SMU Today // April 1, 2026

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The SMU Today pilot has concluded following its initial three-month run. As part of a broader effort to bring greater awareness for faculty and staff across the Hilltop, the digest is designed to highlight key updates and accomplishments.

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What to know today

Harvard Economist to Receive SMU Honor: At its May 16 commencement ceremony, SMU will award an honorary degree to Raj Chetty for his research on economic mobility and its influence on public policy and opportunity.

SMU to Move to Single Spring Commencement: As announced by President Jay Hartzell, SMU will transition to a single All-University Commencement ceremony each May and will no longer hold a December ceremony, beginning in 2026.

Around the Hilltop

Academic Excellence and Research

The Dedman School of Law ranked No. 5 nationally for 2025 first-time bar exam pass rates (97.75%), according to the American Bar Association, placing it alongside Stanford, Yale, Duke and Harvard.
A Lyle School of Engineering-led study highlights Dallas-Fort Worth’s strong potential as an innovation hub and identifies opportunities to further strengthen the region through STEM education, research and collaboration.
SMU Guildhall ranks sixth nationally among graduate programs for video game design, according to The Princeton Review.
The Cox School of Business ranked No. 25 nationally in Poets&Quants’ 2026 undergraduate business school rankings, a source widely followed by prospective students, employers and business school leaders.

Arts, Culture and Scholarship

The prestigious classical music competition, The Cliburn, announced a 20-year partnership with SMU, the Meadows School of the Arts and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, bringing an in-residence fellowship program for young pianists to campus.
Three-time World Series Champion Clayton Kershaw joined the George W. Bush Presidential Center for a conversation on the power of sports to strengthen communities.

Innovation, People and Community Impact

Dedman College professor Alejandro Aceves has been named a 2025 AAAS Fellow, a national honor for his work in applied mathematics with applications across fields including optics, climate and public health.
Perkins School of Theology professor Priscilla Pope-Levison received a 2026 book award from the Wesleyan Theological Society for her work on women’s leadership in Methodist history.
Underscoring its growing role in cybersecurity and workforce development, SMU Global, Online and Continuing Education hosted industry experts for the third consecutive year to discuss cybersecurity related to Department of Defense work.

Community Notes

Hegi Career Center to join Academic Affairs
Beginning June 1, the Hegi Family Career Development Center will report through Academic Affairs via SAES, aligning more closely with SMU’s academic mission.

Statewide alert test set for Thursday
A statewide test of all local alerting systems, including in University Park, will take place April 2, between 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

SMU recognized for IT excellence
SMU’s Office of Information Technology has been named among the 100 recipients of the 2026 CIO 100 Award, recognizing innovative use of technology to deliver measurable impact.

Longtime SMU employee featured by Fox 4
Jennifer “JJ” Jones marked 40 years at SMU, reflecting a career in Student Affairs defined by mentorship, leadership and lasting impact on generations of students.

Men’s Basketball returns to NCAA tournament
The team made its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2017, earning a First Four berth before falling to Miami (OH).

SMU expands custodial services across campus
HES, the new custodial services provider, will expand support aimed at maintaining cleaner, more welcoming and well-supported campus spaces. See OFPM blog for more.

Health screenings available April 20-23
eHealth biometric screenings will be available on campus at no cost to you in April. The15-minute exam measures key indicators to help you get a snapshot for your health. Learn more here.

Holiday Reminder
Friday, April 3, is a University holiday in observance of Good Friday. Campus offices will be closed.

SMU in the News

Intersections Podcast: President Jay Hartzell discussed the ACC and future of college sports

D Magazine: SMU Athletic Director Damon Evans and Deputy AD Brian Ullmann explained NIL, revenue sharing and more.

D Magazine: Meadows School of the Arts professor David Sedman and his love of film was featured in this profile.

Dallas Innovates: SMU sophomore Ryland Adzich established a laundromat library in East Dallas to expand access to books for children.

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