SMU is welcoming to the Hilltop new leaders over academics, student affairs and business/finance.

Paul W. Ludden, former dean of the College of Natural Resources at the University of California, Berkeley, and a scholar in environmental biochemistry, arrived this summer to become SMU's provost and vice president for academic affairs.

As the University's chief academic officer, he oversees all aspects of academic life, from admissions and faculty development to supervision of SMU's seven schools, library system and international programs.

At UC Berkeley, Ludden served as a faculty member at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and represented the university on several environmental science groups and in the University-Industry Consortium.

Lori S. White, who has held student affairs positions at the University of Southern California, Stanford University and Georgetown University, is the new vice president for student affairs.

White is responsible for student life programs including residence halls; student activities such as women's, multicultural, volunteer and leadership programs; judicial affairs; campus ministries; health and wellness programs; career services; the Hughes-Trigg Student Center and Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports. She also will have an adjunct faculty appointment in SMU's School of Education and Human Development.

Christine Casey, a University of California administrator known for her skill in improving business processes, has been named vice president for business and finance after a nationwide search. She joined SMU this fall after leaving her post as assistant vice president for administrative services for the University of California system.

"These appointments come at an important moment in SMU's history," President R. Gerald Turner says. "Paul, Lori and Christine will each be a great asset for SMU as we seek to increase support for students, faculty, academic programs and the unique campus experience."