Meet the Staff

Director and Diversity and Inclusion Officer (Dedman College)

J.B. Georges, Ed.D. was born in Brooklyn and mostly lived in New York City before moving to Texas in 2019. For over two decades, he has worked in higher education with a firm commitment to helping students realize their potential, achieve their goals, and become lifelong learners. Dr. Georges earned his Doctor of Education degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and his Master of Science in Education in Higher Education Administration from Baruch College. At New York University, Dr. Georges earned his Master of Arts degree in Culture and Communication and his Bachelor of Arts degree in Individualized Study. He also earned his Associate of Arts degree in General Arts and Sciences from Pace University. In addition to spending quality time with his family and friends, he enjoys drawing, music, entertainment media, and the creative and performing arts. He also enjoys personal fitness and sports, traveling, writing, reading, politics, community service, and learning new skills and concepts. Even though he is still a New Yorker at heart, he loves his life in Dallas. Dr. Georges is also one of Dedman College’s Diversity Officers.

Email: jgeorges@smu.edu

Assistant Director and Degree Counselor:

Heather L. Sohara, M.Ed., B.A. came to Dallas from Pennsylvania in 2016. She has previously worked as an academic coordinator at Lehigh University, where she earned a master’s degree in Human Development, and a graduation specialist at UT Dallas. She enjoys podcasts, playing games, learning Queen and Disney songs on the flute, and her cats. She is the degree counselor for students with last name beginning A-Z.

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Administrative Staff:

Remonda Hammock, A.S. joined SMU in 2010 and is the Administrative Specialist I for the Office of Academic Services. She has 25+ years’ experience as an Administrative Assistant and enjoys working in higher education.  She was previously employed by Vanderbilt University and the University of Florida. Remonda is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Sociology. She enjoys dancing, concerts, designing wedding and birthday party invitations and is an avid music lover.

Email: remondah@smu.edu

Yesenia Romero Martinez, A.S. joined SMU in 2021 and is the Office Coordinator II for the Office of Academic Services. She was previously employed by Dallas ISD and is pursuing a degree in Psychology. She enjoys concerts, traveling, and gardening.

Email: yromeromartinez@smu.edu