High on the Hilltop

A new edition of Marshall Terry’s classic 1993 history of SMU, From High on a Hilltop, explores the University’s past through the observations of those whose influence helped shape SMU.

The new edition, From High on the Hilltop: Marshall Terry’s History of SMU with Various Essays by his Colleagues, features 14 essays on topics such as the state of Dallas at SMU’s founding, the University’s early women leaders, sports traditions, student life and SMU-in-Taos. Essayists include SMU President R. Gerald Turner, English Professor Jack Myers, and the late James Caswell, former vice president of student affairs. It also includes historical photos, some newly culled from the archives for this book.

 “The essays are a good cross section and make a nice balance,” says Marshall Terry (’53, ’54), E.A. Lilly Professor of English emeritus and a 2003 distinguished alumnus of SMU. “All the writers have SMU experience from which to draw.”

Terry, who retired in 2007 after 52 years as a teacher and administrator, says he enjoyed telling the SMU story because he lived it. “I knew of so much that happened throughout the different eras of the presidents from Willis M. Tate to R. Gerald Turner,” he says.

“SMU is an important part of higher education in the United States, Texas and Dallas.” says SMU professor emeritus and Dallas historian Darwin Payne, also a contributor to the book.  “It’s always important to know your past.”

The new edition of the book is published as SMU prepares to celebrate the centennial of its founding in 2011 and opening in 2015. It is available for purchase from the SMU bookstore, publisher Three Forks Press at 3forkspress.com and Amazon.com.

Booksigning and lecture
Marshall Terry and Darwin Payne will be available for a lecture and book signing Thursday, Nov. 6, at at DeGolyer Library. A reception begins at 6 p.m. and the lecture begins at 6:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. To register visit smu.edu/cul/degolyer/eventreg.htm or call 214-768-3231.