SMU Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

SMU has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, and finance.

Driven by academic excellence, SMU is dedicated to fostering intellectual curiosity and preparing students for impactful careers through comprehensive degree programs and a commitment to research.

Leadership Roles at SMU

  • Chief Executive Officer - Ashish Pandey
  • Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director - Pam Dyke
  • Chief Financial Officer - Poon Teng
  • President - Scott Robson
  • Chief of Staff - Andrew Keck
  • Chief Information Officer - Michael Hites
  • Associate Chief Information Officer, Infrastructure - David Nguyen
  • Chief of Staff & Division of Affairs Student - Dawn Norris
  • Interim Associate Chief Information Officer for Planning - Mona Horton
  • Associate Chief Information Officer, Planning & Customer Service - Rachel Mulry
  • Ashish Pandey - Chief Executive Officer

    Ashish Pandey, the Chief Executive Officer at SMU, directs the university's overarching strategic vision and operational execution. Pandey guides institutional growth and ensures alignment with SMU's mission of academic distinction and research innovation. This leadership role involves fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across SMU's diverse schools and departments. By optimizing resource allocation and driving strategic partnerships, Ashish Pandey directly impacts the university's ability to expand its educational offerings and enhance its national standing. Ultimately, Pandey secures SMU's long-term viability and academic preeminence in the competitive higher education landscape.

    Pam Dyke - Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director

    Pam Dyke, the Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director at SMU, spearheads the strategic direction and daily operations of key university initiatives. Dyke drives institutional effectiveness and ensures the seamless integration of academic and administrative functions. This executive position involves cultivating relationships with stakeholders and advancing SMU's commitment to student success and scholarly research. By overseeing critical operational frameworks and championing innovative educational models, Pam Dyke directly contributes to the university's reputation for excellence. Ultimately, Dyke solidifies SMU's position as a leading institution for higher learning and discovery.

    Poon Teng - Chief Financial Officer

    Poon Teng, the Chief Financial Officer at SMU, manages the university's financial health and strategic fiscal planning. Teng oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, accounting, and investment management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainability. This executive position involves developing financial models that support SMU's long-term growth and academic objectives. By optimizing financial resources and mitigating fiscal risks, Poon Teng directly contributes to the university's operational stability and its capacity for future investment in education and research. Ultimately, Teng safeguards SMU's financial integrity and supports its mission.

    Scott Robson - President

    Scott Robson, the President at SMU, provides visionary leadership and strategic direction for the entire institution. Robson champions SMU's mission, academic excellence, and commitment to research and community engagement. This paramount role involves fostering a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusivity across all university operations. By guiding institutional development and representing SMU on a global stage, Scott Robson directly elevates the university's reputation and impact. Ultimately, Robson ensures SMU remains at the forefront of higher education, preparing students for meaningful contributions to society.

    Andrew Keck - Chief of Staff

    Andrew Keck, the Chief of Staff at SMU, provides strategic support and operational oversight to the university's executive leadership. Keck manages key projects and initiatives, ensuring their successful implementation across various departments. This role involves facilitating communication and collaboration between different university divisions, enhancing overall organizational efficiency. By streamlining administrative processes and coordinating executive priorities, Andrew Keck directly supports the advancement of SMU's academic and research goals. Ultimately, Keck ensures the effective execution of the university's strategic plan and fosters a cohesive operational environment.

    Michael Hites - Chief Information Officer

    Michael Hites, the Chief Information Officer at SMU, directs the university's comprehensive information technology strategy and infrastructure. Hites oversees the development and implementation of technology solutions that support academic research, student learning, and administrative operations. This critical role involves managing cybersecurity, data integrity, and digital transformation initiatives across SMU. By ensuring robust and scalable IT systems, Michael Hites directly enhances the university's technological capabilities and operational efficiency. Ultimately, Hites champions innovation in technology to advance SMU's educational mission and research endeavors.
    Michael Hites

    David Nguyen - Associate Chief Information Officer, Infrastructure

    David Nguyen, the Associate Chief Information Officer, Infrastructure at SMU, leads the development and maintenance of the university's core IT infrastructure. Nguyen ensures the reliability, security, and scalability of network systems, servers, and data storage solutions that underpin SMU's academic and administrative functions. This role involves strategic planning for infrastructure upgrades and the implementation of advanced technological solutions to support evolving educational needs. By overseeing critical infrastructure operations, David Nguyen directly enhances the university's digital capabilities and ensures seamless access to essential IT services for students and faculty. Ultimately, Nguyen provides the foundational technological framework for SMU's continued success.

    Dawn Norris - Chief of Staff & Division of Affairs Student

    Dawn Norris, the Chief of Staff & Division of Affairs Student at SMU, directs strategic initiatives and operational management within student affairs. Norris enhances student support services and fosters a positive campus environment conducive to academic and personal growth. This leadership position involves coordinating programs and policies that address the holistic needs of the student body. By ensuring effective resource allocation and strategic program development, Dawn Norris directly contributes to student success and retention at SMU. Ultimately, Norris champions initiatives that enrich the student experience and support their journey toward graduation.

    Mona Horton - Interim Associate Chief Information Officer for Planning

    Mona Horton, the Interim Associate Chief Information Officer for Planning at SMU, guides the strategic development and long-term planning of the university's information technology initiatives. Horton focuses on aligning IT investments with SMU's institutional goals, ensuring technology roadmaps support academic and research priorities. This role involves assessing future technological needs and developing comprehensive plans for system integration and enhancement. By providing strategic foresight in IT planning, Mona Horton directly contributes to SMU's ability to adapt to emerging technologies and maintain a competitive edge. Ultimately, Horton ensures that SMU's technology strategy is robust and future-ready.

    Rachel Mulry - Associate Chief Information Officer, Planning & Customer Service

    Rachel Mulry, the Associate Chief Information Officer, Planning & Customer Service at SMU, oversees the strategic planning of IT services and enhances customer support functions. Mulry focuses on optimizing IT service delivery and ensuring a high level of user satisfaction across the university community. This role involves developing strategies for IT service management and implementing initiatives to improve user experience and support responsiveness. By bridging strategic IT planning with direct user support, Rachel Mulry directly ensures that SMU's technology services effectively meet the needs of students, faculty, and staff. Ultimately, Mulry drives operational excellence in IT service delivery.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Colleges & Universities

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding SMU Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads SMU?
    SMU is led by Ashish Pandey (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Pam Dyke (Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director) and Poon Teng (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of SMU’s executive team?
    The executive team of SMU includes leaders such as Ashish Pandey (Chief Executive Officer), Pam Dyke (Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director), Poon Teng (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does SMU have?
    SMU has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in SMU’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of SMU includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Chief Financial Officer, President, Chief of Staff.