SMU President R. Gerald Turner stepping into new role as university ushers in ACC era
SMU president R. Gerald Turner is stepping down after the school year, he announced on Wednesday in a letter. A 30-year run as the school leader will likely end on June 1, 2025.
“I have been blessed by remarkable health and energy, along with the consistent support of the Board of Trustees, my wife Gail, my family, and the SMU community,” Turner said in the release. “But as Trustee Ray Hunt occasionally notes, the calendar is the calendar, and it relentlessly moves forward. Therefore, it is best to transition out of the presidency when momentum is high, as it now is at SMU.”
With the school now in the ACC with a campus transformed by numerous new buildings for academics and athletics, Turner’s move comes at a time where momentum is high. SMU Board Chair David Miller and Vice Chair Rich Templeton worked with Turner on his next move, dating back to Spring 2024.
As the realignment winds were rolling as the school approached a departure from the AAC, Turner’s step to the side was coming into focus.
“The Board and I are extremely grateful and proud of our shared success during the past 30 years brought about by the generosity of our supporters and the remarkably creative executive administrators, staff, and faculty at SMU,” Turner said in the letter. “Also, there are no words to express the depth of my gratitude and affection for the students attending SMU over the past 30 years. Therefore, this transition process is being undertaken with my belief and that of the Board, that the future success of the University is best assured when leadership changes are made while there is continued positive momentum toward important, agreed-upon future goals.”
Among the highlights for Turner’s administration: Two successful initial campaigns (A Time to Lead, 1997-2002, and Unbridled: The Second Century Campaign, 2008-2015), which funded academic and athletic facilities, plus scholarships, academic programs, and endowed faculty positions. The recruitment and construction of the George W. Bush Presidential Center highlighted the University’s Centennial Celebration 2011-2015. The $1.5 billion SMU Ignited major gifts campaign (2021-2028), which is 90% toward its goal. Not to mention, the ACC.
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When the new president is hired, Turner will become President Emeritus of the University reporting to the President to continue full-time to support the development and external affairs of the University.
“After 30 years, the commitment of Gail and me to the continued development of the University and the well-being of the faculty, staff, and students is unending.”
His time at SMU is not ending, but like the conference change, he’s just charting a new course.
“We were thrilled to join SMU and Dallas, two communities with so much energy and promise,” Turner said, looking back on his arrival, “it felt like a perfect match. And, it has been.”
A nationwide search is underway for the 11th President of SMU. Miller and the board of trustees will shepherd the university into another new era. If that group hits big like it did on the ACC, the momentum for SMU only grows.
