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SMU Today // June 8, 2026

SMU Selected as World Cup
Training Site 

SMU's Washburne Soccer and Track Stadium will serve as an official FIFA World Cup 2026™ training site, placing the University at the center of a global event expected to draw visitors from around the world.  

Learn what faculty and staff can expect on campus during the training period and discover how SMU is showcasing the University to World Cup visitors. 
READ MORE
What to know today
 
Reflecting on Year One: Read President Jay Hartzell's message to Mustang Nation as he marks one year of leadership on the Hilltop. 

SMU-Affiliated Fellow Earns Pulitzer Prize: Mark Lamster, a fellow of the Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture in Dedman College, was awarded the honor for his writing on Dallas architecture, preservation and civic identity.

Re-Live Commencement: Celebrate the Class of 2026 by watching SMU's May Commencement ceremony, the first-ever held at night in Ford Stadium. View the livestream and join this milestone moment for the University.
Around the Hilltop
Academic Excellence and Research
  • Associate Professor Janille Smith-Colin in the Lyle School of Engineering received a 2026-27 Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award to advance transportation safety research and engineering education in Jamaica. 
  • The Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies recently recognized the inaugural Leadership Academy cohort, a yearlong program that equips Ph.D. students with leadership and professional skills.  
Arts, Culture and Scholarship
  • SMU and the Perkins School of Theology welcomed the new Hillel Home to Prothro Hall, creating a dedicated space for Jewish students and expanding opportunities for interfaith engagement on the Hilltop.
Innovation, People and Community Impact
  • The Cox School of Business published its spring issue of Coxtoday. Among the highlights is an article exploring how the school is preparing students for a career in business against the backdrop of a changing AI landscape. 
  • Former First Lady and current University Trustee Laura W. Bush ’68 received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Texas Book Festival and Library of Congress. 
  • Dedman School of Law 2025 graduates achieved a 100% employment placement rate, with every job-seeking graduate securing a full-time, long-term position requiring or offering a J.D. advantage.
Community Notes
SMU Names New HR Leader
Mai Bui was appointed Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer after serving in the interim role since January.
Executive Affairs Update
Jennifer Hudson was appointed Vice President for Executive Affairs, effective Aug. 1. Harold Stanley will serve as Senior Assistant to the President before retiring at year-end.
Campus Community Explores AI
The 2026 SMU Technology Showcase brought together the University community to share innovative applications of AI in teaching, research and daily operations.
Fondren Commons Renovations Underway
The Fondren Library Collaborative Commons and Starbucks are closed for summer renovations that will bring several improvements ahead of their planned reopening before the fall semester.
Highland Park Debuts Transit Service
The new transit option offers rides between SMU and destinations throughout Highland Park, including Highland Park Village and Mockingbird Station.
Staff Appreciation Week is June 8-12
Faculty and staff are invited to enjoy campus tours, wellness activities, and special events. President Hartzell's first President's Picnic will be June 10.
SMU in the News

Dallas Morning News: The newspaper's editorial board praised SMU’s formal adoption of institutional neutrality

CBS 11: Chris Young, a May SMU graduate, discussed his journey of resilience to commencement after being granted clemency for two life sentences

Dallas Morning News: SMU paleontologist Michael Polcyn contributed to research identifying Tylosaurus rex, a newly recognized giant marine predator from ancient Texas

Curious about other SMU headlines each week? Email news@smu.edu with the word “subscribe” to join our SMU in the News list. (Note: some of the links in the SMU-in-the-News section may require a subscription.) 

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SMU Today is a monthly digest bringing together updates, information and achievements for faculty and staff in one concise format. Content is developed in collaboration with campus partners across the University. The newsletter is part of SMU’s effort to strengthen campuswide connection and employee engagement.
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