Southern Methodist University received $100 million donation from the Moody Foundation to fund a graduate school, the Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.

“We cannot overstate the power and reach of this gift,” SMU President R. Gerald Turner said. “This is a transformational moment for SMU and Dallas, signaling that SMU is a premier institution with the means to be a full partner in commercial and global problem-solving, and a pipeline for leaders to tackle those challenges.”

This is the biggest monetary donation given to SMU in its 104-year history. The Moody School of Graduate and Advanced studies will open in the 2020 – 2021 school year.

Brad E. Cheves, SMU Vice President for Development and External Affairs said the Moody donation serves as another way SMU’s status is growing. He claims that not only will it help with the school’s status, but also the reputation of a SMU’s graduate degree.

“SMU has long offered premier undergraduate and professional programs,” Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs ad interim Peter K. Moore said. “The creation of a graduate school will enable the University to build on its excellent graduate educational programs in the sciences, humanities, engineering, arts and education to fuel research, strengthen teaching and reputation, and deliver greater impact in everything we do.”

The Moody school will administer master’s degree, doctorate or Ph.D to Dedman College of Sciences and Humanities, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts and Simmons School of Education and Human Development.