Our Staff

Director of Undergraduate Advising and Student Records
214-768-3415
mcompton@smu.edu

Misti Compton graduated from SMU in 2012 with a Bachelor of Business Administration from the Cox School of Business. She earned a Master of Science in Counseling in 2020. Misti enjoys working with students developing four-year academic plans, assisting in major exploration, and ensuring that transfer students make a successful transition to SMU. Before serving as Director of Undergraduate Advising and Student Records, she served as Senior Academic Advisor and worked in the Lyle Dean’s Office. She enjoys reading, spending time with her family, watching movies and enjoying nature.

Senior Academic Advisor
214-768-2189
dkaye@smu.edu

Dorie earned a B.A. in History in 2017 and an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Policy in 2019, both from UT Austin. Prior to joining SMU, she worked as an Academic Advisor at the UT Austin McCombs School of Business. Dorie enjoys forming lasting relationships with each of her students and especially loves welcoming incoming freshmen to their new college home. Outside of advising, Dorie loves visiting new coffee shops, is always on the hunt for her next book, and is trying to visit every county in Texas with her husband (only 187 to go!).

Degree Counselor
214-768-6262
dforbes@smu.edu

Dallas Forbes graduated from SMU in 2016 with degrees in Mathematics and International Studies. Dallas enjoys helping students discover new interests and further explore their academic passions. Prior to working at SMU, Dallas spent 5 years as a high school STEM teacher. When not working, Dallas loves taking her dog and young son on walks through Highland Park and getting ice cream at Van Leeuwen’s in West Village.

Senior Academic Advisor
zzphillips@smu.edu

Ivy holds a B.S. and M.S. in Biology, as well as an M.A. in Higher Education. Before assuming her current role at Lyle, Ivy served as a Success Counselor for SMU's Office of Student Success and Retention. Her professional background in education also encompasses extensive experience in various capacities at different higher education institutions, including tutoring, mentoring, teaching, advising, and coordinating various programs. Ivy is dedicated to offering holistic support to students, encompassing their academic, social, and professional development.

Originally from China, Ivy cherishes quality time with her family, engages in arts and crafts, and enjoys exploring different cuisines

Senior Academic Advisor
(214) 768-6547
kaelynr@smu.edu

Kaelyn earned her BBA in Marketing with a minor in Communication in 2016 and her M.A. in Educational Leadership for Higher Education/Student Affairs along with an Academic Advising Certificate in 2020, both from Eastern Michigan University. Prior to joining SMU, Kaelyn worked as an Academic Advisor at Eastern Michigan University where she had the opportunity to work with Exploratory students, College of Business students, General bachelor's degree seeking students, Second Bachelor students, Honors College students, and Engineering students. She has been an advisor at SMU since 2023. Kaelyn has a passion for helping others and enjoys assisting students throughout their educational journey. She always tries to bring new ideas to the table to continue improving and evolving the advising experience for students. Kaelyn was born and raised in Michigan and moved to Texas in 2023 to be with her husband. When she is not advising, Kaelyn enjoys spending time with her husband, cooking and trying new recipes, and finding any chance she can to work on something creative.

Graduate Assistant and Academic Advisor
leguizabal@smu.edu

Graduate Assistant and Academic Advisor
cghorner@smu.edu