The SW Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University’s Cox School of Business (SWGSB) has added a new trustee to its board of advisors. Kit Sawers, inaugural CEO of Southern Methodist University’s (SMU) new Dallas office and a vice president of the university, has joined the SWGSB board as the SMU representative. In her role as CEO of SMU’s Dallas office, Sawers leads the university’s engagement across the region, bringing together business development, executive and continuing education, research collaborations and student career pathways.

“Her experience and perspective will strengthen SWGSB’s leadership and impact within the community banking industry,” says William T. Chittenden, Ph.D., SWGSB president and CEO. “We look forward to her counsel as we build on our legacy and continue to elevate the educational experience we provide.”

Sawers most recently served as the president and CEO of Klyde Warren Park in downtown Dallas, one of the nation’s most successful urban parks, welcoming more than 2 million visitors annually. Previously, she was chief development officer for United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and founded Fay+Sawers Productions, for which she produced major events, including the grand opening of Klyde Warren Park and programming tied to Super Bowl XLV. Earlier in her career, Sawers spent a decade at SMU in leadership roles focused on academic programming and public engagement, including directing the Willis M. Tate Distinguished Lecture Series and the SMU Athletic Forum. A Dallas native, she earned her BA degree from the University of Virginia and her JD degree from SMU Dedman School of Law.

Since 1957, the nationally recognized SW Graduate School of Banking at SMU Cox has educated and empowered community bankers in all positions, regulators, bank directors and other financial services professionals with knowledge and relationships that strengthen careers, organizations and communities.