Meet Our Students

Director, Campus Administration, Dallas College Mountain View Campus
M.S. Human Relations & Business, Amberton University
B.B.A. International Business/Spanish, University of Texas at Arlington

As an immigrant, ESL and first-gen student, I never saw SMU and EdD as part of my story. As an educator with 20+ years of experience, I know there are students who need to see themselves on campus, in me. I am grateful to the world class faculty that have supported my nonlinear path to graduation.

Instructional Support Coordinator, Dallas College
M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction, University of Texas at Arlington
B.S. Chemistry, B.S. Mathematical Education, University of Puerto Rico

"The program has allowed me to develop my leadership skills to be an agent of change and navigate the challenges that higher education presents. The program has helped me create connections that have allowed me to broaden my vision and visualize opportunities for growth in every situation."

Director of Education Abroad, Southern Methodist University
M.L.S. Organizational Dynamics and Global Studies, Southern Methodist University
B.A. International Studies, French, and Political Science, Southern Methodist University

"I have a genuine passion for international education. Some of my proudest moments and greatest accomplishmeants come from studying abroad and working in higher education. I know this Ed.D. program will not only open doors to more leadership opportunities, but also provide an academic-based approach to management, organizational improvement and achievements, in addition to providing an understanding of higher education’s history and theory so that we can build a better future."

Assistant Director for Development Research, Southern Methodist University
M.L.S. Organizational Dynamics, Southern Methodist University
B.A. Political Science, Southern Methodist University

"My area of focus looks at the intersection of development, student life, and academics. Through the Ed.D. program, I am able to collaborate with a diverse group of professionals, with unique backgrounds and experiences in higher education, in order to gain a more holistic understanding of the challenges impacting students and institutions."

Director of Development for Dedman School of Law, Southern Methodist University
M.L.S. Organizational Dynamics and Humanities, Southern Methodist University
B.F.A. Theatre Performance, Baylor University

"I think the Ed.D. is the MBA for aspiring administrators. By equipping myself with such a degree, I believe I will be a better asset to my institution as well as the general field. In addition to the systematic applications that the Ed.D. teaches, it prepares candidates to be empathetic leaders and earn the trust of others through its comprehensive curriculum and shared experiences of the cohort."

Lecturer & Translator, University of Texas at Arlington
M.A. Modern Languages, University of Texas at Arlington
M.A. Spanish Translation & Interpretation, University of Texas at Brownsville

"I am pursuing an Ed.D because I am passionate about serving marginalized communities through teaching and research. My area of focus examines the intersectionality of race, ethnicity, gender and Latinx identities to identify barriers and drivers to accessing professional and academic opportunities. I am interested in understanding how Spanish translation and interpretation tools can be utilized to increase equity and inclusion in higher education and exploring ideas for cross-cultural connections among students."

Senior Lecturer, Class Piano Coordinator, Southern Methodist University
M.M. Piano Performance and Pedagogy - Southern Methodist University
B.M. Piano Performance - Samford University

"In considering terminal degrees, I knew that pursuing an Ed.D. would allow me to continue to stand out in my field while opening up doors for career advancement. In researching schools, I was intrigued and impressed by the SMU program's cohort model and noted professors. I know this unique collaborative experience will provide me with the knowledge, strategies, and skills to tackle future challenges and confidently blaze my own path in higher education."

Assistant Dean, Graduate Student Enrollment and Engagement, Cox School of Business, Southern Methodist University
M.Ed. Higher Education, Southern Methodist University
B.S. Computing Science, Sam Houston State University

"My passion for education and love of my work has motivated me to pursue a doctorate of education degree. The Ed.D. will allow me to raise my level of expertise and continue my growth as a leader in development of policies, programs, and procedures to best serve students and the Cox School."

Director for Student Center & Activities, Southern Methodist University
M.S. Leadership, Northeastern University
B.B.A., Texas A&M University

"It is my goal to be able to positively impact students on a regular basis. I believe that through my Ed.D. studies, I will enhance my perspective on what that means and how to do it, and eventually I aim to influence policy in order to directly contribute to student success."

