Carl Sewell is the new chair of the SMU Board of Trustees after being unanimously elected at the final meeting for the 2005-06 school year. Sewell replaces the outgoing Gerald J. Ford.

“I look forward to serving SMU and supporting President Turner in his efforts to dramatically improve the academic excellence of SMU,” Sewell said.

Tops on Sewell’s list is the Centennial Campaign, which is currently in its planning phase.

“Momentum is building at SMU, and it will accelerate with the Centennial Campaign.”

The campaign’s goal is not bricks and mortar, but rather raising endowment funds for faculty, students, and academic programs in honor of the University’s founding in 1911 and opening in 1915.

“Carl Sewell’s close involvement with SMU through the years, and his leadership on several Board committees, give him a detailed knowledge and broad view of University governance issues,” said SMU President R. Gerald Turner.

Sewell has been a member of the SMU Board of Trustees since 1996, and served as vice chair of the Board since 2004. Sewell earned his B.B.A. degree from SMU in 1966. Sewell is the current chairman of Sewell Automotive Companies, which includes 18 franchises.

– Mark Norris