SMU Receives Major Donations for Student-Athlete Benefit Fund

Gifts from prominent donors will support Mustangs athletics programs.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Southern Methodist University (SMU) has received a series of transformative donations totaling over $50 million to its Student-Athlete Benefit Fund. The gifts come from several prominent donors, including Liz and Bill Armstrong, Carolyn and David Miller, Katy and Kyle Miller, and Mary and Rich Templeton.

Why it matters

These significant donations demonstrate SMU's continued commitment to building a world-class athletics program that can compete at the highest levels. The funds will provide critical support for SMU student-athletes, enhancing their academic, athletic, and personal development opportunities.

The details

The donations will be used to support a variety of initiatives within the SMU athletics department, including scholarships, facilities upgrades, coaching staff enhancements, and student-athlete wellness programs. This investment is expected to have a transformative impact on the Mustangs' ability to attract top talent, develop their student-athletes, and compete for championships.

  • The donations were announced on February 20, 2026.

The players

Liz and Bill Armstrong

Prominent donors to SMU athletics.

Carolyn and David Miller

Prominent donors to SMU athletics.

Katy and Kyle Miller

Prominent donors to SMU athletics.

Mary and Rich Templeton

Prominent donors to SMU athletics.

SMU

Southern Methodist University, a private research university located in Dallas, Texas.

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What they’re saying

“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity and vision of these donors, who have demonstrated a deep commitment to the success of our student-athletes and the future of SMU athletics.”

— R. Gerald Turner, President, Southern Methodist University (on3.com)

What’s next

SMU plans to use the donations to immediately begin implementing enhancements to its athletics programs, with the goal of elevating the Mustangs' competitiveness in the American Athletic Conference and nationally.

The takeaway

These transformative donations to SMU's Student-Athlete Benefit Fund underscore the university's unwavering dedication to providing its student-athletes with the resources and support they need to excel both on the field and in the classroom.