Introduction to SMU’s New President
Jay Hartzell, the new president of Southern Methodist University (SMU), has a clear vision for the university’s future. He wants SMU to become one of the nation’s best schools, and he believes that the university’s relationship with Dallas will play a crucial role in achieving this goal. At his inauguration, Hartzell emphasized the importance of SMU’s location in Dallas, stating that "the question of what is next for SMU is inextricably linked to what is next for Dallas."
The Benefits of SMU’s Location
Hartzell highlighted the advantages of SMU’s location in Dallas, noting that the city’s growth will attract more faculty, staff, and students to the university. He also pointed out that Dallas’ vibrant arts, sports, and entertainment scene will provide students with unique professional experiences and opportunities to work with community leaders. Additionally, Hartzell emphasized that SMU’s location will allow the university to "import talent" from across the country, with only 25% of incoming students coming from North Texas.
SMU’s Economic Impact
The university’s presence in Dallas has a significant economic impact on the city. With over 64,000 SMU alumni living in the DFW region, the university’s graduates contribute an estimated $7 billion to the local economy each year. Hartzell noted that more than two-thirds of SMU’s graduates choose to stay in North Texas for their first job, demonstrating the strong connection between the university and the city.
Building on the Past
Hartzell took over as president of SMU in June, following the retirement of R. Gerald Turner, who led the university for 30 years. Hartzell has stated that he hopes to build on his predecessor’s work, making the university more accessible and connected to the community. He wants to "make the walls on campus more permeable" and provide students with more opportunities for volunteer work and internships in Dallas.
Emphasizing Volunteer Opportunities and Internships
Hartzell wants to emphasize volunteer opportunities and internships for students in Dallas, allowing them to gain practical experience and build connections in the city. He highlighted SMU’s "power to convene" people, citing the university’s Tate Lecture Series as an example. Hartzell believes that by providing students with these opportunities, they will be more likely to choose to stay in Dallas after graduation.
The Importance of Community Engagement
SMU board chair David Miller has expressed his expectation that Hartzell will "understand the potential of North Texas and embrace the value of SMU truly becoming Dallas’ university — for all of Dallas." Hartzell has stated that he wants all of Dallas to feel like they are a part of the university, and that special things happen at SMU. He believes that by engaging with the community and providing opportunities for students to get involved, SMU can become a true asset to the city.
SMU’s Enrollment and Diversity
Despite its high price tag, with an estimated $86,000 per year for undergraduate education, SMU’s enrollment has continued to grow. However, the university’s population still lags behind the diversity of the city, with Black and Hispanic student enrollment trailing behind the population in Dallas. Nearly 70% of first-year students use scholarships or grants to pay for school, and more than half of undergraduates come from outside Texas.
The Future of SMU
Hartzell is optimistic about the future of SMU, stating that he likes the "hand we’re dealt" with the university’s location in Dallas. He believes that urban universities like SMU have the potential to transform and improve over time, and he is excited to be a part of this process. With its strong connection to the city and its commitment to community engagement, SMU is well-positioned to become a leading university in the nation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jay Hartzell’s vision for SMU’s future is closely tied to the university’s relationship with Dallas. By emphasizing volunteer opportunities, internships, and community engagement, Hartzell hopes to make SMU a true asset to the city. With its strong connection to Dallas and its commitment to diversity and inclusion, SMU is well-positioned to become a leading university in the nation.
FAQs
Q: What is Jay Hartzell’s vision for SMU’s future?
A: Hartzell wants SMU to become one of the nation’s best schools, and he believes that the university’s relationship with Dallas will play a crucial role in achieving this goal.
Q: How does SMU’s location in Dallas benefit the university?
A: SMU’s location in Dallas provides students with unique professional experiences and opportunities to work with community leaders, and it also allows the university to "import talent" from across the country.
Q: What is SMU’s economic impact on the city of Dallas?
A: SMU’s graduates contribute an estimated $7 billion to the local economy each year, and more than two-thirds of SMU’s graduates choose to stay in North Texas for their first job.
Q: How does Hartzell plan to increase diversity at SMU?
A: Hartzell has stated that he wants to emphasize volunteer opportunities and internships for students in Dallas, and he believes that by engaging with the community and providing opportunities for students to get involved, SMU can become a more diverse and inclusive university.
Q: What is the future of SMU under Hartzell’s leadership?
A: Hartzell is optimistic about the future of SMU, and he believes that the university has the potential to transform and improve over time. With its strong connection to the city and its commitment to community engagement, SMU is well-positioned to become a leading university in the nation.
