(Courtesy of SMU)
Wes Waggoner has made the jump from being a Horned Frog to a Mustang.
He will begin his work as the new dean of undergraduate admissions and executive director of enrollment at SMU on Oct. 17. In this position, he will be in charge of admission for first-year, transfer and international applications.
“I’m looking forward to meeting people and understanding SMU better,” Waggoner said. “I want to make sure that the admissions office is an absolute integral part of the university.”
Though he served as the associate dean and director of freshman admissions at TCU, Waggoner is excited to remove his purple and white and don the red and blue.
“There are many similarities and differences [between SMU and TCU], and I want to understand the differences and culture better and build on those things,” he said. “It is an amazing school, and I want to raise SMU’s profile as well as academics to that of a great national university.”
Waggoner has been recognized nationally for his work in admissions. He held admissions roles at the University of Tulsa, Tulane University, Fort Worth Country Day School and The Episcopal School of Baton Rouge.
He has also served as the chair of the Professional Development Committee for the National Association of College Admissions Counselors; chair of the Admissions Practices Committee for the Texas Association of College Admission Counselors (TACAC); instructor for the TACAC Summer Institute; chair of the Higher Education Curriculum committee for the Admission and College Counseling Institute; and, member of The College Board’s SAT Advisory Committee and the SAT Score Choice Task Force.
Waggoner had the chance to experience the SMU culture as he “Boulevarded” for the first time two weeks ago at the SMU vs. Northwestern State game.
“It was a great, unique experience I’ve never had before,” he said. “It reflects the community and family and cordial atmosphere the university has.”
Waggoner will still be employed by TCU for the SMU vs. TCU game this weekend, but is looking forward to a great game.
