Centers & Initiatives

Pioneering business research can prepare students to be transformational business leaders, and equip companies to transform themselves and their markets.

At the Smith School we have created a cluster of Centers of Excellence that serve as the intersection of scholarship and the marketplace, putting breakthrough research at the service of students and companies. Each of our centers immerses our students in complex and evolving marketplaces in which success depends on critical thinking, creativity and entrepreneurship. 

We have also added exciting new Initiatives to further augment the learning experience, align with industry and government trends, and chart the future of business.

Centers

Center for Artificial Intelligence in Business

The Center for Artificial Intelligence in Business pioneers AI research and outreach. With a focus on human judgment and creativity, it fosters safe, innovative products and services through intentional AI-enabled design and governance frameworks.

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Center for Excellence in Service

The Center for Excellence in Service (CES) is an academic research center with a network of Smith faculty members who are thought leaders in service marketing and management. 

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Center for Financial Policy
Center for Financial Policy

The Center for Financial Policy leverages the Smith School’s world-renowned faculty, leading research, and proximity to Washington, D.C. to promote a collaborative exchange of ideas on the key issues that affect financial markets.

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Center for Global Business

The Center for Global Business (CGB) is the driver of internationalization and global mindset education at the Smith School and a preferred partner for international commerce in the state of Maryland, specifically in regard to training and supporting students, companies, and current and future business leaders to engage successfully in global business.

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Center for Social Value Creation

The Center for Social Value Creation embodies a passionate mission: to educate, engage and empower the Smith community and the world through thought-provoking dialogue, thought leadership, and hands-on experience.

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Dingman-Lamone Center for Entrepreneurship

At the Dingman-Lamone Center, we create an inclusive environment where we educate, empower and equip students with the business skills needed to be an entrepreneur and the resources necessary to make their business ideas a reality.

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Ed Snider Center for Enterprise and Markets

The guiding principle for the Ed Snider Center is that social progress is born of free and creative individuals who, driven by self-motivation, passion, and a positive approach to trading value for value, make the world a better place. 

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Supply Chain Management Center

The Supply Chain Management Center at the Robert H. Smith School of Business is dedicated to conducting research and education designed to further the discipline of supply chain management.

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Initiatives

Smith Analytics Consortium

Expanding understanding of business analytics and relevant careers, the Robert H. Smith School of Business runs the Smith Analytics Consortium (SAC). A partnership between industry and Smith’s diverse, inclusive community, the Consortium serves as a central hub for networking, thought leadership, experiential learning, co-curricular activities and collaboration opportunities enhancing the Smith student experience and giving back to the business community.

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Initiative for Veteran Lifelong Leadership
Initiative for Veteran Lifelong Leadership

Promoting veterans as strategic assets for a united economy.

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Future of Government Management Initiative

The imperatives facing America's government and market leaders have rarely overlapped with the complexity they do today. At the Smith School, we aim to help with new programs and partnerships to promote the future of U.S. public-private talent, training, and research.

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Smith Enterprise Risk Consortium

Corporate risk officers are grappling with a host of nontraditional risks associated with and ranging from cyber to climate. The Smith Enterprise Risk Consortium recognizes these emerging risks and endeavors to address them through research, tools and education.

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Climate Finance and Risk Management at UMD

The University of Maryland combines its world-class expertise in climate science, finance, and public policy to prepare our partners to plan for and respond to the opportunities and risks of a changing climate. 

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Financial Wellness

The Financial Wellness Center at the University of Maryland is poised to revolutionize financial literacy among students, empowering them to make informed financial decisions that pave the way for lifelong success.

