Smith Profiles

Student Profile
Seizing Opportunity: Smith Student Leads While Learning
Darrell Lipscomb, MS Accounting ’25
Darrell Lipscomb, MS Accounting ’25, a former Army chaplain's assistant, leads with service and drive. Now Smith Master’s Student Association president, he’s building community, mentoring peers, and preparing for a finance career—with a KPMG internship and CPA goals ahead.

Student Profile
Building a Legacy of Service
DBA Candidate Brendan Dunne’s Journey from the Army to Academia
After 20 years in the U.S. Army, Brendan Dunne, DBA ’26, is now co-founder of Lovelace AI and a member of the Smith School’s DBA program. Committed to service, he mentors future leaders while advancing national security innovation and supporting veterans’ causes.

Student Profile
Charting New Waters
Takesha Brown’s Path from the U.S. Navy to Smith DBA Program
After 13 years in the U.S. Navy, Takesha Brown, DBA ’26, transitioned to consulting within the Department of Defense. Now Director of Branding and Digital Strategy at ITC, she’s leveraging AI and analytics through Smith’s DBA program, aiming to drive innovation and impact.

Student Profile
Seeking to Innovate the Business of Healthcare
Sarah Burney, MBA ’27, MD ’28
Sarah Burney, a Maryland native with dual bachelor’s degrees in biological sciences and health administration, is pursuing an MD/MBA to gain interdisciplinary skills for healthcare leadership. Her goal is to innovate rural healthcare delivery while balancing clinical needs with financial sustainability.

Student Profile
Following a Passion for Medicine and Business
Kwame Armah, MBA ’27, MD ’28
Kwame Armah, MBA ’27, MD ’28 from Cumming, Georgia, aims to leverage an MD/MBA from UMD's Smith School to address healthcare economics, focusing on innovative, patient-centered care and leadership in the medical field.

Student Profile
Belonging in Business
Jeffrey Kyei-Asare, a Class of '25 student at Smith, proves his business acumen with StreetLoveDMV, winning $20,000 at Pitch Dingman Competition and earning recognition from Vice President Harris.

Student Profile
Finding a Fit With Accounting
Carina Ruyter, Class of ’25, MS ’26
When Carina Ruyter, Class of ’25, stumbled upon an online quiz suggesting a career in accounting, it felt like a perfect match for her lifelong love of math and puzzles, setting her on an unexpected yet fulfilling path at the Smith School. Now, enrolled in the Plus 1 program, she’s on track to graduate with an MS in accounting in 2026.

Student Profile
Accounting Undergrad Takes Stock of Her Smith Experience
Jordan Williamson ’24
Jordan Williamson ’24 carries on her family's legacy at the University of Maryland's Smith School of Business, but she's not just following in their footsteps; she's blazing her own trail. With a passion for accounting and international business, she embraces unique experiences, from studying abroad to running a jewelry business.

Student Profile
Undergrad Reflects on Making the Most of Her Smith School Experience
Miriam Oke ’24
Miriam Oke, class of 2024, leaves an indelible mark on the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business. As a finance major and merit scholar, she’s led initiatives like the Women’s Empowerment Institute and championed diversity. Explore her journey shaping communities and pursuing finance, plus her vision for the future.

Student Profile
Shady Grove MBA Student Driven by Parents’ Sacrifices
Daniel Alegbeleye, Flex MBA Class of ’25
Daniel Alegbeleye, a determined law school graduate, defies the odds by prioritizing education over Division 1 football offers. Now pursuing an MBA at the University of Maryland, he intertwines his business acumen with a passion for social justice, inspired by his parents' sacrifices. A market development manager at National Nail, he embraces leadership, teamwork, and community engagement.