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Executive Director

Email: jebinger@smu.edu
Phone: 214-768-3222

Dr. Jennifer Ebinger, EdD, is the Executive Director of the Office of Engaged Learning within the Provost Division of Academic Affairs at ÃÛÌÒ½´Methodist University. In this role, she leads experiential learning initiatives, fostering out-of-the-classroom experiences in research, entrepreneurship, and high-impact educational practices. With over 25 years of experience in leadership, education, organizational change consulting, and program development, Jennifer has a proven track record of implementing innovative learning solutions that drive organizational success. She holds a Doctorate in Higher Education, a Master’s in Teaching, and boasts extensive consulting and coaching experience. Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys exploring creative endeavors, reading, cooking, hiking, and spending quality time with her two wonderful children.

Assistant Director

Email: ambailey@smu.edu

Alisha Bailey serves as Assistant Director for the Pathways to Business and Industry Program. Before transitioning to OEL, she served as Program Manager in SMU’s Lyle School of Engineering, where she led the engineering outreach camps for K-16. Alisha received her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Spelman College and her Master of Science in Environmental Sciences from Alabama A&M University. Prior to obtaining her master’s degree, Alisha worked as a sixth and seventh grade mathematics teacher in Houston, TX, before transitioning back into the science field. Through her master’s program, her knowledge and focuses were fisheries, aquaponics, and water management research and by studying abroad in Nanjing, China, she broadened her skills in GIS. Alisha worked for the government in the environmental health field as an Environmental Compliance Specialist for several years in Atlanta, GA. Outside of work, Alisha is continuously dedicated to service by volunteering at Ronald McDonald House Dallas, as an advisory board member with Women Leading Technology, serves on the Board of Directors for The GEMS Camp, a proud alumna of Leadership ISD Dallas County Civic Voices Fellowship, and a member of Junior League of Dallas.

Program Coordinator

Email: kchandrapal@smu.edu
Phone: 214-768-3223

Kelly Chandrapal comes to ÃÛÌÒ½´most recently from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s art museum where she worked closely with undergraduate and graduate students in her position as the Learning Resources Coordinator. Prior to working at UNC, she implemented educational programs in museums and taught elementary and high school art in Texas public schools. Kelly earned a BFA in Visual Art Studies from The University of Texas at Austin and MA in Museum Science from Texas Tech University. She is a Texas native but new to Dallas and is looking forward to becoming a part of the ÃÛÌÒ½´community!

Program Manager

Email: asneal@smu.edu
Phone: 214-768-3205

Adam Scott Neal serves as Program Manager for Research programs in the Office of Engaged Learning. He coordinates the Engaged Learning Fellowship and Undergraduate Research Assistantship programs and related events. Adam is a composer working in a variety of genres, from toy piano solos to modern dance scores. Recognized as “exquisitely crafted,” Adam’s music “draws the listener inward, encouraging intimate dialogue” (Creative Loafing Atlanta). His music has received nearly 300 performances in 32 states and 15 countries. Adam has also published research on computer music, lo-fi, improvisation, and popular music education. Adam earned a PhD at the University of Florida and previous degrees at Queen’s University Belfast and Georgia State University. 

Project Specialist

Olivia Prioleau serves as the new Project Specialist in the Office of Engaged Learning. She coordinates the Big iDeas and Mustang Mentors peer mentoring program. Prior to coming to SMU, Olivia earned her M.Ed in Higher Education Leadership from Texas Christian University. While at TCU, she advised first-year leadership programs, student organizations, and coordinated large-scale programs in her role as the Graduate Assistant in the Student Activities Office. She earned her BA in Journalism and Mass Communications from the University of South Carolina and is a Charleston, South Carolina, native. She is excited for her new journey at ÃÛÌÒ½´and to serve more students on the Hilltop.

Entrepreneurship Fellow

Faculty Fellow for Undergraduate Research

Dr. Kouros is Associate Professor of Psychology and the Director of the Family Health & Development Lab in the Department of Psychology at SMU. Before joining the faculty in 2011, she completed her B.A. at the University of Chicago, M.A. and Ph.D. at the University of Notre Dame, and was a postdoctoral research fellow at Vanderbilt University. Dr. Kouros's research focuses on learning about how and why the family environment contributes to couples', parents', and children's mental health. Some of the family processes her lab studies are: marital conflict, parental psychopathology, and helicopter parenting behaviors. Her research involves both families raising typically-developing children and children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

kouros@smu.edu