Paul W. Ludden, professor of biology in Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences joined SMU as provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, serving in the role from 2007 to 2015 . He earned a B.S. in chemistry from the University of Nebraska and a Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Wisconsin. He also received an honorary doctorate from Stockholm University in Sweden. Before coming to SMU, he was a professor of biochemistry at the University of Wisconsin and dean of the College of Natural Resources at the University of California, Berkeley. During his time as provost, SMU saw increases in incoming students' SAT scores as well as increases in student retention and acceptance rates. He established the Big iDeas and Engaged Learning programs for undergraduates and the Emerging Leaders Program for faculty. As a researcher, he studied metalloenzymes and enzyme regulation, for which he received a National Institutes of Health Merit Award. He also received the Graduate Mentoring Award from the American Society of Microbiology, and was elected a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. In 2013, he received the "M" Award from SMU. He retires as professor emeritus of biology.