James M. Collins Executive Education Center

Less than a decade after Dallas and SMU formed a partnership to build “a great university west of the Mississippi,” the Dallas business community rallied to help create the Department of Commerce at SMU in 1920. From that beginning, the Cox School of Business has risen to its current stature as one of the world’s top business schools. With the opening of the James M. Collins Executive Education Center, the Cox School reaffirms its commitment to serving the educational needs of working professionals and businesses.

Located on the northeast corner of Ownby Drive and Binkley Avenue, the Collins Center houses the Cox School’s Executive MBA and Executive Education programs, which offer lifelong learning opportunities for professionals worldwide. It also serves as home for the SW Graduate School of Banking. A number of events for Cox’s full-time MBA and Professional MBA programs also take place in the center.

The Collins Center is part of SMU’s east quadrangle, which includes the Jerry R. Junkins Engineering Building, the Laura Lee Blanton Student Services Building, and the Caruth Engineering Building.  

The quadrangle, east of SMU Boulevard and Airline Road, is the eastern gateway to SMU and provides a connection to the George W. Bush Presidential Center.  

Hours of Operation

Normal Operating Hours

Monday through Friday:  8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Saturday:  8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Summer Operating Hours

Monday through Friday:  8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: Closed.
Sunday: Closed. 

Architectural Design and Features

The exterior of the building reflects the University’s traditional Georgian architecture, while the interior looks to the future, with academic areas featuring the latest technology to support a variety of instructional techniques, as well as dramatic reception and gathering areas.

  • Four tiered classrooms, each with seating for 66 students
  • 24-seat boardroom; one 40-seat classroom with flexible seating arrangements
  • 15 seminar rooms with seating for groups from six to 10 to promote teamwork and student interaction
  • 297-seat Crum Auditorium
  • Modern business center
  • Executive lounge
  • Dining room with seating for 72.
  • Gracious outdoor plaza on the north side of the building, offering additional event space
  • Rooftop terrace provides a relaxing environment for networking

Supporting the Collins Center

Many opportunities to support the Center still exist, such as personalized bricks, benches, and corporate sponsorships. To find out more about giving options Contact Us.