SMU Today | October 9, 2026 |
SMU historian Ariel Ron awarded MacArthur ‘genius grant’
Ariel Ron is one of just 20 recipients of the 2026 MacArthur Fellowship, known as the “genius grant.” The prestigious honor includes an $800,000 unrestricted award recognizing exceptional creativity and promise.
Ron, an associate professor of history in Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences and director of the Clements Center for Southwest Studies, explores how Northern agriculture influenced American economic growth, federal power and the divisions leading up to the Civil War. |
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President Hartzell unveils Mustang Charge: Informed by more than 9,000 voices, SMU’s strategic framework sets priorities for the next decade, embracing the power of “and” through collaboration across disciplines, stronger Dallas partnerships and more.
Kelli Shomaker named Senior VP for Business and Finance and CFO: Joining SMU November 1 from Auburn University, she brings experience in strategic investment, campus growth and university operations.
Explore your benefits. Prepare for the year ahead: Visit SMU’s HR Fair on Wednesday, October 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Hughes-Trigg Student Center Ballrooms. Get answers to your questions, learn about your options and prepare to make your benefit selections. |
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| Academic Excellence and Research |
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Paola Buckley, teaching professor of French at the Dedman College for Humanities and Sciences, received France’s prestigious Ordre des Palmes Académiques for her work advancing French language education.
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Graduate students at SMU and in the Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies have secured more than $700,000 in fellowship funding for 2026–27. To date, 59 students have received awards, including Fulbright and NSF Graduate Research fellowships.
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| Innovation, People and Community Impact |
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The Perkins School of Theology launched Theology Matters: A Perkins Podcast, featuring conversations with faculty and guests. Hosted by Dean Bryan P. Stone, the monthly series explores theological questions shaping today’s world.
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A $300,000 NSF grant supplement expands MathFinder, a collaboration with the Simmons School of Education and Human Development and talkSTEM, providing AI training and tools to help educators connect math learning with familiar places in schools and communities.
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Marc Steinberg, Rupert and Lillian Radford Chair in Law and Professor of Law at Dedman School of Law, has been elected to the European Law Institute, which advances legal research and development in Europe.
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The Cox School of Business and MassChallenge are launching the SMU Cox FinTech Coalition, connecting financial technology startups with industry, investors, students and faculty to help new companies grow and advance Dallas’ role in financial innovation.
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New resource for planning remote instruction
Review expectations for teaching when SMU authorizes remote operations, including examples of instructor-led engagement and activities that do not qualify |
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New password requirements begin October 21
SMU’s minimum password length will increase from 12 to 15 characters to strengthen account security. OIT also plans to extend password expiration from one year to five years beginning in 2027. |
| Free flu shots for faculty and staff
Flu vaccinations are available to all faculty and staff free of charge at the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center. Walk-ins are accepted Monday-Friday with an SMU ID, or you may get one at the HR Fair. |
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A more connected campus
SMU is improving how faculty and staff receive news and discover events through Salesforce Marketing Cloud and SMU360. See how these tools support the transition from Bulklist by year’s end. |
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Order your 2027 DART pass by October 31
Benefits-eligible employees without an SMU parking permit can receive a $400 annual subsidy for a DART transit pass. After the deadline, passes must be purchased directly from DART at full price. |
| 2026 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report available
Review campus safety policies, procedures, support resources and reported crime and fire statistics to stay informed and know where to turn for help. |
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