SMU President R. Gerald Turner Resigns in 2025

R. Gerald Turner, President of Southern Methodist University (SMU), announced his resignation effective at the end of the 2024-2025 academic year after a 30-year tenure. In his letter to the SMU community, Turner highlighted the university's 'continued positive momentum' and expressed gratitude for the support he received throughout his presidency, which began in 1995. Under his leadership, SMU saw significant growth, including a rise in student enrollment from 9,100 to over 12,000 and an increase in the university's endowment to $2.03 billion. Turner plans to assume the role of President Emeritus to aid in the university's ongoing fundraising campaign and support his successor. The Board of Trustees has begun a national search for Turner's replacement, aiming to appoint the 11th president by the end of the spring semester. Turner emphasized the importance of transitioning leadership while the university is flourishing, particularly as SMU prepares to join the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).