Smu-in-taos At Fort Burgwin

Beautiful scenery and fantastic learning experience.

When I was an undergraduate at SMU, I had the privilege of studying here during the May 1997 term, and it remains my favorite memory from my time as a student. Thanks to my mother-in-law having homes in northern New Mexico, we've been able to return every so often over the past 15 years, including this past summer, to partake in the various programs available to the public. It's always a pleasure to be back on campus. I'm glad to see that while enhancements have been made, the charm of the campus that captured my heart 22 years ago is still intact.

If you're an SMU student, visiting Taos is a must. Take advantage of your time at SMU to enjoy the stunning scenery, protected environment, and rich local and historical cultures. The campus offers ample amenities that are comparable to dorm living at SMU's main campus. Throughout the year, you can hike and play 18 holes of disc golf. In the winter, I love sledding and crafting large snowballs to roll down hills. If you're into fitness, the cold weather is a great motivator to exercise intensely so you don’t freeze. That's how I approach it; rolling a giant snowball takes a lot of effort, especially when pushing it uphill. Then, you can let it tumble down the slope and roll it back up again, much like the story of Sisyphus. You'll definitely miss this kind of workout in Dallas, which is why you should head to Taos. The faculty is approachable and friendly, and the courses allow for integration with valuable local field trips to Native American tribes and other interesting sites. Just go—it’s a lot of fun!

The food is fantastic, and the kitchen staff are very friendly. They truly accommodate all dietary needs! The campus is charming and it's a wonderful place for stargazing!

The staff was fantastic, the scenery and architecture were stunning. I'm really glad I visited on this trip.