Hunt Leadership Scholars Program

Last but not least for our senior spotlights is Anekah Kelley!⭐️

Anekah is from Coppell, TX and will graduate with a B.S. in Computer Science, B.A. in Data Science, and B.B.A. in Business Analytics & Supply Chain Management, along with minors in history and math. In her time at SMU, she served as the President of the South Asian Student Association, a Resident Assistant in Kathy Crow Commons, an Undergraduate Research Assistant, a trumpet player in the Mustang Band, and a Programming Chair for Program Council. Anekah also works as a Student Ambassador and as a TA in both the Lyle School of Engineering and Cox School of Business, and was recognized as a recipient of the University Achievement Award from the Hyer Society in 2025. After graduation, Anekah will be attending the University of Cambridge to pursue an MPhil in Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology.

Hear about her time in the program: “The Hunt Scholars Program has given me a fantastic community and incredible opportunities throughout college. From a study abroad trip to learn about WWII to the opportunity to hear from world-class speakers like Jane Goodall through the Tate lecture series and more, Hunt has been pivotal to my education and growth in college. I have met life-long friends through the program and am so lucky to have spent college surrounded by such driven and talented people!”

Congrats, Anekah!

Graduation might be over but celebrating our grads isn’t. Next up for our seniors is Thayer Orr!⭐️

Thayer is from Fort Collins, CO and will graduate from the Cox School of Business with a major in Finance and from the Dedman College of Humanities and Science with a major in Economics. In her time at SMU, she has been involved in Honor Council, Alpha Kappa Psi, Student Ambassadors, and served as the Homecoming Chair for Student Foundation. Following graduation, Thayer will be working in Renewable Energy Finance in Dallas.

Hear why Thayer loves the Hunt program: “My four years here at SMU have been nothing short of life changing and for that I have the Hunt Scholars Program to thank. This program has given me the best friends and memories while also leaving me inspired and challenged almost daily. I have been so lucky to be a part of this program as it was a keystone part of my SMU experience and will be dearly missed.”

Congrats, Thayer!

Our last spotlight today is Cate Cumbie!⭐️

Cate is from Springtown, TX and will graduate a year early with a major in Journalism and a minor in English. She has been on staff of SMU Look magazine and a member of Delta Gamma since freshman year. After graduation, Cate will move to Fort Worth and begin working on a masters in linguistics and language teaching.

Hear how the program impacted her SMU experience: “This program provided me with an instant sense of community, before I even moved into the dorm freshman year. Between classes with my cohort, Tate lectures, and the sophomore year abroad trip, the experiences I’ve had through the Hunt program have been life-changing and unforgettable.”

Congrats, Cate!

Our second spotlight today is Ashley Jones!⭐️

Ashley is from Fort Worth, TX and will graduate from the Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences with B.A.’s in political science, public policy and economics. During her time at SMU, she has served as the President of the Association of Black Students, a Peruna Handler, a Resident Assistant, and as Public Relations chair for the Kappa Mu chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. After graduation, Ashley will be interning with the U.S. Federal Government through the University of Maryland.

Hear about her time in the program: “I am grateful for the four years that I was a member of the Hunt Scholars program! This program has allowed me to do so much on campus, and has supplied me with numerous opportunities. I was able to dive into leadership roles beginning my freshman year that became some of my most cherished memories!”

Congrats, Ashley!

Graduation is almost here and we are celebrating three seniors today!! Our first up… Savannah Hunsucker!⭐️

Savannah is from Walton, KS and will graduate from SMU’s Cox School of Business with a major in Business Management, along with minors in Anthropology and Spanish. During her time at SMU, she has been involved in Circle K International (CKI), The Big Event, and has served as a Lead Student Ambassador in the Office of Undergraduate Admission. She also serves as the senior representative for the Hunt Scholars Student Advisory Board. After graduation, Savannah will join MARSH as an Early Career Associate in the Chicago office.

When asked about the Hunt program, this is what she says: “Hunt is what brought me to SMU, and I couldn’t be more grateful for it. Through this program, I’ve met some of my best friends, including my current roommate, and had the opportunity to go on an incredible abroad trip. Most importantly, it helped me find confidence in my leadership. It has been an honor to be surrounded by some of the most impressive people on campus, and I know I’ll always be able to call my fellow Hunts long after graduation.”

Congrats, Savanah!

We are also so excited to highlight our next senior, Travis Pryor!⭐️

Travis is from St. Louis, Missouri and will graduate from Southern Methodist University in three years with a B.A. in Computer Science and a minor in Data Science. He will also continue at SMU pursuing his M.S. in Computer Science. During his time at SMU, Travis has served as a two-time Chapter President of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and has been actively involved in leadership and innovation initiatives across campus. He is a Hunt Leadership Scholar and a two-time 1st place winner of the SMU Big iDeas Pitch Competition. Travis was also recognized as a National Society of Black Engineers “25 Under 25” honoree.

After graduation, Travis will be continuing his graduate studies at SMU while building and scaling his startup, Focus Path, a productivity platform designed to help students stay focused using AI and gamification.