Professor of Government, Dallas College
M.A. Political Science, University of North Texas
B.A. Political Science and International Studies, Southern Methodist University

"I strongly believe an individual should lead through service, and it is important for me to pursue a career and degree that align with this value. Teaching in higher education allows me to serve and have a positive impact on the North Texas community. With a doctorate in higher education, I can pursue leaderships roles that will help societies solve problems and meet the demands of a rapidly changing and highly connected world.”

Professor of English, El Centro College
M.A. English Linguistics, University of North Texas
B.A. English, University of North Texas
B.A. Teaching and English, University of Malaya

"I have been in higher education for 27 years in various different capacity, i.e. in instruction, administration, and teacher training. I am passionate about teaching and learning. The SMU Higher Education degree will give me the opportunity to understand how institutions of higher education are transforming in the 21st century. This SMU program will help me to be a part of the current AI innovations and conversations in higher education. "

Assistant Director, University Honors Program, Southern Methodist University
M.Ed. Educational Leadership and Policy, The University of Texas at Austin
B.A. History, The University of Texas at Austin

"Building relationships with my students and colleagues is the greatest joy of my higher education career. I'm especially drawn to the Ed.D. program as a means to serve others. Having the opportunity to learn from a cohort with diverse backgrounds, jobs, and viewpoints will provide me with valuable context as a higher education leader. Ultimately, I aspire to create life-changing collegiate experiences for all students."

Residential Community Director of Armstrong Commons at SMU
M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration and Student Personnel, Kent State University
B.S. in Psychology and Child Learning and Development, University of Texas at Dallas

"I fell in love with the field of higher education very quickly into my time in undergrad. I am passionate about helping students transition from high school to college in the best way for them and helping students feel confident in solving their own problems. I am excited to learn from my professors and classmates throughout this program."

Assistant Director of Administrative Services & Diversity Officer, Southern Methodist University Libraries
M.L.S. Archives & Records Management, North Carolina Central University
B.A. Interdisciplinary Studies: Nonprofit & Public Administration, University of Toledo

"Over the last 10 years I have served in different capacities within the field of librarianship. During this tenure, I have focused on implementing equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives (DEI). I am interested in organizational development as it pertains to DEI in academic libraries. Particularly, I aim to study recruitment and retention practices. Therefore, I am pursuing an Ed.D. in higher education to explore how DEI in academic libraries support the overall success of the university and organizational effectiveness. I am excited to learn from the diverse group of professionals in my cohort and ready to share my expertise as well."

Assistant Dean for Recruitment & Admission, SMU Meadows School of the Arts
M.Ed. Higher Education Policy and Leadership, Southern Methodist University
B.M. Music Education, Southern Methodist University

"There is something magical about being a part of a student's journey toward building a successful future. It's what makes my participation in higher education worthwhile. Through the Ed.D. program at SMU, I will have the opportunity to apply research to my practice. The better informed I am as an admission professional to prioritize students when considering access, equity, and institutional goals, the brighter everyone's future becomes."

Executive Director of Enrollment Services & Director of International Office
M.A. in Dispute Resolution and Conflict Management, Southern Methodist University
B.A. Humanities, Southern Methodist University

"I am passionate about being a role model for high school graduates who face challenges accessing higher education. As a first-generation graduate and former international student, pursuing my doctorate in Higher Education is another step toward advancing my career goals and being an example for Latinos, women, and international students. I want students to know we can achieve anything with passion, hard work, discipline, and perseverance. I want to be the voice for those who don't have the platform to be heard and be a reason for significant change in higher education for underrepresented communities."

Assistant Vice Provost and Dean of Admission, Southern Methodist University
Master of Liberal Arts, Texas Christian University
Bachelor of Arts, French and Speech Communication

"'Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.' This quote by Maya Angelou epitomizes the way I live my life. It applies to so much, but for me the knowing is my goal in life. As I know more, I do more and I'm better for it. My doctorate is a key launching pad in this endeavor.”

Director of Olympic Sports Performance, Southern Methodist University
M.Ed. Higher Education, Iowa State University
M.S. Exercise Science, Appalachian State University B.S. Exercise Science, Appalachian State University

"My goal is to provide continued support to the student-athletes I work with in all aspects of the higher education system. Continuing my education within this program will allow me to effectively communicate with administration and understand the outside barriers we must overcome to be successful in producing student-leaders.”

