Edwin L. Cox, benefactor of the SMU Cox School of Business, joined President Turner, faculty, staff, students, and special guests to celebrate 100 years of business education at SMU’s Indoor Performance Center on Feb. 20.

According to the Cox 100 media advisory, “The Cox School has made a Texas-sized impact on business, society, history and on the future. It has remained true to its mission to ‘influence the way the world conducts business, one student at a time,’ and, today, SMU Cox is proud to have helped launch the careers of more than 40,000 graduates” (Anna Martinez).

Matthew B. Myers, Dean of the Cox School of Business and the Tolleson Chair of Business Leadership, notes that the significance of the school as well.

“At this momentous time in the history of SMU Cox, we are grateful for your support and eager to launch our next 100 years of business education,” Myers said.

Cox has made a significant impact in the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area and across the country in various areas such as education, business development, and intellectual capital. The school offers an undergraduate B.B.A with numerous majors such as Finance, Marketing, and Accounting, as well as a business minor.

Cox’s rigorous undergraduate program prepares SMU’s business students for life in the business world with challenging academic classes and real world application through internships. At the graduate level, Cox offers an M.S. in several areas and an M.B.A, as well as joint degree programs with the Dedman School of Law and the Lyle School of Engineering.

Student organizations, such as the Boulevard Investment Group, give Cox students the opportunity to participate in meaningful hands-on experiences during their time as undergraduates. Olivia Munnell, Boulevard Investment Group Junior Analyst and SMU first-year, reflects on her experience in the dynamic, challenging group, which has helped shape her experience at SMU.

“I have been taught [advanced] concepts not introduced to my parents until business school in a really welcoming environment,” Munnell said. “I enjoy the competitive nature of the club in that it really does prepare you for the business world outside of college.”

Briana Smith, Marketing student and SMU junior, explains how she chose Cox because it is one of the best business schools in the country. Also, she says that Cox has contributed to her student experience by providing hands-on internships, helpful and knowledgable professors, rigorous curriculum, and exclusive networking events. She is even using Cox to help guide her through her upcoming job search.

“Having both the curriculum and internships tells future employers that I have more than a piece of paper to prove myself capable of excelling at the job,” Smith said.

Smith also believes that Cox uniquely shapes her opportunities in the business world and prepares her through quality business education that she believes she would not receive elsewhere.

“I know I’ll be ready to excel in my career because of the opportunities Cox provides,” Smith remarked. “Many of my friends at other schools don’t have the opportunity to [have a rigorous curriculum and complete internships]. It’s that aspect that really sets Cox apart.”

As the community reflects on the past 100 years of business excellence from Cox, they also look forward to breaking ground on the second century of SMU’s business education.

Bill Dillon, Senior Associate Dean at Cox, says the school is “committed to further growth by concentrating on academic excellence and collaboration among faculty members, the SMU campus, the City of Dallas and the global community.”

Cox aims to celebrate by commemorating Cox allies, including faculty, staff, student, alumni, and civic leaders. They also invite the SMU community to share stories about Cox’s world changers. If you know of someone who could be a Cox 100 Ally, you can nominate them here or learn more about Cox allies here.