Rachel Davis Mersey will oversee the university’s research and overall academic quality.
Rachel Davis Mersey will oversee the university’s research and overall academic quality.
Rachel Davis Mersey will oversee the university’s research and overall academic quality.
DALLAS — Southern Methodist University has named a new executive vice president and provost, who will oversee the school’s research and overall academic quality.
The new hire, Rachel Davis Mersey, has previously served as the dean of UT Austin’s Moody College of Communications and was also the director of global research partnerships at Meta, formerly known as Facebook.
“I am honored to join SMU at such an exciting moment,” Mersey said in a statement. “I’ve had inspiring conversations with members of the Board of Trustees and University leadership about the vibrant enthusiasm, ambition, and commitment to excellence across campus. I share Dr. Hartzell’s energy and dedication to advancing SMU’s success and look forward to working alongside students, staff and faculty to build on this incredible momentum and further strengthen SMU’s role as a leader in higher education.”
In overseeing academic quality, Mersey will be responsible for admissions, faculty development and international programs, as well as libraries and eight degree-granting schools.
“I am absolutely thrilled to welcome Rachel to SMU,” said SMU President-elect Jay Hartzell in a statement. “I know from firsthand experience that she brings a unique skillset, including a relentless focus on excellence and the ability to energize and motivate others to work as part of a team. She combines a passion for students and learning with curiosity and support for research and the creative arts. The entire campus will benefit from her leadership. It’s going to be powerful to see her and the rest of our leadership team build upon the enormous energy and momentum happening at SMU and across Dallas – as together we work to accelerate the trajectory of our University.”
Mersey began her academic career as an assistant professor at the University of Minnesota before joining Northwestern University’s faculty, where she rose from professor to associate dean for research.
“With a distinguished background in both academia and industry, Dr. Mersey is the ideal leader to further elevate our academic excellence and expand our impact in Dallas and beyond,” said SMU President R. Gerald Turner in a statement. “I join Dr. Hartzell in welcoming Rachel and her family to Dallas and the Hilltop.”