SMU Cox School of Business

The SMU Cox network is a powerful, supportive community that opens doors and creates real opportunities for Mustangs.

When Reynolds Thompson (MBA ’24) began his job search, he relied on the Cox network to turn ambition into reality:

“The Cox network is second to none. My MBA coursework gave me a strong idea of the direction I wanted to my career to go post-graduation, but executing on that vision would not have been possible without the connections I made throughout the program. My team lead is a 2021 PMBA that is extensively involved with the both the full-time and part-time programs, and I wouldn't be in the role I am today without making the connection during my recruitment process.”

Now it’s your turn to pay it forward. If you're hiring, help and empower the next generation of Cox leaders. Explore the Full-Time MBA job books here: https://smu.app.box.com/s/rmhruhndj7e5cftwgznobfpudf9zj80r?utm_source=social_fb&utm_medium=cox_owned&utm_term=centers_institutes&utm_content=student

This summer, SMU Cox students are gaining valuable professional experience and building meaningful connections at companies in Dallas – and beyond. We’re checking in with students to hear how they’re thriving in these career-shaping roles.

Next up: Abinash Sahu (FTMBA ’26)!

Through the SMU Cox William Spears Institute for Entrepreneurship internship program, Sahu is interning with ‌KeepItSaved, a digital platform that helps individuals securely organize and share essential life documents during life’s most critical moments.

From product strategy to user experience design and launching new initiatives like the Certified Document Service Representative (CDSR) program, Sahu is making a real impact. With a strong foundation in strategy, marketing and leadership from SMU Cox, he’s confidently applying his MBA skills in a fast-paced startup environment and immersed in a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem where mentorship, collaboration and innovation go hand in hand.

Explore how the Spears Institute connects students with hands-on startup experience: https://www.smu.edu/cox/centers-institutes/spears-institute-entrepreneurial-leadership?utm_source=social_fb&utm_medium=cox_owned&utm_term=centers_institutes&utm_content=news
Start your own Full-Time MBA journey at SMU Cox: https://www.smu.edu/cox/business-degrees/mba-programs/two-year-mba?utm_source=social_fb&utm_medium=cox_owned&utm_term=program_news&utm_content=degrees_programs

Earlier this month, 16 emerging leaders completed the SMU Cox Executive Education Rising Leaders Program (RLP). This transformational program, designed to build the skills, cultural awareness and confidence needed to excel in their first managerial roles and beyond.

The graduation ceremony was led by Ana Rodriguez, Executive Director of the SMU Cox Latino Leadership Initiative and Managing Director of Business Development, and Dr. José Bowen, the program’s Academic Director and SMU Cox Executive Education instructor.

Dean Todd Milbourn also joined the celebration, sharing remarks to honor the graduates and their commitment to leadership and growth.

Learn more about the Rising Leaders Program: https://www.smu.edu/cox/executive-education/for-individuals/short-courses/multidimensional/rising-latino-leaders?utm_source=social_fb&utm_medium=cox_owned&utm_term=centers_institutes&utm_content=degrees_programs

Last week, the Cox School of Business hosted the fourth annual Subiendo Academy at SMU!

From June 22–26, 30 rising high school seniors from schools within an 80-mile radius got a firsthand look at college life through building leadership skills, exploring business and making meaningful connections.

Highlights from the week included:
✅ Team-building activities
✅ Sessions with leaders from @‌Boston Consulting Group and @‌7-Eleven
✅ Business case presentations
✅ Mentorship from SMU alumni

A big thank you to Sylvie Crum and SMU Trustee and Cox Executive Board member Gary Crum and the CFP Foundation for making this powerful experience possible.

Subiendo means "rising" in Spanish — and these high potential students, who competed to participate in the 5-day program—certainly on their way up.

Learn more about Subiendo Academy here: https://www.smu.edu/cox/business-degrees/undergraduate/bachelor-business-administration/admissions/subiendo-academy-at-smu?utm_source=social_fb&utm_medium=cox_owned&utm_term=program_news&utm_content=event

🎉 Congratulations to Caroline Luther (MBA '25), named a 2025 Texas Business Hall of Fame Scholar Award recipient!

Luther, a Full-Time MBA alum who concentrated in Strategy and Entrepreneurship, was selected for this prestigious honor in recognition of her entrepreneurial mindset, leadership and academic excellence.

Sponsored by the Robert H. Dedman Foundation, this award recognizes rising business leaders who are passionate about innovation and making a lasting impact in their communities.

Luther now joins an esteemed group of scholars across Texas who are shaping the future of business. Join us in celebrating this exciting recognition!

🌟 Our Dallas Feature series continues!

Meet Holidays in Bloom, co-founded by Cody Kingston (PMBA ’18), Brian Jones an Zach Dutton. Rooted in a shared love of floral design and festive décor, their business brings joy and beauty to the Dallas community from SMU-adjacent Snider Plaza.

With an MBA in Marketing and Business Analytics from SMU Cox, Kingston leads the design team, drives marketing strategy and builds lasting client relationships, making every arrangement both strategic and stunning.

Whether it’s weddings, SMU graduations or holiday installations, Holidays in Bloom turns every occasion into something unforgettable. 💐✨

📍 Follow along this summer as we highlight SMU Cox alumni making their mark in Dallas and beyond!

Last night, the Dallas Business Journal honored 40 rising young professionals shaping the future of business in DFW, and SMU and SMU Cox were proudly in the spotlight.

Congratulations to these outstanding members of our community:

🎉 Madison Broyles (Certificate in Financial Planning) – EVP of Astra Wealth Management
🎉 Jovelyn Castellanos (Executive Education – Strategic Thinking) – Director of Health Wildcatters
🎉 Daniel Gresham (B.B.A. ’18) – President of Fortify Management Group
🎉 Xavier Henderson (M.Ed. ’17) – Co-founder & CDO of For Oak Cliff
🎉 Abriell Jackson (MBA ’18) – Managing Director of Investor Relations of American Airlines
🎉 Nick Marino Jr. (Social Entrepreneurship Certificate) – CEO, Tango Charities and Director of Communities Foundation of Texas
🎉 David Silva (Adjunct Professor for SMU Dedman School of Law) – Partner of Sidley Austin LLP
🎉 Lubbock Smith (SW Graduate School of Banking) – SVP of Vista Bank

Our students, alumni and faculty continue to lead with impact, vision and excellence.

Explore how SMU Cox Master’s and MBA programs can help you take your career further: https://www.smu.edu/cox/business-degrees?utm_source=social_fb&utm_medium=cox_owned&utm_term=student&utm_content=degrees_programs

Our Online MBA (OMBA) and several Early Career MBA Direct students were on campus this week for their Dallas immersion experience!

They spent time fine-tuning client projects, learning from inspiring leaders like AJ Kumaran, CEO & COO of Raising Cane's, and connecting with classmates over dinner at Reunion Tower with our Dean Todd Milbourn.

There’s still time to take your career to the next level. The deadline to apply for Fall 2025 entry is June 30!
Apply now: https://coxgradadmission.smu.edu/apply/?utm_source=social_fb&utm_medium=cox_owned&utm_term=student&utm_content=degrees_programs

The future of business is bold, and our SMU Cox Forté Scholars are leading the way!

Director of Full-Time MBA Career Programs Judi Umali-Rajkumar and Associate Director of Full-Time MBA Admissions Janene Botinelli joined seven of our outstanding incoming Full-Time MBA students for the Forté MBA Leadership Conference in Denver for a powerful weekend filled with career development and connection.

From exploring careers in consulting, finance and real estate to gaining insights from industry trailblazers and networking with top recruiters, our students made the most of every moment.

Learn more about how our Full-Time Two-Year MBA program can help you achieve your goals: https://www.smu.edu/cox/business-degrees/mba-programs/two-year-mba/admissions?utm_source=social_fb&utm_medium=cox_owned&utm_term=program_news&utm_content=degrees_programs

We're back with another stop on our summer tour of Dallas, featuring local businesses founded by SMU Cox alumni!

This week for our Dallas Feature, we're highlighting La La Land Kind Cafe, created by SMU Cox alum Francois Reihani. After finding early success in the poke bowl world, Reihani launched La La Land with a powerful mission: to spread kindness and create job opportunities for former foster youth.

Now with locations all across DFW, and growing nationwide, La La Land Kind Café is proof that business can be a force for good. 💛

If you stop by, we recommend trying the Perfect Latte!

Follow along all summer as we share more fun, local spots started by SMU Cox alumni.