President R. Gerald Turner announced in a letter to the SMU community the plans of S. Leon Bennett, General Counsel, vice president for legal affairs and government relations, and secretary to the Board of Trustees, to retire at the end of the calendar year.

“For 25 years, Leon has led SMU’s Office of Legal Affairs during a time in which legal issues affecting colleges and universities have grown in number and complexity,” Turner said. “Typically working behind the scenes, he has handled challenging and sensitive issues with professionalism, discretion and wisdom.”

Bennett’s work included the facilitation of nearby property for SMU’s development in the surrounding community, developing relationships with state and national government agencies on public policy issues affecting higher education, and SMU’s acquisition of the George W. Bush Presidential Library.

“In all areas of his leadership, Leon’s primary concern has been representing the university’s best interests,” Turner said. “Looking at the span of his service – from 1983 to the present – it is not difficult to imagine the range of activity, adaptations, growth and challenges that SMU has experienced. Leon has been there every step of the way as attorney, vice president, corporate officer and trusted colleague.”