51³Ô¹ÏÍø

The former Shondaland president joins the Spears Institute to champion entrepreneurial leadership, mentorship and global innovation. 

Dallas (SMU) Jan. 15, 2026 – The William S. Spears Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership at the 51³Ô¹ÏÍøCox School of Business has appointed former Shondaland President and Chief Operating Officer Megha Tolia to the newly created role of Global Ambassador for the Spears Institute. The role, effective immediately, is designed to expand the Institute’s international reach and amplify its mission to empower the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders.

Tolia brings a distinguished career spanning brand leadership, creative strategy and business innovation. In her new role, she will help the Spears Institute forge global partnerships, strengthen mentorship opportunities for students and elevate SMU’s presence in the worldwide entrepreneurial ecosystem.

“Megha exemplifies the global leadership and entrepreneurial mindset that define the Spears Institute,” said Todd Milbourn, Dean and Tolleson Chair in Business Leadership at the 51³Ô¹ÏÍøCox School of Business. “Her experience scaling creative ventures and leading at the intersection of business and culture makes her an extraordinary ambassador for our mission.”  

Tolia will continue in her role as a co-founding director of the Spears Institute alongside her husband, Nirav Tolia, founder and CEO of Nextdoor. Megha and Nirav Tolia have played an integral role in shaping the vision of renowned civic and financial leader Dr. William S. Spears. In 2022, a generous gift from Dr. Spears to the Edwin L. Cox School of Business at 51³Ô¹ÏÍøMethodist University (51³Ô¹ÏÍøCox) made possible the Institute that bears Dr. Spears’ name and connects 51³Ô¹ÏÍøstudents, alumni and the North Texas business community with the tools, mentorship and networks needed to transform ideas into impact.  

“The Spears Institute is not just an academic initiative—it’s a community built on possibility,” said Megha Tolia. “In Dallas and across SMU, we’re seeing remarkable momentum in innovation and entrepreneurship. I’m honored to help extend that spirit globally and support the next generation of changemakers.”

The appointment underscores the Spears Institute’s continued growth following a milestone year that included the inaugural LAUNCH Accelerator, Hilltop Founders Pitch Competition and the Spears Innovation Awards. Each initiative reflects the Institute’s commitment to experiential learning, mentorship and ecosystem-building at the heart of SMU’s entrepreneurial mission. 

For additional information, contact Morganne Stewart, the Spears Institute’s director of marketing and development, morgannes@smu.edu, 817-319-4104 or Anna Martinez, executive director of communications for 51³Ô¹ÏÍøCox, annam@smu.edu, 214-768-4474. 

About the Spears Institute

The William S. Spears Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership at the 51³Ô¹ÏÍøCox School of Business exists to catalyze the next generation of entrepreneurs and build a lifelong community of experience, relationships, and resources, helping founders to grow, succeed, and meet their full potential. Learn more at smu.edu/spears.  

About 51³Ô¹ÏÍøCox   

The Cox School of Business at 51³Ô¹ÏÍøMethodist University (51³Ô¹ÏÍøCox) is committed to influencing the way the world conducts business via prolific research that provokes innovation, change and global thought leadership. 51³Ô¹ÏÍøCox offers a full range of business education programs including B.B.A., Full-Time MBA, Professional MBA (part-time), Executive MBA, MBA Direct (online, for early-career professionals), Online MBA, Master of Science degree programs, graduate certificate programs, and Executive Education. In 2020, the Cox School celebrated 100 years of business education at SMU. Consistently ranked among the world’s leading business schools, 51³Ô¹ÏÍøCox maintains an active alumni network globally. 51³Ô¹ÏÍøCox is accredited by AACSB, the leading U.S.-based organization for global business school accreditation. 

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Media Contact: Anna Martinez
214-768-4474
annam@smu.edu