Parent Leadership Council

SMU鈥檚 Parent Leadership Council is a select group of dedicated parents who serve as ambassadors to the SMU parent community and provide volunteer and philanthropic support to enhance the life of the University and its students. Parents develop unique perspectives of SMU as they witness the transformation of their children into world-changing adults. This distinctive outlook allows SMU parents to champion the University in special ways.

SMU鈥檚 vibrant community and innovative programs position students for limitless opportunities. A deep seeded tradition of philanthropy makes this possible. The generous, annual support of SMU parents makes an immediate impact on the lives of students and helps bridge the 30% gap between the true cost of an SMU education and the price of tuition.

The support of current parents is critical to fueling every part of the SMU experience. With SMU parents contributing more than $13.5 million last year, the Parent Leadership Council hopes to inspire the continuation of a strong tradition of parent support. 

* For more information about PLC, please contact Amy Thompson

“We are truly proud to be SMU parents. It has been a special privilege to have all three of our boys on the Hilltop at the same time. The Mustang community continues to inspire us daily with its ground-breaking leadership, innovation and generosity, and we are honored to serve the Parent Leadership Council. Your involvement and support as Mustang parents is crucial to the school’s success. Please join us during this exciting time at SMU!”
Catherine & George Masterson, Co-chairs for the Parent Leadership Council and parents of Jackson ‘24, Miles ‘26, Blake ‘27.

SMU parents provide vital funding that enhances the experience of all students.

Since tuition only covers about three-quarters of an SMU education, our students rely on the generosity of alumni, parents and friends who make current-use contributions. These current-use gifts provide annual support for academic programs, student experiences and faculty members who shape a new generation of world changers.

The SMU Parent Fund is a vital funding source that creates unique opportunities for students and enhances programs across campus. It provides essential resources for SMU’s highest priorities, including financial aid, faculty support and the campus experience. Every member of the SMU community benefits.

Giving is Rewarding

Philanthropists at heart, PLC members often give generously to other University priorities as well. Donors are recognized for their cumulative annual giving at the levels below.

  • Access to upper administration in an intimate, conversational setting
  • Peer networking among members
  • An opportunity for students to join some events as well
  • An annual gift of minimum $25,000 that may be directed to any area of the University
  • Personal support and communication from your development liaison
  • Four (4) reserved seats for SMU Commencement during your student’s senior year

  • Access to upper administration
  • Invitations to exclusive opportunities to interact with SMU leadership
  • Peer networking among PLC members
  • Opportunity for student to join some events
  • Annual gift of minimum $2,500 that may be directed to any area of the University
  • Personal support and communication from your PLC liaison

Parent Leadership Council 

Lawson Allen

Mary Lauren Allen

Laura Baird

Matthew Baird

Katherine Bayne

Samuel Bayne, II

Chris Biles

Heather Moran Biles ’96

Amy Boehm

Christopher Boehm

Betsy Bradley

Dave Bradley

Jack Butler

Michael Canmann

Susan Canmann

Gregory Coleman

Jessica Coleman

Maya Crothers

Mike Crothers

Mathilde Currence

Richard Currence Jr.

Stacey Dobos

Ted Dobos

Gracia Wynne Duncan

Robert Duncan

Jon Feltheimer

Laurie Feltheimer

Alicia Fertitta

Michael Fertitta

Anita Fiser

Chuck Fiser

Jonathan Friedman

Kelly Friedman

Michelle Frymire

Richard Frymire, Sr.

Erin Furtney

Tom Furtney

Jared Goetz

Wendy Goetz

Gina Gregory ’90

James Scott Gregory ’90

Ande Grennan

Mae Haney Grennan ’94

Jeff Griffin

Leslie Griffin

Lorie Herod

Steve Herod

Jody Hull

Rob Hull

Alexander Juden

Michelle Juden

Darrin Kennedy

Jodie Kennedy

Brooke Laughlin

Conan Laughlin

Melanie Lorant

Catherine Masterson

George Masterson

Robert Medina

Brian Modoff

Terry Modoff

Garrett Moore

Karen Moore

Kalia Petmecky

Tres Petmecky, III

Jeff Rader

Kate Rader

Manny Reyes

Meredith Reyes

Todd Ridgeway

Camille Scott

Joel Scott

Maneesha Shah

Sandeep Shah

Stacey Hunt Spier ’93

Peter Spier ’98

Erin Stark-Medina ’95

Adam Stiles ’95

Suzanne Gerum Stiles ’95

Heather Stoller

Steven Stoller

Mimi Swank

Steven Swank

John VanderLinden

Laura Wheless

William M. Wheless IV ’97

Matthew White ’91

Stacey White

Mothers’ and Dads’ Club Representatives

Jeanne Kuhn Slay ’85

Anja Shoup

George Shoup, Jr.