The P&Q Interview: Matthew Myers, Dean Of SMU’s Cox School

Over the past seven years, Dean Matthew Myers has guided the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University (SMU) through a period of transformative growth. Under his leadership, the school has expanded its physical footprint, enhanced its academic offerings, strengthened corporate partnerships, and boosted its reputation.

Situated in the heart of Dallas-Fort Worth, one of the nation’s fastest-growing business hubs, SMU Cox has become a vital contributor to the local economy and a leader in business education. Myers joined Cox as dean in August of 2017 from Miami University’s Farmer School of Business where he had also been dean for more than three years. So he arrived at Cox, with the experience of having led another business school.

Myers’ tenure at Cox has been nothing short of transformative. From modernizing facilities to revamping programs and building a robust endowment, his leadership has positioned the school as a key player in business education.

In this interview with Poets&Quants’ John A. Byrne, Dean Myers reflects on his tenure, the milestones achieved, and the future of SMU Cox as he prepares to step down at the end of the 2024-2025 academic year. The interview has been edited for clarity.

John A. Byrne: Dean Myers, what was the state of the Cox School when you arrived in 2017, and what motivated you to make significant changes?

Matthew Myers: When I arrived, the SMU campus master plan didn’t include any major developments for the Cox School. Our facilities were outdated, and we were bursting at the seams in terms of space. The school was already producing great results, but we needed a more robust infrastructure to meet the growing demands of the business world and the booming Dallas economy.

I quickly identified four pillars for growth: building the brand, enhancing academic programs, constructing modern facilities, and expanding the school’s endowment. These priorities were driven by the vision that SMU Cox could play a critical role in not just the university’s success, but also the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and Texas as a whole. Having strong leadership from our president and trustees, along with support from the community, allowed us to implement these changes.

Byrne: The Miller Business Quad is one of the crowning achievements of your tenure. How did that project come together, and what impact has it had?

Myers: The Miller Business Quad was a transformative project for SMU Cox. In 2019, David and Carolyn Miller made a $50 million gift to kickstart the initiative, which was crucial in getting the community involved. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, we were able to raise $140 million to complete this 260,000-square-foot facility, which opened for classes in August 2023.

The Quad is more than just a building; it represents a shift in how we educate business students. It features state-of-the-art classrooms, advanced technology, and collaborative spaces designed to reflect the modern workplace. For the first time, we have everyone—students, faculty, and staff—under one roof, which strengthens our family-like culture and fosters greater collaboration.

Byrne: How has the school adapted its curriculum to meet the evolving needs of businesses and employers?

Myers: We recognized early on that traditional university teaching methods weren’t enough to prepare students for the demands of today’s business world. Our faculty revamped the curriculum to be more hands-on and aligned with real-world business practices.

The result is a teaching approach that mimics the dynamics of a professional environment. Students work in teams, tackle complex problems, and develop skills that make them valuable contributors from day one. This approach has been instrumental in building strong relationships with corporate partners, who know they can rely on SMU Cox graduates to hit the ground running.

Byrne: How has the booming Dallas-Fort Worth economy influenced the school’s growth?

Myers: Dallas-Fort Worth is one of the fastest-growing financial and business hubs in the country. The influx of companies relocating to the area, particularly from California, has created incredible opportunities for SMU Cox. Businesses are drawn to the region not only for its favorable business environment but also for the talent pipeline we provide.

Our strong ties to the local economy have allowed us to develop new programs in collaboration with corporate partners. For example, companies like McKesson have helped us build out healthcare offerings, while others have shaped our full-time MBA curriculum. These partnerships are a testament to the belief that a strong business school is essential for a thriving local economy.

Byrne: Innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology have become key focus areas for the school. Why are these so important?

Myers: The emphasis on innovation and technology is largely market-driven. No matter the field—whether it’s marketing, finance, or real estate—technological capabilities are becoming essential for long-term career success.

To address this, we’ve partnered with SMU’s Lyle School of Engineering to integrate engineering and computer science into our business programs. This cross-disciplinary approach equips our students with the skills they need to excel in areas like AI, data analytics, and entrepreneurship. It’s all about preparing our graduates to be leaders in a rapidly changing world.

Byrne: You’ve also made strides in building the school’s reputation and brand. What has been the impact?

Myers: Strengthening our brand has been a priority, and we’re seeing the results in increased applications and greater recognition. For instance, our undergraduate BBA program has seen a 30% rise in applications this year alone, setting a new record.

Joining the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) has also expanded our visibility, particularly along the East Coast and in the Bay Area. This is reflected in the growing interest from prospective students across these regions. Additionally, being part of a conference with other world-class business schools pushes us to continuously improve and innovate.

Byrne: What are you most proud of as you prepare to step down?

Myers: I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished as a team. From the Miller Business Quad to the development of new programs, we’ve built a foundation that positions SMU Cox for continued success. I’ve been fortunate to work with exceptional faculty, staff, students, and donors who share a common vision.

Fundraising has been a highlight of my tenure. Raising over $300 million, including $140 million for the Quad, was possible because we had a compelling story to tell. People believed in our mission and were eager to support it. It’s been an honor to lead this incredible institution, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for SMU Cox.

Listen To Poets&Quants’ Interview With SMU Cox Dean Matt Myers