funding. This leadership role involves managing endowment growth and monitoring expenditures to maintain the university's status as a premier private nonprofit research institution. By implementing robust financial controls, Poon Teng directly impacts the stability and expansion of educational offerings. Teng collaborates with other executive leaders to align fiscal policy with the university's commitment to student success and community service. Ultimately, Teng secures the financial foundation required to support ongoing innovation in teaching and professional development across all academic disciplines.

Rachel Mulry, the Chief Financial Officer & Interim Senior VP, Business & Finance at SMU, manages the financial operations and business strategy for the university. Overseeing the fiscal integrity of the institution, the Chief Financial Officer & Interim Senior VP, Business & Finance ensures that all business units operate within established budgetary frameworks. This role involves directing financial reporting, procurement, and asset management to support the university's research and educational goals. By optimizing business processes, Rachel Mulry directly impacts the efficiency of the university's administrative functions. Mulry works with the executive team to align financial resources with the strategic vision of the university, ensuring long-term growth and stability. Through rigorous financial oversight, Mulry drives the operational success of the university's business and finance divisions.

Eisa Taleb, the President at SMU, provides the primary leadership and vision for the university's academic and research endeavors. Overseeing the institution's strategic direction, the President ensures that the university remains dedicated to its mission of advancing knowledge through teaching and service. This role involves representing the university to external stakeholders and fostering partnerships that enhance the institution's reputation. By setting the tone for academic excellence, Eisa Taleb directly impacts the quality of education provided to students. Taleb works with the Board and faculty to promote a culture of innovation and community contribution. Through this leadership role, Taleb drives the university's growth and ensures that the institution continues to prepare students for meaningful contributions to their professions and communities.

Jay Hartzell, the President at SMU, focuses on the expansion of research capabilities and the enhancement of the university's academic profile. Overseeing the development of new professional education programs, the President ensures that the university meets the evolving needs of the global workforce. This role involves managing relationships with donors and industry partners to secure resources for academic growth. By championing research initiatives, Jay Hartzell directly impacts the university's ability to advance knowledge across diverse disciplines. Hartzell collaborates with the faculty to foster an environment of intellectual curiosity and service. Through the strategic management of university resources, Hartzell drives the institution's mission to prepare students for leadership roles, ensuring that the university remains a vital contributor to the professional and academic landscape.

Andrew Keck, the Chief of Staff at SMU, manages the daily operations of the executive office and facilitates communication across all university departments. Coordinating high-level projects, the Chief of Staff ensures that institutional priorities remain consistent with the research-focused mission of the university. This role involves bridging gaps between academic leadership and administrative support teams to streamline decision-making processes. By managing complex schedules and internal initiatives, Andrew Keck directly supports the university's ability to provide high-quality professional education. Keck maintains a focus on organizational health, ensuring that all divisions operate in harmony to support the broader goals of the institution. Through careful oversight of internal communications, Keck drives the operational success of the university's diverse academic community.

Mona Horton, the Interim Associate Chief Information Officer for Planning at SMU, architects the strategic roadmap for information technology integration across the university. Overseeing the planning phase of digital transformation, the Interim Associate Chief Information Officer for Planning ensures that technological resources support the research and teaching mission. This role involves evaluating current systems and identifying opportunities for modernization to enhance the student experience. By aligning IT planning with academic requirements, Mona Horton directly impacts the efficiency of data management and digital learning environments. Horton works closely with other technology leaders to ensure that infrastructure projects meet the evolving needs of the university's diverse academic disciplines. Through meticulous planning, Horton drives the technological advancement necessary for maintaining a competitive edge in higher education.

Dawn Norris, the Chief of Staff & Division of Affairs Student at SMU, coordinates the administrative functions and student-facing initiatives that define the campus experience. Overseeing the integration of student services with institutional policy, the Chief of Staff & Division of Affairs Student ensures that the university's commitment to student development remains a top priority. This role involves managing cross-departmental projects that enhance student life and professional preparation. By streamlining communication between student affairs and the broader administration, Dawn Norris directly impacts the quality of the educational environment. Norris facilitates initiatives that support student success and community engagement, ensuring that the university's mission is reflected in every aspect of campus life. Through this leadership role, Norris drives the operational success of student-centered programs.

David Nguyen, the Associate Chief Information Officer, Infrastructure at SMU, directs the maintenance and development of the university's core technological systems. Overseeing the physical and virtual infrastructure, the Associate Chief Information Officer, Infrastructure ensures that research and teaching activities have reliable, high-speed access to digital resources. This role involves managing network security, server architecture, and hardware deployment across the campus. By optimizing the underlying technology stack, David Nguyen directly impacts the university's ability to conduct advanced research and deliver professional education. Nguyen collaborates with IT leadership to implement scalable solutions that support the growing demands of the academic community. Through the management of critical infrastructure, Nguyen drives the operational reliability required for a modern research university to excel in its mission.

Michael Hites, the Chief Information Officer & Vice President, Information Technology at SMU, leads the digital strategy and technological innovation for the university. Overseeing the entire IT department, the Chief Information Officer & Vice President, Information Technology ensures that the university's digital infrastructure supports its research and teaching mission. This role involves implementing advanced computing solutions and managing enterprise-wide software systems. By driving digital transformation, Michael Hites directly impacts the university's ability to advance knowledge and prepare students for professional success. Hites collaborates with other C-suite leaders to integrate technology into every facet of the university's operations. Through the strategic deployment of IT resources, Hites drives the technological advancement necessary for the university to maintain its position as a leader in higher education.