Welcome from the Dean

Are you inquisitive, determined, and energetic? Do you thrive on diversity? Are you an active participant within your community? You will fit right into the Smith family. Our family consists of dedicated faculty, devoted administrators, smart and challenging fellow students, loyal alumni, and committed corporate partners.

The Smith experience will transform you into a young business professional. You will become an agent of both economic prosperity and transformative social change. This is our Smith vision. And in keeping with our vision, you will become an active participant and connect to the nation’s capital, think on the forefront of business, address real world challenges, and grow as a global citizen.

We admit students who will bring a diverse set of skills, experiences, and passions that will contribute to an outstanding experience for all students. We believe that a successful Smith student leader is one who achieves individually, while enhancing the learning experience of his or her peers. Applicants with the strongest academic records are more likely to receive admissions when matched by the potential to make a significant contribution to the education of students at Smith and the University of Maryland.

As a Smith student, you’ll be expected to become involved in the life of your university and assist in building school pride and a strong community. You’ll be expected to become a leader – join a club, plan a conference, participate in Smith events, complete a summer internship, or design and implement your own initiative. Whatever you do, you’ll be expected to make a difference.

Smith attracts some of the best and brightest students from across the globe. While admission into Smith is highly selective, be assured that we review all completed applications "holistically" with no minimum cutoff for GPA or standardized test score. Grades and test scores provide a solid record of each candidate’s academic achievement. The essays broaden the committee’s understanding of each applicant's goals and motivations. And participation in your school and community activities reveals student interests and leadership potential. We are actively recruiting the most diverse group of exceptionally qualified future learners and leaders.

I recognize that selecting the right college for you can be daunting. Let me offer you some advice. Enjoy the ride. During your admissions process, take some time to learn something about yourself—your passions, your character, your standards; you might even enlighten yourself!

I wish you the best and much success.

Sincerely,

Victor C. Mullins, PhD
Associate Dean