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Smith School History
From Humble Beginnings ... 1921 to 1960
 The
business school's mission statement, published in the 1924-25 course
catalog, reveals its lofty ambitions: "The chief aim...is to produce
thinkers rather than routine workers, executives rather than subordinates."
Working toward that goal, the college will evolve its curriculum, more than
quadruple in size, and change its name twice in ten years. 1921 The
University of Maryland's Department of Economics/Business Administration
offers its first formal business curriculum. In its first year, 394 students
enroll and take required courses such as diplomacy, constitutional law,
public speaking and ROTC. By 1925 there are 46 faculty members.
 Getting
Down to Business ... 1961 to 1972
This era of relative stability sees little change in the school's
organizational structure - or its name. But seeds for the future are being
laid, as the school receives its first major research grant, inaugurates its
doctoral program and starts taking advantage of new technology.
 Increasing
Accomplishments ... 1973 to 1991
The school undergoes another name change and Dean Rudy Lamone, with a
knack for raising money from his little red card box of alumni names,
embarks on an ambitious program to bring the school into the intellectual
mainstream.
The World at our Fingertips ... 1991 to 1996
 With
a solid academic reputation, a new home - Van Munching Hall - and increasing
respect from the business community, the College of Business Management is
poised to take its place on the international stage as a leader in research
and a producer of quality graduates. And the name changes. Again.
Ascent to the Top - The Move to Excellence ...
1997 to 2008
A remarkable transformation is underway. Under the leadership of a
new dean, the school positions itself and its graduates to make the most
of every competitive advantage offered by technology. Six new research
centers are established. And the b-school at last becomes the Robert H.
Smith School of Business.
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