It is with heartfelt gratitude and excitement for what’s ahead that I share an important leadership update.
Harold W. Stanley, Vice President for Executive Affairs, will step into an interim role as Senior Assistant to the President on July 31 before retiring at the end of the year. Across more than two decades on the Hilltop, Harold has been a trusted leader, known for his sound judgment, sincere commitment to SMU’s mission, and a wealth of knowledge about both elite academics and our institution. He has served in multiple senior roles, including Provost Ad Interim, and has contributed meaningfully as a respected scholar and teacher in Dedman College. Colleagues and generations of students know him for his wisdom, collegiality, and care.
I am especially thankful for Harold’s partnership throughout the past academic year, and I am grateful for his continued support and counsel in the months ahead.
At the same time, I am delighted to announce that Jennifer Hudson will join SMU as Vice President for Executive Affairs, effective August 1. Jennifer brings a strong record of leading complex, cross-functional initiatives and working at the highest levels of institutions to drive strategy, governance, and public engagement. In this role, she will serve as a senior advisor to the President’s Office, aligning strategy across academic and administrative units and guiding high-impact priorities. Befitting her training and background, she will also contribute to SMU’s academic community as a professor in the Department of Political Science in Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences.
Jennifer joins us from University College London, where she currently serves as Vice-Provost (Faculties) and formerly served as Dean of the Faculty of Social and Historical Sciences. A leading scholar of political behavior and international development, she has advanced evidence-based policymaking and forged partnerships with global organizations and governments.
This transition reflects the foundational strength of SMU’s leadership and the momentum driving our future. Harold’s remarkable legacy is embedded in the progress we have made, and we welcome Jennifer’s experience and perspective to help accelerate what comes next.
Please join me in thanking Harold for his extraordinary service and in welcoming Jennifer to the Hilltop.
