Maguire Energy Institute
The Maguire Energy Institute has been a leader for over four decades.
Maguire is known for its industry‑leading programs, and the SMU Cox School of Business is distinguished by its small class sizes, personalized instruction, and exceptional alumni network. Together, our programs help develop energy leaders who are not only educated, but informed; not only trained, but skilled; and not only degreed, but prepared to meet the demands of today’s and tomorrow’s energy industry. Global economic growth and human development depend on access to affordable and reliable energy in all its forms. The Maguire Energy Institute addresses the world’s energy challenges through thought leadership, innovation, and a commitment to unbiased education and research.
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A Gift From Cary Maguire
SMU Board Trustee Emeritus Cary Maguire, a longtime member of both the Cox Executive Board and the Maguire Energy Institute Board, passed away on August 10, 2021. Former Dean of the Cox School of Business, Matthew B. Myers, noted that Mr. Maguire’s decades of support and generosity played a significant role in shaping the Cox School into the globally competitive institution it is today.
In 1974, Mr. Maguire provided the founding support for what would become the Maguire Energy Institute, and in 1985 he helped make possible the construction of the Cox School’s Maguire Building. He also served for many years as chair of the Cox Executive Board. A pioneering entrepreneur in the oil industry, Mr. Maguire was honored by the Maguire Energy Institute with its prestigious Pioneer Award in 2019. His leadership and vision helped guide the trajectory of the Cox School and contributed to the professional success of countless SMU Cox graduates. His impact is enduring, and his passing is deeply felt.
Leadership at Maguire
Bruce Bullock, Director
Xavier Tison, Director of Energy Innovation
Xavier Tison, Director of Energy Innovation
Bruce Bullock serves as director of the Maguire Energy Institute, where he oversees the study of management, marketing and policy issues related to the energy industry. He frequently provides expertise on oil, gas and other energy industries. He and the Institute play a key role in the Texas-based Gulf Project initiative, and he has been quoted frequently on issues related to the Gulf oil spill.
Xavier Tison, Director of Energy Innovation
Xavier Tison, Director of Energy Innovation
Xavier Tison, Director of Energy Innovation
Xavier Tison is the Director of Energy Innovation at the Institute, joining in 2021 after a twenty-year career in the energy industry. Tison has an MBA from the Cox School of Business and both a Masters and a Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering from SMU Lyle School of Engineering. Xavier's global experience in the energy sector, as well a
Xavier Tison is the Director of Energy Innovation at the Institute, joining in 2021 after a twenty-year career in the energy industry. Tison has an MBA from the Cox School of Business and both a Masters and a Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering from SMU Lyle School of Engineering. Xavier's global experience in the energy sector, as well as his entrepreneurial drive make him an ideal ambassador for Cox, the Institute, and students.
Kumar Venkataraman, Academic Director
Xavier Tison, Director of Energy Innovation
Kathleen Smits, Professor
The James M. Collins Chair in Finance and Cary M. Maguire Chair of Oil and Gas Management, Dr. Venkataraman is the recipient of university-wide awards for excellence in both teaching and research. He has published internationally, with bylines in the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg Business Week and beyond, and has worked on government con
The James M. Collins Chair in Finance and Cary M. Maguire Chair of Oil and Gas Management, Dr. Venkataraman is the recipient of university-wide awards for excellence in both teaching and research. He has published internationally, with bylines in the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg Business Week and beyond, and has worked on government consulting projects and served as expert witness in litigation involving trading strategies and price manipulation.
Kathleen Smits, Professor
Xavier Tison, Director of Energy Innovation
Kathleen Smits, Professor
Kate Smits is a professor in SMU’s Lyle School of Engineering and Fellow at the Maguire Energy Institute, serving as the Solomon Professor for Global Development. Kate is an expert in infrastructure resiliency and has extensively investigated gas migration from natural gas pipelines leaks along with leak detection and quantification in b
Kate Smits is a professor in SMU’s Lyle School of Engineering and Fellow at the Maguire Energy Institute, serving as the Solomon Professor for Global Development. Kate is an expert in infrastructure resiliency and has extensively investigated gas migration from natural gas pipelines leaks along with leak detection and quantification in both the lab and field. She is currently a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserves.