Southern Methodist University (SMU) is a private research university located in University Park, Texas, with a satellite campus in Taos County, New Mexico. It was founded on April 17, 1911, by the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, in partnership with Dallas civic leaders. SMU is a nationally ranked private university with a liberal arts tradition, and it is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty, and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities.

SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology, and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies. SMU is classified among "R-2: Doctoral Universities – High Research Activity".

SMU is a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference alongside prestigious schools with powerhouse athletics programs, such as Stanford University, Duke University, and others. The SMU Mustangs sports teams play in the Division I American Athletic Conference, supported by mascot Peruna, a black stallion Shetland pony.

In summary, SMU is a private research university located in University Park, Texas, with a satellite campus in Taos County, New Mexico. It serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools. SMU is a nationally ranked private university with a liberal arts tradition and is classified among "R-2: Doctoral Universities – High Research Activity."