Lisa Tran

I am a higher education leader with over fifteen years of experience in career development, corporate engagement, and executive education, currently serving as Senior Assistant Dean for Executive Education and Partnerships at Southern Methodist University's Cox School of Business, a role I have held since September 2025, where I lead executive education programs and strategic partnerships. I also serve as Managing Director of Corporate Engagement and Strategic Partnerships, a role I have held since January 2019, where I drive corporate engagement and partnership strategy for the Cox School of Business.

Prior to these roles, I served as Executive Director of the Career Management Center for nearly two years, where I led career services strategy, as Director of the BBA, MS, and MBA Career Centers for nearly three years, as Associate Director of the Career Management Center for over a year, as Assistant Director of Employer Relations for nearly two years, and as Assistant Director of Career Development and Career Coach, where I developed my expertise in career coaching, employer relations, and student career development.

Before joining SMU, I served as Graduate Assistant at the University of North Texas's Learning Center for Supplemental Instruction for over a year, and as Graduate Student Intern in Development for Student Affairs at SMU. Earlier in my career, I served as Advertising Manager at Harbus News Corporation and as Senior Project Manager at Harvard Business School for nearly three years.

I hold a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership from Southern Methodist University and a Master of Education in Higher Education and Student Affairs from the University of North Texas, where I was a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society.

Across my career in higher education leadership, career development, and corporate engagement, my work has been driven by a commitment to bridging the gap between academic preparation and professional success, building strategic partnerships that create opportunities for students, and preparing the next generation of business leaders. Whether I am leading executive education programs, driving corporate engagement, or coaching students through career transitions, I bring a strategic, collaborative, and student-centered approach that has made a lasting impact on the institutions and individuals I have served. I am proud of the work I have done throughout my career and excited to continue advancing business education and corporate partnerships at Southern Methodist University's Cox School of Business.