Dallas Institute moves to SMU

By Kim Cobb

The Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture, a forum for important civic conversations that have shaped its namesake city for more than 40 years, has joined the SMU Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences. The institute’s board of directors voted to give its assets to SMU, guaranteeing that its vital work will continue in perpetuity.

The transfer of assets has a value of approximately $12 million, including endowment and operational funding and the proceeds from the sale of the institute’s longtime headquarters on Routh Street. 

Since 1980, The Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture has helped the city leverage insights from the humanities in very practical ways — mining literature, philosophy and the sciences for the roadmaps toward civic progress. The institute encourages public engagement with everything that shapes the human experience, from book and film discussion groups to short courses on emerging topics, such as artificial intelligence, to readings of literary classics and slam poetry. Its publications, conferences and salon-style approach to topical discussions has always been fueled by the motivation to bring bright minds together.

“The Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture has truly changed the city, from the iconic images of Pegasus we see everywhere to the great Calatrava bridges born at the institute’s ‘What Makes a City?’ conferences,” said SMU President R. Gerald Turner. “We are delighted to cement our partnership with the institute, to support and expand its inclusive civic vision and to widen our students’ awareness of and connection with the city that helps make SMU possible.”

Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences connects students with forward thinkers and global problem solvers through interdisciplinary education and foundational programs in the humanities, natural and mathematical sciences, and social and physical sciences. 

The Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture has often hosted programs with SMU. Examples include Lyric Hour readings of literary works by SMU faculty authors and a recent celebration of the poet Erika Meitner in collaboration with SMU Project Poëtica.

“The Dallas Institute has a long history of both reimagining and shaping our city. As part of SMU, this ongoing work will grow and reach greater fruition,” said institute founder Gail Thomas ’58. “Many of the expansive, soulful conversations among scholars that now happen regularly around our city originated at the Dallas Institute.”

Together with her former University of Dallas colleagues Donald Cowan, Louise Cowan, James Hillman, Robert Sardello and Joanne Stroud, Thomas founded the institute as a nonprofit educational organization designed to enrich and deepen the life of the city with the wisdom and imagination of the humanities. Signature programs will continue to include: 

• Sue Rose Summer Institute for Teachers — honoring and rejuvenating educators

This program was created by Louise Cowan, funded by institute board member Deedie Rose and her late husband Edward “Rusty” Rose, and named for his mother. The goal is to nourish the love of learning that inspired teachers to join their profession. The program enrolled 100 local teachers in summer 2024 at no cost to the participants. They conducted a deep examination of epic literature, with authors ranging from Homer to Toni Morrison. 

• Hiett Prize in the Humanities — understanding what makes us human

This award honors an emerging leader in the humanities whose vision promises to change the way we see our world. Established in 2005 with a gift from benefactor Kim Hiett Jordan, the prize celebrates imagination in disciplines that deepen our knowledge of humanity — such as philosophy, poetry, history, theology and literary criticism. 

• Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Symposium — extending his legacy

This event seeks new ways to engage the civil rights leader’s enduring challenge for all races and all cities, including Dallas. Keynote speakers and panel discussions reinvigorate the commitment to social progress and equality. 

“Moving The Dallas Institute of Humanities and Cultures to SMU provides future generations with the gift of thoughtful conversations on meaningful topics,” said Elizabeth G. Loboa, SMU provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs. “Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences connects our students across disciplines, so joining the institute with the University will create extraordinary opportunities.”

 At more than 40 “What Makes a City?” conferences, The Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture has hosted many of the world’s preeminent urban visionaries and thought leaders, including Wendell Berry, Ivan Illich, Jane Jacobs, Maya Lin, Christopher Alexander, Vincent Scully, Andres Duany, William “Holly” Whyte, Christian Norberg-Schulz, Arthur Erickson, Denise Scott Brown, Alex Krieger, Thomas Moore and others. International scholars regularly cite the institute’s more than 50 publications.

“For too long, The Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture has been one of our city’s best kept secrets,” said Seemee Ali, who will continue to lead the institute at SMU. “While we will always cherish the memories of our Routh Street campus, the real treasures we need to preserve are the soulful and energizing conversations nurtured there. We are delighted that this most promising partnership with SMU will enable the institute to be accessible to wider audiences.”

The move of The Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture to SMU and its associated gift of endowment and other funds represents the largest gift to date for Dedman College of Humanities and Science during SMU Ignited: Boldy Shaping Tomorrow, the University’s multiyear $1.5 billion campaign for impact.

“We recognize the great trust that has been granted us with this gift,” said Brad Cheves, SMU senior vice president for Development and External Affairs. 

“We are honored that The Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture board sees in SMU a great university with a passion for knowledge in support of civic engagement.”