Southern Methodist University Endowment

Southern Methodist University Endowment

Southern Methodist University established its endowment in 1911 alongside the founding of the institution. Rakesh Dahiya serves as chief investment officer. The endowment operates as the primary vehicle for managing long-term university assets separate from annual operating budgets. The portfolio allocates across global equities, fixed income, private equity, venture capital, and real assets. Confirmed commitments include positions with Blue Sage Capital, TDR Capital, and Silver Creek Ventures. Geographic exposure centers on North America with additional holdings in the United Kingdom. Mineral interests cover royalty positions in 195 counties and parishes. The endowment maintains a staff that includes Philip Griffin as managing director of investments and David Barlow as director of investment operations. SMU joined the Atlantic Coast Conference in 2024. Adjacent vehicles include the O'Donnell Foundation and The Meadows Foundation, which have directed more than $145 million in cumulative gifts to the university. The endowment maintains direct ownership of operating real estate and art collections that sit outside the financial portfolio. This structure separates investment management from university property operations.