Hear how the Hunt program has impacted Travis’s time here: “The Hunt Scholars program has been one of the most impactful parts of my time at SMU. One of my favorite memories was traveling to London and France with the program—being able to experience different cultures while learning alongside such driven and inspiring peers was something I’ll never forget. Hunt has pushed me to grow as a leader, think bigger, and step outside of my comfort zone. It’s a community that genuinely supports and challenges each other to be better, and it has played a huge role in shaping both my college experience and the way I approach opportunities moving forward.”

Congrats, Travis!

Senior Saturday is a thing too right? Today we are shouting out our next senior, Will Leathers!⭐️

Will is from Tupelo, MS, and he is pursuing a double major in Business Management and International Studies, with minors in Spanish and Sports Management. While on campus, he serve his classmates as the 112th Student Body President of SMU and in this role he sit on various boards including Student Representative to the Board of Trustees to the Student Affairs Committee, co-chairing the CIO Student Advisory Board, and others. Additionally, he serve as an SMU Ambassador, where he guides prospective and admitted students on tours to help them explore the university. After he graduates, he aims to leverage his education in a future career that blends business and athletics. Building on his hands-on experiences through his internships with SMU athletics and The Boulevard Collective.

Hear about what this program means to Will: “Hunt is a very special place to me as it continues to bring out the best parts of myself as a person and leader. Without the support of the Hunt program, I would not be where I am today. I love how each person has a special place on campus, and this program works to highlight how each and everyone of us can get there.”

Congrats, Will!

Our first senior shout out today is Zoey Hess!⭐️

Zoey is from Houston, TX and will graduate from Southern Methodist University with majors in Business Management and Psychology. She is a member of the University Honors Program, and has been inducted into the Robert Stewart Hyer Society, Beta Gamma Sigma, Psi Chi, and Alpha Chi. During her time at SMU, Zoey was actively involved in Student Senate, where she served as Scholarship Committee Chair and helped distribute over $70,000 in scholarships. She also served as the Executive Director of Marketing and Communications for The Big Event, SMU’s largest student-led day of service, and as the inaugural Chair of the Maguire Center for Ethics Student Advisory Board. Additionally, she served as the sole student representative on the Cox Dean Search Committee and as a Student Ambassador. After graduation, Zoey will be joining PwC as a Workforce Solutions Associate in consulting, where she looks forward to continuing her passion for people, leadership, and organizational impact.

Hear why Zoey loves the Hunt program: “The Hunt Scholars Program has meant everything to me. It’s where I met the people who have meant the most to me, found incredible mentors, and grew into the person and leader I am today. More than anything, Hunt gave me a community that constantly supports and inspires me. And what makes it even more special is that I now get to share this experience with my little sister, a freshman Hunt Scholar. Hunt didn’t just shape my time at SMU, it shaped who I am and who I will continue to become.”

Congrats, Zoey!

And next up for our seniors is Fisher Crews!⭐️

Fisher is from Hoboken, GA and will graduate summa cm laude from the Cox School of Business with a major in Finance and minor in Economics. In his time at SMU, he was involved in Phi Delta Theta, Alpha Kappa Psi, Dance Marathon, Emerging Leaders, and several clubs across campus. After graduation, Fisher will remain in Dallas and begin his career in the financial services industry as an Investment Banking Analyst for TenOaks Energy Advisors.

When asked about the Hunt program, Fisher says: “The Hunt Scholars program is a truly unique opportunity across campus and even the country, utilizing the Hunt family’s generosity to embrace growth and professional development amongst future generations. Most importantly, the Hunt Scholars program instils foundational leadership traits while providing an opportunity to understand your passions and identity alongside a cohort of driven and inspiring life-long friends. I am forever thankful for what SMU and the Hunt Scholars Program has gifted me.”

Congrats, Fisher!

It’s that time again! Our next senior shoutout is Grant Richter!⭐️

Grant is from The Woodlands, Tx and will graduate from the Cox School of Business with a major in Accounting. In his time at SMU, he has been involved in Student Senate, Student Ambassadors, SMU Police Community Advisory Board and Alpha Kappa Psi. Following Graduation, Grant will be returning to SMU to complete his Masters in Accounting.

Hear what the Hunt program means to Grant: “For me, Hunt has always been—and will always be—home. No matter whether my goals were professional, academic, or leadership-focused, there was always someone willing to guide me, support me, and push me to be better. I can confidently say that I would not be where I am today without the people and opportunities Hunt has provided.”

Congrats Grant!

Our next senior is Cate Mossman!⭐️

Cate is from Oklahoma City, Ok and will graduate from Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences with a major in Economics and minors in History and Art History. During her time at SMU, she has been involved in the University Honors College, Its on Us Executive Board, Student Foundation Committee, and Alpha Chi Omega Executive Board. After graduation, Cate will stay in Dallas, working at Third Bridge as a Client Services Associate for the Consulting department.

Hear why Cate is grateful for this program: “I am endlessly grateful for the Hunt Program, because it has provided me with relationships that have completely changed my life. Not only have I developed a valuable network and built connections that have benefited me academically and professionally, but the friendships I have made have been my favorite part of college. Thank you to the Hunt Family for giving me my best friends in the world.”

Congrats Cate!