Smith And Amazon Explore Current and Future Paths in Collaborative Research
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 Who Coined The “AI Revolution” Returns To Smith To Talk Tech and Stocks
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.
Maryland Veteran Small Businesses Owners Honored During 3rd Annual Event
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.
Speakers Present Contrasting Views on Elimination of DEI Policies in Steamboat Institute Campus Liberty Tour Debate
Experts debated government bans on DEI programs at the Smith School during the Steamboat Institute’s Liberty Tour. Jason Riley argued for merit-based color blindness, while Rick Banks defended DEI’s nuanced value. Leaders emphasized open, reasoned, and empathetic discourse.
UMD’s Sports Management Program is Dedicated in Moving Celebration Hosted by Smith
The University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business dedicated the Stephen M. