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Edwin L. Cox School of Business is named after a man who dedicated his life to innovation, leadership, and service. Cox School continues to embody these principles in its mission to educate the business leaders of tomorrow.
The Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University (SMU), located in Dallas, Texas, stands out in the US and beyond. Cox School of Business has a growing reputation for its multiple associated research centers and research institutes. These include the Edwin L. Cox Business Leadership Center, the Caruth Institute for Entrepreneurship, and others.
Cox School offers the best of both worlds. It has a green campus with a close-knit student community and is conveniently located near the bustling center of downtown Dallas. The strategic location offers students unparalleled post-graduate career opportunities. Texas is a known business hub, hosting twenty four Fortune 500 companies in 2023. Additionally, there is a network of 57,049 SMU alumni in the Dallas-Fort Worth region. New students can rely on an extensive network in the area.
The Cox School offers various master’s degrees, with a focus on business. They offer diverse programs. These include MBA programs such as the Executive MBA, Professional MBA, and Online MBA. They offer both full-time MBA programs and part-time MBA programs. They also offer Master of Science programs (MS) in Accounting, Business Analytics, Finance, Management, Real Estate, and Sports Management. They offer multiple Joint Degrees as well.
The school was named in honor of Edwin Lochridge Cox, a tribute to a man whose legacy is entwined with SMU and the Cox School of Business. His influence on the school’s direction and character helped shape it into the distinguished institution it is today.
Edwin “Ed” Lockridge Cox Sr., who passed away in 2020, was a distinguished Dallas business leader, entrepreneur and philanthropist.
While originally accepted into Harvard University, he decided to attend SMU for two years, from 1938 to 1940. Mr. Cox also achieved the high and honorable rank of Lieutenant during his service to the U.S Navy in World War II.
After completing his time in the military, Mr. Cox had a successful career in the oil and gas industry. He was the chair and CEO of the Edwin L. Cox Company. He was also previously the chair of Cox Oil & Gas Inc., SEDCO Inc., and the Keebler Company.
Additionally, he was a philanthropist who worked with multiple organizations. He worked with the American Red Cross, Dallas Society for Crippled Children, and Texas Cancer Society, among many other organizations. In 1990, Cox was included in the Texas Business Hall of Fame.
Mr. Cox also remained a firm supporter of SMU throughout his life, working with SMU for over 50 years.
Mr. Cox profoundly impacted SMU and its business school, named in his honor in 1978.
As a student at SMU, he was involved in many extracurriculars on campus. He was part of the marching band and a member of Phi Delta Theta, Alpha Kappa Psi, and Alpha Phi Omega fraternities. While he only attended SMU for two years, it left a lasting impression on him.
He held numerous leadership positions on various SMU Steering Committees and boards. For example, from 1976-1987 he was an active chairman on the board of trustees at SMU. He was also the founder of the Cox Distinguished MBA Scholars Program, the Business Leadership Center, and the Edwin L. Cox BBA Leadership Institute.
He donated both time and money to the school, donating millions of dollars over the years. Moreover, he played a pivotal role in enhancing the school’s academic programs, leadership development initiatives, and connections with the business community.
He had a deep love for Dallas and is remembered for his continued support and involvement in the SMU community.
The Edwin L. Cox School of Business at S MU has produced numerous notable alumni.
Nancy S. Loewe is an Executive MBA graduate of 2018. She is the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Weyerhaeuser. Weyerhaeuser is a leading private owner of timberland trees, with land in both the US and Canada. They manufacture wood products with a focus on sustainability. Before her current role, Loewe held positions across major corporations like Visa, Inc., Kimberly-Clark International, General Electric Company, and PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay business unit in North America. This showcases her versatility and leadership in finance. Also a member of the Cox School’s Executive Board, her trajectory reflects the leadership skills fostered at SMU Cox.
Trey Rome earned his Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Finance in 2008 from SMU Cox School of Business. He achieved entrepreneurial success as the founder and CEO of Home Tax Solutions (HTS). HTS is a Texas-based property tax loan firm that was created in 2012. Today, HTS continues to celebrate its success, as one of the the fastest-growing and largest property tax lenders in Texas.
The Edwin L. Cox School of Business continues to be shaped by the dynamic business scene in Dallas, as well as by the legacy of Edwin L. Cox. Leadership, innovation, and community service continue to be at the core of what the school represents.
Through its rigorous academic programs, esteemed faculty, and supportive network, Cox School prepares students for real-world problem-solving. Equipped with the right skills, graduates go on to thrive in successful careers and give back to the community.
In essence, the Cox School is dedicated to advancing the principles of business education. While adapting to the evolving demands of the global economy, the school ensures its graduates grow into “world-changers”, up for meeting the challenges of tomorrow.
