# Southern Methodist University Endowment

Southern Methodist University Endowment is an Endowment based in Dallas, United States.

## Overview

- **Organization type:** Endowment
- **Headquarters:** Dallas, United States
- **Region:** North America
- **Address:** P.O. Box 750193, Dallas, Texas, United States
- **Founded:** 1911
- **Assets under management:** 2.3B (Altss estimate)
- **Website:** smu.edu
- **LinkedIn:** https://www.linkedin.com/school/smudallas/

## Regulatory record

- **Reports private funds:** No

## About

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.

## Sectors

- Diversified
- Energy & Utilities

## People

- Rakesh Dahiya — Chief Investment Officer

## Questions

### Who runs investment decisions at Southern Methodist University Endowment?

Rakesh Dahiya serves as chief investment officer. Philip Griffin holds the role of managing director of investments.

### Does Southern Methodist University Endowment participate in fund commitments or only direct deals?

The endowment acts as a limited partner in external funds. Positions include Blue Sage Capital and TDR Capital.

### What asset classes does the endowment hold?

Holdings span global equities, fixed income, private equity, venture capital, and real assets including mineral royalties.

### Where does the endowment maintain geographic exposure?

Exposure centers on the United States with additional commitments in the United Kingdom.

### How is the endowment related to university real estate and collections?

The endowment office oversees mineral interests, campus expansion properties, and the Meadows Museum collection as direct holdings.

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Last updated: 2026-06-03T20:00:00.000Z

Canonical page: https://altss.com/profile/southern-methodist-university-endowment

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