Assistant Director of Athletic Mental Health, Southern Methodist University
M.S. Counseling and Development, Texas Woman's University
B.S. Psychology, Langston University

"Higher education has been an important component of my professional journey, and through this program I hope to gain knowledge and additional expertise to provide an avenue for the next generation. ”

Assistant Director of Employer Relations at the Hegi Family Career Development Center, Southern Methodist University
M.Ed. Higher Education Leadership & Policy, Southern Methodist University
B.B.A. Management, Texas State University

"The transformative power of education is important to me, and I want to contribute to the improvement of higher education in America. This Ed.D. program will not only allow me to grow personally in my field but also to expand on existing research with the hope of improving the college experience for future generations."

Lecturer, Southern Methodist University
M.S. Statistics, Texas A&M University
B.S. Education, John Brown University

"As a statistics educator I teach students to recognize quality data and learn from the stories it tells. Unfortunately, whether due to messages from our society, their families, or former teachers, many approach math with a fixed mindset. My objective is to help them identify and break down the barriers that exist between them and their goals. Regardless of their background, each learner has innate worth as a human with unique and valuable experiences, ideas, and contributions to the world. As such, I am continually adapting my teaching methods to a universally accessible design, in a setting that explicitly welcomes each scholar. Further exploring these concepts within their sociopolitical and institutional contexts through the Ed.D. coursework will enhance my ability to enact lasting change in a larger arena."

Managing Director, Workforce Development Centers, Dallas College
M.B.A, University of Essex
B.S. Psychology, B.S. International Affairs, Florida State University

"My journey has been tiled with academic, professional, and personal experiences that have steered me to pursue an Ed.D. in Higher Education today. I seek to prepare myself for better seats at the table to continue researching and advocating for the changes and challenges students will continue to face in higher education. Obtaining this degree from SMU will take me to the next level by further equipping me with the knowledge and resources I need to help solve problems and bridge organizational gaps, ultimately leading to improved student success.

Associate Director of Full-Time MBA Admissions, Cox School of Business, Southern Methodist University
M.S. Human Resource Development, Barry University
B.S. Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Barry University

It is a privilege to continue learning, and no one can take your education away from you. I am pursuing a Doctor of Education in Higher Education because I value and understand the power of great leadership and learning. The program will provide me with the knowledge and expertise I need to fulfill my passion for helping students achieve their personal and career goals. It will also allow me to develop my nonprofit organization, Prolific Women Inc., to help the next generation of young women grow and develop as leaders. I look forward to taking advantage of my experiences in the Ed.D. program to become an effective leader in the education industry and my community.

DASS Accommodations Coordinator, SMU
Bachelor of Criminal Justice and BFA in Communication Studies minor in Forensic Psychology, New Mexico State University
Master of Education in Counseling and Student Affairs, Texas Christian University 

Knowledge has always been a cornerstone in my family, shaping my purpose and guiding my path. My passion for learning and helping others runs deep, influenced by my family’s values. My mother, raised by my grandmother in New York, navigated desegregation in public schools. She ensured that I started in childhood development centers and advanced programs, eventually earning a college degree early. I was always encouraged to push beyond limits, which led me to join Teach for America, where my passion for counseling and helping others grew stronger. I’ve always been drawn to supporting others in overcoming challenges and reaching their potential.

Pursuing this Doctoral program is the next step in my lifelong journey of learning, allowing me to fulfill my goals while inspiring young people in our communities—those who, like me, started with humble beginnings—to rise and become trailblazers who make a lasting impact.

Director for Fraternity & Sorority Life, Southern Methodist University 
M.S. Higher Education, University of North Texas
B.A. Psychology, B.A. Advertising, Southern Methodist University

I have a love of learning. My hope is that the Ed.D. program will provide me with new tools and perspective to assist in my work to create safe and developmentally enriching environments for students. In our ever-changing higher education landscape, and to create positive change as practitioners, we must be willing to consistently learn and grown as individuals.

