Associate Vice Provost and Dean of Admission & Student Financial Services
Southern Methodist University (SMU) invites nominations and applications for the inaugural position of Associate Vice Provost and Dean of Admission & Student Financial Services (AVP/Dean).
Founded in 1911, SMU serves 12,556 students, including 7,677 undergraduates and 4,879 graduate and professional students, across eight degree-granting schools: the Cox School of Business, Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Dedman School of Law, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies, Perkins School of Theology, and the Simmons School of Education and Human Development. An R1 institution, SMU advances high-impact research powered by interdisciplinary collaboration. The University enrolls students from all 50 states and more than 90 countries, including nearly 1,000 international students and 19% of undergraduates receiving federal Pell Grants.
Located in Dallas, Texas, SMU benefits from a unique position at the intersection of educational excellence and economic opportunity. Dallas-Fort Worth, one of the nation's fastest-growing and most dynamic metropolitan regions, provides unparalleled access to industry leaders, major employers, entrepreneurial ventures, and cultural institutions. At a time when many regions face demographic challenges, Texas remains among the nation's strongest markets for higher-education enrollment growth, creating a favorable environment for institutions with ambitious enrollment goals. SMU draws strength from this vibrant ecosystem and seeks to further unlock Dallas's potential by becoming a destination for top talent and creating reciprocal partnerships with the city, making this an exciting opportunity for an experienced and ambitious leader to seize the moment and help shape the University's future.
It is indeed an exhilarating time on the Hilltop, and SMU looks to the future with great optimism and excitement, alongside high expectations. Building upon the momentum of record applications, enrollment, retention & graduation rates, fundraising, and growing national visibility, new senior leadership has helped energize the campus and its community. The University just released its next strategic plan, Mustang Charge: Accelerating SMU to the Forefront, which defines SMU's strategic ambitions and commitment for the years ahead. Centered on transformative teaching and programs, research that matters, athletic impact, exceptional experiences, and principled leadership, Mustang Charge seeks to position SMU as a nationally recognized research university while advancing academic excellence, lifelong student success, and institutional distinction. Under the leadership of President Jay Hartzell and Provost Rachel Davis Mersey, SMU is committed to delivering a top-tier educational experience that prepares graduates to thrive in their careers, lead lives of purpose, and make meaningful contributions to their communities and professions.
To support SMU's aspirations, SMU's Division of Enrollment Services (DES) will continue to evolve as an integrated enrollment enterprise that partners with and supports the campus community. This structure elevates key leaders into broader institutional roles; integrates recruitment and affordability strategies; strengthens enrollment and financial planning; and aligns systems and operations to support enrollment growth, student success, and long-term fiscal sustainability.
The successful candidate will be expected to provide strategic and operational leadership for Undergraduate Admission and Student Financial Services. Reporting to the Vice Provost for Enrollment Management, the AVP/Dean will manage a staff of 75 full-time employees and is accountable for effective recruitment and admission of new undergraduate students; compliant, strategic administration of financial aid for undergraduate and graduate students; and excellent customer service that creates a seamless student experience from first contact through graduation.
The new AVP/Dean will inherit high-functioning units that have delivered incredible results despite tremendous headwinds. Success in the role will require a leader who can balance strategic vision with operational excellence, foster collaboration across organizational boundaries, and position Admission and Student Financial Services as essential drivers of SMU's academic ascent and national reputation. The ideal candidate will bring energy, expertise, and commitment to accelerate the University's upward trajectory and advance strategic priorities; have experience leading organizations through periods of transformation, growth, and organizational change; and have a track record of identifying new opportunities and developing creative approaches to achieve a competitive advantage. A leadership style that is approachable, authentic, relationship-oriented, optimistic, forward-looking, energetic, and embraces innovation will be an asset for the role.
All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the profile.
WittKieffer is assisting Southern Methodist University in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by November 16, 2026.
Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer’s candidate portal by clicking the buttons above or below.
Nominations and inquiries can be directed to Shelley Arakawa, J.D., and Ashlee Musser at:
Southern Methodist University will not discriminate in any employment practice, education program, education activity, or admissions on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status. SMU’s commitment to equal opportunity includes nondiscrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression.
