World Class Faculty & Research
In Memoriam: M. Susan Taylor, Professor Emerita
Smith’s Lisa Sciannella Among World’s Best & Brightest Online MBAs
Smith Redesigns MBA Programs, Reducing Degree Requirements to 48 Credits
Alumni
May 22, 2026
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.
May 12, 2026
Why I Give: Craig ’79 and Lisa Adler, UMD ’79
Craig and Lisa Adler, both 1979 graduates of the University of Maryland, are making a significant estate gift to support students and scholarships, aiming to create lasting impact and expand access to education through the university’s Forward campaign long term.
March 23, 2026
Investing in the Future
Isa Farhat ’96 switched from architecture to accounting during a recession, building a career as a Deloitte partner. A first-generation student, he overcame personal challenges and now gives back to Smith through mentorship and support for future accounting professionals.
August 05, 2026
M. Susan Taylor, a University of Maryland Robert H. Smith School of Business professor emerita and former senior associate dean whose influential research, teaching and academic leadership shaped organizational behavior scholarship, died July 25 from Alzheimer's disease complications at 74.
August 03, 2026
New Smith School graduate and Chief of Staff at Helpsy Lisa Sciannella is among 52 standout peers from across the world’s top online MBA programs featured in Poets & Quants’ Best & Brightest Online MBAs: Class of 2026.
July 29, 2026
The University of Maryland's Smith School of Business will reduce MBA requirements from 54 to 48 credits starting with the fall 2026 cohort, redesigning its MBA programs to emphasize AI fluency, flexibility and affordability while maintaining academic rigor, leadership development.
Faculty Insights On Latest News
May 30, 2025
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
April 24, 2025
“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
October 04, 2024
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.
June 23, 2026
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.
May 20, 2026
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.
March 24, 2026
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.
