After eight years of running with the mustang herd, Dr. Dee Siscoe, Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Student Life, is departing to trot off with her own herd: her family. Students and faculty gathered to honor Siscoe’s time at SMU on Wednesday at 3 p.m. in the Hughes Trigg Student Center.

Siscoe’s last day will be Friday. She has overseen many different aspects of the SMU community, such as Student Activities and Multicultural Affairs and New Student Programs. She also worked closely with residence life and President Gerald Turner’s task force project that began last year. Prior to joining the SMU family, Siscoe served as the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs at Texas Women’s University.

“She has been focused and professional. Her job was difficult and she was here all the time, available for students and staff. She is a great leader,” said Janet Lewis, assistant director of the Hegi Family Career Center.

Friends of Siscoe gathered around a microphone to say some final words admiring the work she has done at SMU. Dr. Lori White, Vice President for Student Affairs, said that Siscoe is an incredibly strong student advocate and top-notch leader.

Chief Shafer, of the SMU police, said that the police department has appreciated all of their work with Siscoe. Shafer honored Dr. Siscoe as the first person to receive the “challenge coin” from the SMU police department.

The Student Senate also gave respect to Dr. Siscoe’s work at SMU. Patrick Kobler, Student Body Vice President, said that Siscoe’s replacement has some very big shoes to fill. Kobler, on behalf of the Student Senate, said they will forever be thankful for the “horse print” that Siscoe has left on all mustangs.

In closing, Siscoe said that she is going to miss the SMU community. She briefly explained her reason for leaving as making a great decision to spend some time with her daughter. Siscoe thanked the SMU community for allowing her to learn and grow as a professional. She reflected on the affection she has developed for the people here, noting that she is very excited to hear about all that SMU accomplishes in the future.

“The students at SMU are outstanding and I have loved my time among them,” she said.

Upon Siscoe’s departure, Dr. Lisa Webb, the former Associate Dean of Students and Director of Multicultural Affairs at Lewis and Clark College, will resume her position.