News

Managers often overlook employee innovations due to risk aversion. Smith researchers Vijaya Venkataramani and Kay Bartol found diverse networks—both managerial and employee—help ideas gain credibility and traction, fostering an environment where innovation is more likely to succeed.

Rajshree Agarwal, Smith’s Rudolph Lamone Chair in Strategy and Entrepreneurship, earned the 2025 STR Outstanding Educator Award for mentoring PhD students and leading research-driven programs for high schoolers, undergraduates, and executive MBAs at the Snider Center.

Smith faculty are shaping policy, business and society through influential research and public service. From AI and insurance reform to pay equity and public pensions, they’re winning top awards and earning national recognition for impact and innovation across disciplines.

Smith School professor Vijaya Venkataramani, a 2024 Distinguished Scholar-Teacher Award recipient, shared insights on workplace creativity during her lecture. She explored how social networks, team dynamics and leadership influence innovation, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and psychological safety.

AI job postings in the U.S. surged 68% since ChatGPT’s launch, despite a 17% decline in overall job postings. UMD-LinkUp AI Maps, led by Smith’s Anil K. Gupta, reveals AI’s rise as firms prioritize AI roles over traditional IT jobs.

Three Smith seniors were honored as Philip Merrill Presidential Scholars, recognizing mentorship’s impact. At a Nov. 1 ceremony, Abigail Manga, Adelina Seck, and Grayson Vintz celebrated their achievements alongside K-12 and Smith mentors, highlighting the program’s legacy of excellence.

Wendy Sanhai, PhD, MBA, has been appointed Visiting Professor of Practice in Management and Organization at the Smith School. She will also serve as Outreach Ambassador, collaborating with industry and agencies to advance research, education, and initiatives in life sciences.

Smith COIL Faculty Fellows, funded by federal grants, innovates business education by connecting University of Maryland students with peers abroad through COIL. Led by Rebecca Bellinger, this initiative pioneers collaborative online learning for global business courses, shaping the future of education.

The University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business faculty shapes future leaders in classrooms and drives global impact through groundbreaking research. Recently, 21 professors were ranked among the top 2% most-cited scholars worldwide by Elsevier. Explore their influential contributions elevating knowledge and inspiring the next generation of business leaders.

With the start of the spring 2024 semester comes new titles and positions for faculty members at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business.