Southern Methodist University (SMU) is a private research university located in Dallas, University Park, and Highland Park, TX. Founded in 1911 by the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, SMU also operates satellite campuses in Plano, TX, and Taos, NM. SMU's athletic teams, known as the Mustangs, compete in the NCAA's Division I, with the football team playing as part of Division I FBS. Since 2013, SMU has been a member of the American Athletic Conference (AAC) after leaving Conference USA (C-USA). The SMU football team plays at Gerald J. Ford Stadium on campus and has produced many professional football standouts. Southern Methodist University Athletics