SMU launches ‘The Dallas Office’

By Nancy George

SMU announced the formation of The Dallas Office, a major new initiative designed to strengthen collaboration with Dallas-based corporations, civic organizations and community partners while expanding access to the University’s talent, research and expertise. The Dallas Office will be SMU’s front door to the city and region – a single coordinated point of access to connect Dallas to SMU and SMU to Dallas more intentionally.

SMU’s Dallas Office will make engagement with Dallas more coordinated with easier access, increased alignment and exponential impact through business, community, sports and culture. It will also make it easier to access the University’s academic programs, faculty expertise and student talent, opening new pathways for collaboration, innovation and workforce development. The office is a key initiative in SMU’s new strategic plan (to be released in the fall), as well as a central element in the University’s continued ascent and ambition to be at the forefront of America’s universities.

“This is a defining moment for Dallas and SMU,” said President Jay Hartzell. “Universities in urban environments are winning, and Dallas creates greater differentiation and opportunity than virtually any city in America. Core to our continued ascent is our ability to be the best partner we can for all of Dallas and the region and to make it easier to engage with SMU, our faculty, our research and most of all, our students.”

The Dallas Office is designed to provide a more seamless way for organizations to engage with SMU, whether through partnerships in applied research, talent development, executive education and upskilling, industry partnerships, entrepreneurship and corporate-civic partnerships. By aligning existing efforts and expanding new opportunities, the office will:

• Partner with organizations to advance applied research and develop solutions to real-world challenges

• Provide direct access to faculty expertise and thought leadership across disciplines

• Serve as a convening hub that brings the expertise of Dallas leaders and organizations onto campus and into the classroom through co-hosted events and shared programming

• Create opportunities to engage and recruit job-ready students through internships, projects and experiential learning – allowing early access to emerging talent, reducing onboarding time and strengthening long-term hiring outcomes

• Support workforce development through executive and continuing education programs

• Offer a single, coordinated entry point to connect with SMU’s full range of programs, people and resources

The Dallas Office builds on the University’s strategic plan, which will expand partnerships across Dallas and increase emphasis on providing exceptional experiences to students, accelerating the connection between classroom learning, faculty research and real-world application. By strengthening ties with the Dallas community, the initiative will expand opportunities for innovation, collaboration and long-term economic impact.

The office will also convene advisory groups of Dallas business leaders as well as faculty, deans and students to ensure its work remains aligned with regional priorities and responsive to emerging opportunities.

SMU has named Kit Sawers as the inaugural CEO of the Dallas Office and a vice president of the University. She will join SMU on August 3 and report directly to President Hartzell.

In her role, Sawers will lead SMU’s engagement across the region, bringing together business development, executive and continuing education, research collaborations and student career pathways.

“SMU is uniquely positioned at the intersection of academic excellence and one of the most dynamic cities in the country,” Sawers said. “The Dallas Office is about making it easier to bring together organizations, ideas and talent to build partnerships that drive impact for Dallas and create meaningful opportunities for students and faculty. It starts with a simple question: What can we build together?”

Sawers currently serves as the president and CEO of Klyde Warren Park, one of the nation’s most successful urban parks, welcoming more than two million visitors annually. She brings deep experience advancing major initiatives that drive impact.

“Kit’s vision, leadership, and energy have been transformational for Klyde Warren Park, and we will continue to build on her impactful work as we look to the park’s future,” said Jody Grant ’60, Woodall Rodgers Park Foundation chairman and an SMU Distinguished Alumni Award recipient. 

“Kit will be deeply missed both personally and professionally. As an SMU alum and proud Mustang, I am thrilled she is bringing her talents to my beloved alma mater in this exciting new chapter.”

The Dallas Office will officially begin operations on August 3. For any questions,  email DallasOffice@smu.edu.