Ed.D. Candidate
M.Ed. Counseling - Texas Christian University
B.A. History - Texas A&M University 

 

IT Manager, North Central Texas College
MBA, Information Technology, University of North Texas
B.A. Radio, Television, Film, University of North Texas

I believe that effective communication is a cornerstone of academic success, particularly within information technology and project management.  My goal is to study how digital communication impacts systems of work and our personal lives.  The Ed.D program at SMU is ideal for my research interests and provides me with valuable resources and academic connections to continue making a positive difference in the lives of those I support.

Assistant Director of Employer Relations - Cox School of Business, Southern Methodist University
M.S. Organizational Communication, University of North Texas
B.A. Strategic Communication, Southern Methodist University

I have been fortunate enough to receive an excellent education throughout my life, and believe my purpose is to create a similar experience for as many students as possible. The Ed.D program will help me get to a point in my career where I am able to affect meaningful change in higher education institutions so that future generations of students find fulfillment and purpose in their education.

Director, Rotunda Scholars Program, Southern Methodist University
M.Ed. Counseling-Student Affairs, Texas Christian University
B.A. Political Science, San Diego State University

Education has played a pivotal role in my life, and I plan on being a lifelong learner. My daily goal is to serve as a catalyst for change and equitable accessibility. As higher education professionals we hold the key to the most priceless equalizer. Serving as students' mentors, cheerleaders, educators, advocates, and challengers, we are their ultimate support system. Through my doctorate studies, I wish to further my reach and learn how best to prepare new professionals on equitable practices and emphasize the significance of our impactful helping profession.

Deputy Chief, Dallas Fire-Rescue Department
M.A. Security Studies in Homeland Security & Defense
B.A.A.S. Emergency Management Administration

I am pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership to deepen my understanding of the complexities within higher education institutions. With a strong foundation in public safety leadership, my professional world consistently intersects at the crossroads of education, technological innovation, and organizational strategy. My goal is to implement practitioner level experience and academic advancements to drive systemic change and enhance the learning experiences of future generations of public safety professionals.

Director, Student Conduct and Community Standards
B.S. Sport Management, University of West Florida
M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction, University of South Florida

For me, life has always been about learning. With the career path I have chosen, learning is at the forefront of what I do. My goal in perusing the Ed.D is to contribute in a positive way in an ever-changing higher education landscape.

Clinical Department Administrator, UT Southwestern Medical Center
M.S. Health Systems Management
B.A. Creative Writing

Efrain Solis brings over 20 years of experience in healthcare, having held roles at institutions including UCLA's Pathology & Immunogenetics Department, Johns Hopkins Hospital in Surgery, Johns Hopkins Singapore in Medical Oncology, Cedars-Sinai as a Lead Performance Improvement Facilitator, Memorial Hermann, Banner MD Anderson, and UT Southwestern. In 2015, he was selected as a Baldrige Examiner, and in 2016, he played a key role in helping his former campus achieve the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, marking a historic first for any hospital in Houston.
Efrain holds both Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the University of Baltimore, where he also contributes as an Adjunct Professor in the College of Public Affairs. He is also on the faculty at UNT Health Science Center as an Adjunct Instructor, and at Arizona State University as a Faculty Associate in their Executive MBA program.
Since 2020, Efrain has served as the Clinical Department Administrator for the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center. In 2024, he will begin pursuing a doctorate in education at Southern Methodist University, focusing on Higher Education Leadership.

Guided by his personal vision statement to positively impact the lives of a billion people, Efrain dedicates himself to purpose-driven work, prioritizing the needs of others, and consistently helping individuals reach their full potential.

General Education and Academic Appeals Coordinator
M.A. Counseling and Guidance, Louisiana Tech University
B.A. Sociology, University of Louisiana at Lafayette

I am a proud first-generation college graduate and generational curse breaker.  I know the struggles and obstacles underrepresented students face when considering college as a next step.  Leveraging my K-12 experience in mentoring, teaching, and counseling and translating this knowledge into higher education has allowed me to assist students with removing barriers to graduation.  Pursuing an Ed.D. in Higher Education will prepare me for professional elevation and hone those core competencies needed to influence decisions impacting marginalized students on college campuses. 
 
"Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream and the hope of the slave." 
Maya Angelou