Southern Methodist University has announced the formation of The Dallas Office at SMU. The university describes it as its “front door to the city and region,” aimed at deepening collaboration with Dallas-based corporations, civic organizations, and community partners while expanding access to its talent, research, and expertise.

“This is a defining moment for Dallas and SMU,” Hartzell said in a statement. He added that universities in urban environments are gaining an edge—and that Dallas, in particular, offers “greater differentiation and opportunity than virtually any city in America.”

Hartzell said a key priority is making it easier for external partners to engage with the university, especially its students, faculty, and research.

To lead that effort, SMU has named alumna Kit Sawers as CEO of The Dallas Office and a university vice president. Sawers, who currently serves as president and CEO of Klyde Warren Park, will join SMU on Aug. 3 and report directly to Hartzell.

In a message shared today with supporters, Sawers said she will step down from her role at Klyde Warren Park on July 20 after eight years leading the organization. She said her immediate focus is on ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining the park’s momentum.

Improving access and opportunities

The new office is designed to simplify how organizations work with SMU—whether through research partnerships, workforce development, or student engagement.

University officials said the goal is to better coordinate those touchpoints, creating a more direct path to faculty expertise, academic programs, and emerging talent. The office will also support executive education and continuing education programs, while helping connect students to internships, project-based learning, and career opportunities.

In addition, SMU said the office will act as a convening hub—bringing business and civic leaders into closer collaboration with the university through shared programming and events.

Strategic plan and community engagement

The initiative is tied to SMU’s next strategic plan, expected this fall, and reflects a broader push to align academic work more closely with real-world application. By strengthening those connections, the university aims to expand opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and long-term economic impact, according to SMU.

The Dallas Office will also establish advisory groups that include business leaders, faculty, and students to help guide its priorities and ensure alignment with regional needs.

‘What can we build together?’

Sawers brings a mix of civic leadership and institutional experience to the role. At Klyde Warren Park, she led one of the country’s most prominent urban park projects. During her tenure, annual attendance grew from about 1.2 million visitors to 2 million, alongside a significant expansion in programming, partnerships, and philanthropic support, she said in her note to supporters.

Hartzell said Sawers “brings a rare combination of civic leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, partnership-building and execution,” adding she will help “create meaningful value for our partners across Dallas” while advancing SMU’s academic mission.

In her new role, Sawers will oversee the university’s regional engagement strategy, focusing on partnerships, research collaboration, and student career pathways.

She said the opportunity lies in connecting Dallas’ growth with SMU’s academic strengths.

“SMU is uniquely positioned at the intersection of academic excellence and one of the most dynamic cities in the country,” Sawers said.

She said the Dallas Office is about building connections that benefit both the city and the university community.

“It starts with a simple question,” she said: “What can we build together?”

‘Transformational leadership’

Sawers will succeed in part from her leadership at Klyde Warren Park, where her tenure was described as “transformational” by Jody Grant, chairman of the Woodall Rodgers Park Foundation.

“Kit’s vision, leadership, and energy have been transformational,” Grant said, adding that she will be “deeply missed” as she transitions to SMU.

Reflecting on her time at Klyde Warren Park, Sawers told supporters she is “incredibly proud of what we have built together,” citing the park’s growth as a civic gathering place and national model. She said the park is “in an excellent position,” pointing to its staff, board, and volunteer leadership, along with future plans that include potential expansion and large-scale community programming.

Before leading the park, Sawers served as chief development officer for United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and founded Fay+Sawers Productions, producing major civic events including the grand opening of Klyde Warren Park and programming tied to Super Bowl XLV.

Earlier in her career, she spent a decade at SMU in leadership roles focused on academic programming and public engagement.

Quincy Preston contributed to this report.

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