Introduction
Southern Methodist University is a private research university in Dallas, Texas. Founded in 1911 by the United Methodist Church, SMU has grown to become one of the most prestigious universities in the country. With a beautiful campus and a plethora of activities and opportunities, SMU is a great place to learn and grow. Here are 20 fun facts about Southern Methodist University that you may not know!
SMU is Home to the World’s Largest Indoor Stadium
The Gerald J. Ford Stadium is the world’s largest indoor stadium, seating up to 48,000 people. The stadium is home to the SMU Mustangs football team and has hosted a variety of concerts, events, and conferences. The stadium is also the site of the annual Dallas Cowboys training camp.
SMU is the Largest Private University in Texas
With an enrollment of over 11,000 students, SMU is the largest private university in Texas. The university is home to a diverse student body, representing all 50 states and over 90 countries.
SMU is a Leader in Research
SMU is a leader in research, with over $120 million in external funding. The university is home to a number of research centers, including the Maguire Energy Institute and the Center for Presidential History. The university also has a strong commitment to sustainability, with the goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2035.
SMU is Home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library
The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum is located on the SMU campus. The library is home to a variety of artifacts and documents related to the presidency of George W. Bush. The library also hosts a variety of events, lectures, and conferences.
SMU is Home to the Meadows Museum
The Meadows Museum is home to a collection of over 5,000 works of art, including works by El Greco, Velázquez, and Goya. The museum is located on the SMU campus and is open to the public.
SMU is Home to the First Fraternity House in Texas
The first fraternity house in Texas was established at SMU in 1916. The house was established by the Sigma Chi fraternity and is still in use today.
SMU Has the Oldest Honors Program in Texas
The Honors Program at SMU is the oldest honors program in the state of Texas. The program offers a variety of courses and seminars, as well as special events and trips.
SMU is Home to the First Residential College in Texas
The Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences is the first residential college in the state of Texas. The college is home to a variety of academic programs and provides students with a unique living and learning experience.
SMU is Home to the Largest Collection of Art Deco Architecture in the Southwest
SMU is home to the largest collection of art deco architecture in the Southwest. The university is home to a variety of buildings, including the iconic Dallas Hall and the Perkins Administration Building.
SMU is Home to the First All-Female College in Texas
The Simmons School of Education and Human Development is the first all-female college in the state of Texas. The school provides a variety of academic programs and is home to the Simmons Women’s Leadership Institute.
SMU is Home to the First Co-Educational College in Texas
The Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences was the first co-educational college in the state of Texas. The college offers a variety of academic programs, including a number of interdisciplinary majors.
SMU is Home to the First College of Business in Texas
The Cox School of Business was the first college of business in the state of Texas. The school offers a variety of programs, including MBA and MS degrees.
SMU is Home to the First College of Engineering in Texas
The Lyle School of Engineering is the first college of engineering in the state of Texas. The school offers a variety of programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees.
SMU is Home to the First Law School in Texas
The Dedman School of Law was the first law school in the state of Texas. The school offers a variety of programs, including a JD program and a LLM program.
SMU is Home to the First College of Education in Texas
The Simmons School of Education and Human Development was the first college of education in the state of Texas. The school offers a variety of programs, including a Master of Education degree.
SMU is Home to the First College of Music in Texas
The Meadows School of the Arts was the first college of music in the state of Texas. The school offers a variety of programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees.
SMU is Home to the First College of Theology in Texas
The Perkins School of Theology was the first college of theology in the state of Texas. The school offers a variety of programs, including a Master of Divinity degree.
SMU is Home to the First Graduate School in Texas
The Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education and Human Development was the first graduate school in the state of Texas. The school offers a variety of programs, including a Doctor of Education degree.
SMU is Home to the First College of Communications in Texas
The Meadows School of the Arts was the first college of communications in the state of Texas. The school offers a variety of programs, including a Master of Arts in Communication degree.
SMU is Home to the First College of Nursing in Texas
The Simmons School of Nursing and Health Sciences was the first college of nursing in the state of Texas. The school offers a variety of programs, including a Master of Science in Nursing degree.”