Dean's Column

Smith School faculty pursue world-class, gamechanging research. But we are also aware that there is a wealth of knowledge and insight close at hand—in the heads of business practitioners, who have front-line experience with the kinds of urgent, complex issues we most want to address.

We are committed to engaging with the corporate community in a variety of ways for the mutual benefit of both companies and our students and faculty. Interactions between Smith students, faculty and business professionals enriches Smith’s curriculum and classroom activities, and ensures that the school’s educational and research focus is always relevant. That is why I am excited to announce the launch of our new Corporate Partners Program, to provide a venue for productive exchange and collaboration between the corporate world and the Smith School. Through it, we give companies access to world-renowned researchers and talented future employees. Corporate partners have opportunities to participate in professional development, sponsored research and events, employee recruitment and other individualized strategic investments, with the goal of bringing industry into full partnership with the Smith School.

The Corporate Partners program is a great way to connect with the entire Smith School community and complement any existing relationships you may already have with faculty or centers. Tim Dennis, our director of corporate relations, will work with you to develop a customized action plan to match your company’s needs and interests to the extraordinary faculty and resources available at Smith.

I hope you will connect directly with me or with Tim, tdennis@rhsmith.umd.edu, to learn more about how we can work together.