Smith Grad Seldon Warner Among Poets & Quants’ 2026 MBAs to Watch

Seldon Warner, a combat veteran and deep‑tech strategist from Miles City, Montana, has been selected as one of Poets & Quants’ “2026 MBAs to Watch,” representing the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business.

Warner came to Smith after serving as a Staff Sergeant and Infantry Paratrooper in the U.S. Army’s 173rd Airborne Brigade in Italy and later in the Army’s historic Old Guard in Arlington, Virginia. He brought with him what he describes as “the grit of the Montana Badlands” and a leadership philosophy forged on the frontlines of Afghanistan.

At Smith, he channeled that discipline into entrepreneurship, leading commercialization efforts for Quantum Catalyzer, USPlasma Inc., and ArQ Sensors—turning lab‑scale concepts into funded ventures through investor‑grade financial modeling and go‑to‑market strategy.

He interned at Quantum Catalyzer in summer 2025 and returned after graduation as Director of Strategy and Development, helping build companies at the world’s first quantum venture studio.

Paulo Prochno, the DBA program director and clinical professor of management and organization, said Warner had a distinct impact on the program. “Seldon stands out as one of those rare individuals who truly excels across every dimension,” Prochno told Poets & Quants. “He combines creativity and originality of thought with a strong drive to execute, turning complex insights into meaningful, tangible outcomes.”

Warner credits Smith’s close‑knit veteran community—especially mentorship from Frank Goertner, director of federal and veteran affairs—with shaping his experience. He also points to the Technology Entrepreneurship course taught by Dean’s Professor of Entrepreneurship Brent Goldfarb as the framework he now uses to build and launch startups.

Reflecting further on his Smith experience, Warner said he wishes he had embraced his non‑traditional background sooner. “Transitioning from the Infantry to business school left me feeling like I wasn’t meant to be here,” he shared. “It took time to realize that my grit, operational discipline, and perspective as a Veteran and father were not a liability, but my greatest competitive advantage.”

Warner’s long‑term goals include seeing a startup through a successful exit and building a company that gives back to the veteran community. As Prochno noted, “With his talent, discipline, and vision, he is well‑positioned to achieve truly outstanding things.”

Read Warner’s Q&A profile as part of Poet & Quants 2026 MBAs to Watch.