Smith MBA Program Among World's Best in Aspen Institute's "Beyond Grey Pinstripes" Sustainability Ranking

The Center for Social Value Creation led the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business to a No. 37 global ranking (No. 28 U.S.) in the Aspen Institute’s 2011-2012 “Beyond Grey Pinstripes” survey of business schools. Schools are recognized for demonstrating significant leadership in integrating social, environmental and ethical issues into their MBA programs.

Since launching in fall 2009, the Center for Social Value Creation has championed student programs, coursework and faculty research that explores how business can be a vehicle for economic prosperity and social and environmental change.

“It’s good to see the Aspen Institute recognize the efforts of business schools working to infuse their programs with content that explores the social and environmental impacts of business —critical lessons for all future business leaders,” said Dean G. “Anand” Anandalingam. “Here at the Smith School, we are committed to exposing our students to courses and experiences that will help them make decisions that are not only good business, but also good for society and the planet.”

With the center’s efforts and the leadership of Dean Anand, the Smith School surged ahead in the “Beyond Grey Pinstripes” ranking, up from a previous slot of 94. Melissa Carrier, executive director of the center, attributes the impressive jump to faculty efforts and the great strides they’ve made with the center to integrate social value creation content into current coursework and introduce new elective classes. Smith was ranked No. 22 globally for its relevant coursework.

“This ranking shows the impact the Center for Social Value Creation has had since we launched,” said Carrier. “This just builds on our momentum as we continue to grow and help shape the MBA student experience here at Smith.”

The center is an integral part of the newly required MBA “Smith Experience,” a curriculum component that will have students participating in hands-on experiential learning opportunities.

The center’s Grassroots.org Social Venture Consulting program, which pairs MBAs with nonprofits for business consulting projects, will have students gaining real-world experience that will help propel their careers. CSVC leads global study courses to explore social value creation concepts and organizations abroad. It also sponsors student competitions, speaker events and clubs.

The complete “Beyond Grey Pinstripes” ranking of the Top 100 MBA Programs is available at www.beyondgreypinstripes.org. This year, 149 business schools from 22 countries participated.