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SMU is deeply saddened by the loss of Darwin Deason, who passed on December 2, 2025. Deason was a deeply respected Dallas business leader and a generous supporter of and friend to the University.

“Darwin Deason’s contributions to SMU created countless groundbreaking opportunities and inspired new passions for our students, researchers and community members,” said President Jay Hartzell. “His vision for the future put SMU at the forefront of cyber security and criminal justice reform, and his enduring generosity has forever altered the landscape of innovative discovery and creative thinking. We remain forever grateful for his generosity that continues to spark ideas and impact across our campus.”

A native of Rogers, Arkansas, Deason began his career as a mail clerk at Gulf Oil before working his way into data processing. His 1968 move to Dallas led to a career at MTech, where he was made CEO at only 29. Founding Affiliated Computer Services in 1988, Deason went on to acquire and sell over 300 companies through ACS, making it one of the country’s first companies to specialize in modernizing external back-office operations. Deason went on to become chair of Deason Capital Services and president of the Deason Foundation, through which he supported initiatives ranging from health care and education to criminal justice reform and medical research.

“The loss of Darwin Deason is significant, not only to his family but to the lives he touched as both a professional and a philanthropist,” said Executive Vice President and Provost Rachel Mersey. “Darwin’s generosity to the University and its students exemplified how success and discovery require hard work, dedication and a desire to grow. We are proud to honor him through the initiatives and programs he launched and through the legacy of innovative excellence and far-reaching societal impact he leaves beyond SMU.”

At SMU, Deason, along with his son, Doug, supported programs and funds across campus through both private giving and the Deason Foundation. In 2014, they founded the Darwin Deason Institute for Cybersecurity in the Lyle School of Engineering. In 2017, a gift from the Deasons launched the Deason Criminal Justice Reform Center at the Dedman School of Law. Their support also led to the Lyle School’s Deason Innovation Gym and the Deason Endowed Fund for Innovation, as well as renovations for the engineering school’s Caruth Hall. Over the years, the Deasons have continued to support these initiatives, expanding their scope and community impact. In 2024, the Deason Foundation was honored with SMU’s Mustang Award, the most significant honor bestowed by the University in recognition of the generosity of Deason and his family.

“Darwin was a force of impact across SMU, and his generosity paved the way for thousands of bright young minds to discover themselves, pursue their goals and find meaningful ways to make a difference in their professions and communities,” said Senior Vice President for Development and External Affairs Brad E. Cheves. “Darwin became involved in SMU when his grandson, Doug’s son Preston, came to SMU as a student. He quickly became an adopted Mustang, demonstrating our spirit of inquiry, innovation and creativity. While we are truly saddened by his loss, we are enduringly grateful for his and his family’s support and service.”

Deason is survived by son Douglas Deason, member of both the Lyle School of Engineering Executive Board and the Lyle School Special Committee on Development; daughter Stirling Deason O’Donnell; daughter-in-law Jill Deason; grandsons Preston Deason ’19, Caleb Deason, Aiden Deason, and Drake O’Donnell; granddaughters Regan Deason, Madison Deason, Hannah Deason, Emily Deason, and Reese O’Donnell; brother Dale Deason; sister Donne Sue Buck; and countless nieces, nephews, family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Deason Criminal Justice Reform Center at Dedman Law (). The Deason Foundation will match all gifts made in Darwin's name.