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News

November 18, 2025
Amid Competitive Job Market, International Skills Give Students an Edge
New research from the Center for Global Business shows that study abroad programs enhance students’ career outcomes—leading to quicker job placement, higher salaries, and stronger global skills—highlighting how international experiences help graduates stand out in a competitive, tech-driven job market.
Read News Story : Amid Competitive Job Market, International Skills Give Students an Edge
November 10, 2025
Maryland Veteran Small Businesses Owners Honored During 3rd Annual Event
The University of Maryland’s Smith School hosted the Maryland Veterans Small Business Week Celebration in College Park, honoring 12 veteran-owned businesses statewide for excellence in entrepreneurship, innovation and community service during National Veterans Small Business Week 2025.
Read News Story : Maryland Veteran Small Businesses Owners Honored During 3rd Annual Event
November 3, 2025
Speakers Present Contrasting Views on Elimination of DEI Policies in Steamboat Institute Campus Liberty Tour Debate
Experts debated government bans on DEI programs at the Smith School during the Steamboat Institute’s Liberty Tour. Jason Riley argued for merit-based color blindness, while Rick Banks defended DEI’s nuanced value. Leaders emphasized open, reasoned, and empathetic discourse.
Read News Story : Speakers Present Contrasting Views on Elimination of DEI Policies in Steamboat Institute Campus Liberty Tour Debate
October 30, 2025
Students From Across Campus Team up for Global Case Competition
Students from across the University of Maryland participated in the Center for Global Business’ Careers Crossing Borders Case Interview Competition, developing global business skills while presenting market expansion strategies for biotech firm AkriVita. The event fostered cross-campus collaboration, networking, and professional readiness.
Read News Story : Students From Across Campus Team up for Global Case Competition
October 27, 2025
AI Interview Prep Platform Guides Students From Classroom to Career
A student-led team at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business created STRATPATH AI, an experiential learning platform that uses artificial intelligence to simulate interviews, automate case grading and provide real-time feedback to better prepare students for careers.
Read News Story : AI Interview Prep Platform Guides Students From Classroom to Career
October 9, 2025
Smith Students Solve Real-World Problems With Real-World Companies All Year Long
Smith School students engage year-round in experiential learning through consulting projects with startups and established companies. Programs like the MBA Practicum and CSVC’s Impact Consulting Fellowship build leadership, teamwork and real-world problem-solving skills across industries and disciplines.
Read News Story : Smith Students Solve Real-World Problems With Real-World Companies All Year Long
October 7, 2025
Global Trade Professionals Share Their Knowledge During Careers Crossing Borders Kick-Off Event
Students at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business gathered Sept. 25 for the first Careers Crossing Borders “Mini Roundtable on Careers in Global Trade,” where professionals shared insights and networking opportunities on navigating evolving global markets and trade careers.
Read News Story : Global Trade Professionals Share Their Knowledge During Careers Crossing Borders Kick-Off Event
October 6, 2025
Strategic Thinking Meets Sustainability in Carbon Market Simulation
The Center for Social Value Creation and the Office of Sustainability partnered for a Carbon Offset Market Simulation, engaging students in real-world sustainability decision-making. The event fostered strategic thinking, collaboration, and awareness of how business choices impact the planet and local communities.
Read News Story : Strategic Thinking Meets Sustainability in Carbon Market Simulation
October 6, 2025
Smith School Hosts Regional Conference on Open Inquiry in Higher Education
The Smith School served as the venue for the Heterodox Academy Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference on Sept. 26–27, 2025, where academic leaders discussed advancing open inquiry by emphasizing evidence-based reasoning, distinguishing discomfort from threats and adapting to today’s rapidly evolving information landscape.
Read News Story : Smith School Hosts Regional Conference on Open Inquiry in Higher Education
October 2, 2025
Reflecting on a Summer of Experiential Learning and Economic Impact at CGB
The Center for Global Business relaunched its Maximizing Maryland Graduate Internship Program and sent undergraduates abroad through its Global Summer Internship Program, connecting 31 students with employers worldwide. Students gained real-world experience while companies benefited from strong talent in global operations and strategy.
Read News Story : Reflecting on a Summer of Experiential Learning and Economic Impact at CGB
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