In an era when university presidents and higher education itself are under evermore intense scrutiny, it was too easy to take for granted the work R. Gerald Turner did for Dallas.

In a deliberate, strategic and almost quiet way, he has been building up a university in the center of our city, quite literally brick by red brick.

Turner’s decision to step down next year as president of Southern Methodist University is a historical mark for our region. His three decades of service have accrued to the benefit of Dallas, even to those who have never set foot on the hilltop.

We would proffer this idea: great cities cannot exist without great universities. The ideas and energy such institutions produce, the minds they attract, the young people they shape — these are each at the foundation of a true city, a true polis, as the ancient Greeks would have called this organization of human lives that becomes a society.

With his wife, Gail Turner, as a partner at his side, Turner led the transformation of SMU into a nationally ranked university with increasing standing in the humanities, the arts and the sciences.

He has been driven in seeing its athletics thrive, with a focus on restoring its football team to national prominence.

He worked to increase the share of underrepresented populations in the student body, a crucial part of any serious university’s success.

And he was the leader most responsible for putting SMU on sound financial footing for generations to come by building up its endowment to an enviable $2.03 billion.

We are unabashed in cheering on SMU’s success, because when a city’s universities are strong and vibrant, so too will that city be.

There is more to be done still. We know how hard Turner and the faculty and staff at SMU have worked to achieve R1 research status. That classification marks a university that, in an average year, spends $50 million on research and development and that produces at least 70 research doctorates. Schools that achieve this ranking demonstrate that they can attract and support top research talent.

SMU would be only the second private university in the state, after Rice University, to achieve R1 status.

Turner has put SMU in a position to do just that even as he has seen it expand need- and merit-based scholarships for deserving students who otherwise couldn’t afford to attend.

If we know Turner, we know his move to president emeritus will be, let’s call it what it is, a well-deserved semi-retirement.

Because Turner will always be a part of SMU, and everyone who knows his love for the school welcomes that with open arms.

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The Dallas Cowboys received some brutal news on Saturday ahead of the team’s preseason finale against the Los Angeles Chargers.

News surfaced that All-Pro cornerback DaRon Bland suffered a fracture in his foot that will require surgery. As a result, the injury could keep him sidelined from six to eight weeks.

Bland’s injury was diagnosed after feeling soreness in his foot during training camp in Oxnard.

MORE: Cowboys All-Pro DaRon Bland to undergo surgery; miss significant time

The disappointing setback means Cowboys fans will have to wait to see the long-awaited reunion of Bland and fellow All-Pro cornerback Trevon Diggs on the field.

But, Bland’s injury also leads to a bigger quesion: will the Cowboys pursue another cornerback to add to the roster before the start of the regular season? Cowboys owner Jerry Jones shared the answer when speaking to reporters following the team’s loss to the Chargers.

Bland’s injury opens a huge opportunity for fifth-round pick Caelen Carson, who has had a stellar training camp. The Cowboys also have Andrew Booth Jr., who they traded for two weeks ago; Kemon Hall, who was claimed off of waivers after being released by the 49ers; and Eric Scott Jr.

Booth recorded a pick-six in the preseason after being acquired by the team.

MORE: Cowboys’ Caelen Carson proving he can be factor in rookie year

If any of those players are able to step up, Jourdan Lewis can remain in the slot where he excels.

So while the loss of Bland is disappointing, it isn’t necessarily the doomsday scenario that many initially went as a snap reaction. Cornerback is one of the few areas where the Cowboys are deep, we’ll just have to see is some of the talent can step up.

Dallas will kick off its 2024 campaign on Sunday, September 8, on the road against the Cleveland Browns. Tom Brady will be making his broadcasting debut for the game on FOX.

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The Dallas Cowboys will finish off the 2024 NFL preseason on Saturday afternoon at home against the Los Angeles Chargers and there will be a new wrinkle to the offense.

Once again, head coach Mike McCarthy will be giving up play-calling duties for the preseason finale.

Last season, star quarterback Dak Prescott took on play-calling duties during the final preseason game. This year, McCarthy is giving the same valuable experience to his young assistant coach.

The decision to give Tolzien this opportunity showcases McCarthy’s commitment to developing his coaching staff and offering them hands-on experience in critical game-day situations.

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Tolzien, who played quarterback in the NFL for several teams, including a stint in Green Bay under McCarthy from 2013 to 2015 before transitioning to coaching, could greatly benefit from this experience as a significant stepping stone in his coaching career.

It’s worth noting that calling plays in a preseason game, while important, differs from doing so in the regular season. However, it allows Tolzien to test his decision-making abilities under pressure and gain a deeper understanding of the game flow from a play-caller’s perspective.

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