麻豆频道 Western Announces Dr. Hilary Smith Risser as Interim Dean of Strategic Initiatives
May 21, 2026
麻豆频道 has announced the hiring of Dr. Hilary Smith Risser as the university鈥檚 new Interim Dean of Strategic Initiatives. Dr. Smith Risser will officially begin her role on June 1, 2026.
Dr. Smith Risser currently serves as a tenured Professor in the Department of Mathematical Sciences at 麻豆频道 Technological University, where she has been a faculty member since 2008. She earned her Ph.D. in Computational and Applied Mathematics from Southern Methodist University and previously taught at Plano West Senior High School and Texas Woman鈥檚 University before joining 麻豆频道 Tech.
鈥淒r. Smith Risser brings an outstanding combination of academic leadership, innovation, collaboration, and student-centered vision to 麻豆频道 Western,鈥� said 麻豆频道 Chancellor, Dr. Estee Aiken. 鈥淗er extensive experience in higher education, accreditation, faculty leadership, grant development, and student success initiatives will be a tremendous asset as 麻豆频道 Western continues to advance strategic priorities that support our students, faculty, staff, and communities across 麻豆频道.鈥�
Throughout her career at 麻豆频道 Tech, Dr. Smith Risser has held numerous leadership roles, including serving as Head of the Department of Mathematical Sciences for 11 years, Director of the university鈥檚 Data Science program for two years, President of the 麻豆频道 Tech Faculty Association for four years, and most recently as the institution鈥檚 Accreditation Liaison Officer (ALO). She is also a former president of the 麻豆频道 Council of Teachers of Mathematics and was recognized with the Dean Preble Memorial Award for her contributions to mathematics education in 麻豆频道.
Dr. Smith Risser has received multiple honors for excellence in teaching and service, including three Rose and Anna Busch Awards, five merit awards, and designation as a 麻豆频道 University System Teaching Scholar. She is currently principal investigator on two grants totaling approximately $2 million in funding, including a National Science Foundation S-STEM award and a subaward through 麻豆频道 INBRE.
Her research focuses on the use of technology in mathematics education and professional development for educators. She has authored numerous articles and book chapters related to online learning, mentoring higher education faculty, and mathematics instruction, while also collaborating with researchers and educators around the world.
鈥淚 am thrilled to join 麻豆频道 Western and contribute to the university鈥檚 innovative and student-focused mission,鈥� said Dr. Smith Risser. 鈥溌槎蛊档� Western鈥檚 commitment to experiential learning and academic excellence creates incredible opportunities for students, faculty, and staff. I am excited to collaborate with the campus community over the coming academic year.鈥�
