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Stampeding toward success

One of nine children, music education major Matthew Merritt ’23 knows what it means to value community. Raised by his grandparents in Duncanville, Texas, Merritt was drawn to SMU by its location, its networking opportunities and the prospect of the Dallas County Mustang Scholars Program. The scholarship offers vital financial support for incoming freshmen who meet certain need and merit-based criteria, covering full tuition and fees at SMU.

“Being a Mustang Scholar is a great honor that I hold near and dear to my heart,” said Merritt. “Without this scholarship, it wouldn’t have been feasible for me to attend SMU, and I am forever grateful.”

An avid student, Merritt has also earned honors as a Rotunda Scholar, Meadows Scholar and McNair Scholar. His SMU activities include serving as vice president for the SMU Association of Black Students, vice president of the Upsilon Mu chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, president of the SMU chapter of the National Pan-Hellenic Council and student ambassador within the SMU Office of Admission.

Off campus, Merritt was elected the assistant district director for the Texas region of Alpha Phi Alpha, serving as the undergraduate liaison between the state and his fraternity. Merritt serves as a marketing manager at CollegePlus and as a choral scholar for Wilshire Baptist Church, as well as protecting others as a lifeguard. Merritt plans to work as a choral director in DFW after college, before transitioning into educational administration to support and advise future scholars during their own academic journeys.

“To be a Mustang is to be a world changer,” said Merritt. “It’s someone who has the passion, drive and capability to impact their community in a major way, and who has the power to invoke a positive change and foster environments for positive growth.”