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Student

Full Circle Moment as Terp Nick Cross Takes the Field for the Washington Commanders

Washington Commanders safety Nick Cross returns home to the DMV, where the Bowie native, DeMatha graduate and former Maryland football player is continuing his NFL career while giving back to his community and planning to complete his Smith finance degree.

Alumni

Meet the Marketing Graduate Who Kept UMD’s Biggest Secret for Four Years

Luke Hanson ’26 secretly portrayed the University of Maryland mascot Testudo for four years while studying management and marketing. He applied classroom lessons to Testudo’s social media strategy and, after graduation, became Talon, Major League Soccer club D.C. United’s mascot.

Alumni

A Missed Bus Led To A Meet Cute

It was a Maryland connection meant to be. Despite Lauren Niffenegger Lumpp ‘09 and Nick Lumpp ‘09 both studying at the Robert H. Smith School of Business, Lauren in accounting and Nick in finance, it was a bus that never showed up during their first few weeks in College Park that brought them together. 

News

UMD Smith Appoints Former BECU CRO John Stewart to Lead the Smith Enterprise Risk Consortium

The Smith School has named John Stewart director and executive-in-residence of the Smith Enterprise Risk Consortium. The former BECU chief risk officer will expand industry partnerships, practitioner training and applied analytics while strengthening collaboration among faculty, students and risk professionals.

Smith’s Jaclyn Mathai Among Best & Brightest Executive MBAs in Class of 2026

Poets & Quants named Smith EMBA ’26 student Jaclyn Field Mathai among its Best & Brightest Executive MBAs. The Walt Disney Company data science leader credits Smith with strengthening her leadership through purposeful reflection, AI-focused learning and navigating uncertainty with empathy.

Marketing Trailblazer Establishes $15M Gift, Renames Newest Van Munching Hall Wing

Stephen M. Schanwald ’77 committed $15 million to the University of Maryland, supporting the Smith School’s sports management program and a new golf performance center. His latest gift brings his total commitment to UMD’s Forward campaign to $33 million.

Smith Brain Trust

Faculty Insights On Latest News

Summer Reading List 2025

Get ready for summer with the 22nd Annual Summer Reading List for Business Leaders—featuring Smith School faculty picks on investing, neuroscience, human connection, and more, including a novel inspired by a radio show turned TV series.

Management and Organization

“The Future is Not What it Used to Be”

Ambiguity arises when choices must be made despite unclear outcomes, says Professor J. Gerald Suarez. In today’s fast-paced world, discernment, flexibility, and embracing uncertainty—not rigid control—are key to navigating change, complexity, and an unpredictable future.

Marketing

Small Businesses Take Big Hit from Apple’s Privacy Regulation

Smith marketing professor Daniel McCarthy's research found that Apple's 2021 App Tracking Transparency (ATT) significantly impacted small direct-to-consumer businesses. ATT caused a 37% drop in ad click-through rates and up to a 60% revenue decline for smaller firms reliant on Facebook ads.

Research

Management and Organization

Why Uber’s Business Model Gives it an Edge Against Robotaxis in the Ride Hailing Race

UMD Smith researchers found ride-hailing platforms like Uber and Lyft remain more profitable and adaptable than robotaxi operators such as Waymo. The study warns autonomous vehicle expansion could increase congestion and wait times, while platform-based services retain strategic and cost advantages for now.

Marketing

From Classroom to Publication: Smith Tech Management Capstone Project Becomes Published Research

A collaboration between a unique nonprofit and a tireless group of Smith Technology Management students has resulted in the program’s first published research.

Management and Organization

Referred for the Job, Less Welcome by the Team

Employee referrals can aid hiring but carry hidden downsides. Research by Smith’s Rellie Derfler-Rozin finds staff often see referred hires as less meritorious and offer less support, despite strong performance. Clear communication about hiring rigor and involving employees can reduce bias.

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