In less than a year, the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business has enrolled more than 50,000 learners worldwide in its free online Certificate in Artificial Intelligence and Career Empowerment, launched in May 2025 to boost AI literacy and support career transitions.

Jennifer Goforth BSOS ’94, a West Coast native with deep family ties to Maryland, has returned to campus as chief development officer at the Robert H. Smith School of Business. She will advance the university’s Forward campaign and support Dean Prabhudev Konana’s strategic priorities.

The University of Maryland’s Smith School of Business renamed four graduate programs to emphasize artificial intelligence and human ingenuity, highlighting experiential learning and responsible AI. Leaders say the changes strengthen curricula, prepare graduates to lead innovation, and reinforce Smith’s role.

The Financial Information Systems and Cybersecurity Forum examined emerging cyber fraud threats, research and policy issues, while honoring the 25th anniversary of the Gordon-Loeb Model. Faculty and experts highlighted evolving scams, data-driven insights and the model’s lasting influence on cybersecurity investment decisions.

The Smith School marks five years of growth with record enrollment, expanded academic programs, fundraising success, globally recognized research faculty, strong state and community partnerships, and an increased focus on AI, experiential learning, and preparing students to lead in a rapidly changing economy.

The Maryland Bankers Association and the University of Maryland’s Smith School launched a statewide Smith Banking Fellows Program, combining coursework, paid internships and industry-led development to prepare high-achieving undergraduates for banking careers, strengthening Maryland’s talent pipeline beginning in summer 2026.

The Comptroller of Maryland, in collaboration with the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, released a new scenario analysis, demonstrating the estimated, direct impact of spending and job cuts for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on Maryland jobs, wages, grants, and contracts.

Leaders from Amazon Research Initiatives and AWS visited UMD’s Smith School on Nov. 10, 2025, to explore research collaborations. Faculty shared innovative projects in AI, logistics, sustainability, and digital marketing, strengthening Smith’s partnership with Amazon and highlighting opportunities for future funding.

Alumnus Dan Ives, MBA ’00, returned to the Smith School to share insights from his Wall Street career, urging students to embrace persistence and adaptability as he discussed tech trends, AI’s rapid rise, and the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership.

The University of Maryland’s Smith School hosted the Maryland Veterans Small Business Week Celebration in College Park, honoring 12 veteran-owned businesses statewide for excellence in entrepreneurship, innovation and community service during National Veterans Small Business Week 2025.