SMU Executive and Leadership Team

Pam Dyke, the Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director at SMU, directs the university's overarching strategic vision and operational execution. Dyke oversees all academic and administrative departments, ensuring alignment with the institution's mission of providing high-quality education and fostering research. This leadership role involves managing key stakeholder relationships, including faculty, staff, students, and external partners, to drive institutional growth and enhance SMU's reputation. Dyke's responsibilities extend to financial oversight and resource allocation, ensuring the university operates efficiently and sustainably. By championing innovation and academic rigor, Pam Dyke guides SMU's trajectory in the competitive higher education landscape, focusing on expanding program offerings and strengthening research capabilities across all schools. The strategic direction set by Dyke impacts curriculum development and student success initiatives.

Katherine Sawers, the Chief Executive Officer (The Dallas Office) & Vice President at SMU, drives strategic operations and business development specifically within the Dallas region. Sawers oversees key initiatives that enhance SMU's presence and impact in its immediate geographic area, fostering partnerships and community engagement. This leadership role involves managing regional resources and directing efforts to support the university's broader mission through localized strategies. Katherine Sawers works to align Dallas-specific operations with institutional goals, ensuring effective resource utilization and program delivery. By focusing on regional growth and operational excellence, Sawers contributes significantly to SMU's overall success and its role within the Dallas community.

Poon Teng, the Chief Financial Officer at SMU, directs the university's financial operations, planning, and reporting. Teng manages the budget, investments, and financial health of the institution, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainability. This critical role involves developing financial strategies, overseeing revenue generation, and managing expenditures across all schools and departments. Teng's responsibilities include financial analysis, risk management, and ensuring compliance with all relevant financial regulations. By providing sound financial guidance, Poon Teng supports SMU's academic and research missions, enabling the university to allocate resources effectively to achieve its strategic objectives and maintain its position as a leading educational institution.

Scott Robson, the President at SMU, provides visionary leadership and strategic direction for the entire institution. Robson oversees all academic, research, and administrative functions, ensuring SMU upholds its commitment to academic excellence and scholarly inquiry. This paramount role involves fostering a culture of innovation, promoting diversity and inclusion, and engaging with internal and external stakeholders to advance the university's mission. Scott Robson is responsible for financial oversight, resource development, and representing SMU on a national and international stage. By guiding the university's growth and development, Robson ensures SMU continues to be a leading institution that prepares students for impactful contributions to society.

Andrew Keck, the Chief of Staff at SMU, acts as a key advisor and facilitator for the executive leadership team. Keck manages strategic initiatives, coordinates cross-departmental projects, and ensures efficient communication flow across the university. This role involves supporting the President and other senior leaders in executing their agendas, often by streamlining operations and resolving complex organizational challenges. Keck's purview includes overseeing special projects, policy development, and ensuring that institutional priorities are effectively implemented. By enhancing operational effectiveness, Andrew Keck contributes to the smooth functioning of SMU's administrative and academic endeavors. The Chief of Staff role is critical in translating strategic goals into actionable plans, supporting the university's mission through meticulous planning and execution.

Michael Hites, the Chief Information Officer at SMU, architects and directs the university's comprehensive technology strategy and infrastructure. Hites oversees all aspects of information technology, including network operations, cybersecurity, data management, and the implementation of educational technologies that support teaching and learning. This leadership position is crucial for ensuring that SMU's digital environment is robust, secure, and capable of supporting advanced research and administrative functions. Hites collaborates with academic and administrative units to identify technology needs and implement solutions that enhance efficiency and innovation. By driving technological advancement, Michael Hites ensures SMU remains at the forefront of digital education and research, supporting student success and faculty endeavors through cutting-edge IT services.

Dawn Norris, the Chief of Staff & Division of Affairs Student at SMU, leads initiatives focused on enhancing the student experience and supporting student success. Norris oversees the strategic direction and operational management of student affairs, ensuring a vibrant and supportive campus environment. This role involves developing programs and services that address the holistic needs of students, from academic support to personal well-being. Dawn Norris collaborates with various university departments to foster student engagement, promote diversity and inclusion, and address student concerns effectively. By championing student-centric policies and initiatives, Norris plays a pivotal role in shaping the SMU student journey and contributing to the university's educational mission.

David Nguyen, the Associate Chief Information Officer, Infrastructure at SMU, directs the development, maintenance, and security of the university's core IT infrastructure. Nguyen oversees network systems, data centers, cloud services, and telecommunications, ensuring reliable and scalable technological support for all university operations. This role is critical for maintaining the backbone of SMU's digital environment, enabling seamless access to resources for students, faculty, and staff. David Nguyen collaborates with IT teams to implement robust solutions that enhance performance, security, and user experience across campus. By ensuring the integrity and efficiency of the IT infrastructure, Nguyen directly supports SMU's academic, research, and administrative functions.

Mona Horton, the Interim Associate Chief Information Officer for Planning at SMU, leads strategic IT planning and resource allocation initiatives. Horton focuses on aligning technology investments with the university's long-term academic and operational goals, ensuring that IT resources effectively support institutional priorities. This role involves assessing future technology needs, developing strategic roadmaps, and managing the IT budget to optimize spending and maximize impact. Mona Horton collaborates with various university stakeholders to gather requirements and ensure that IT planning supports innovation and efficiency across all departments. By guiding strategic IT development, Horton contributes to SMU's technological advancement and its ability to adapt to evolving educational landscapes.

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, ensuring that technology solutions meet the needs of the university community and that user support is efficient and effective. This role involves developing strategies for IT service management, improving help desk operations, and implementing user-centric technology solutions. Rachel Mulry collaborates with IT teams and university departments to enhance the overall technology experience for students, faculty, and staff. By prioritizing customer satisfaction and strategic IT development, Mulry contributes to the seamless operation and technological advancement of SMU.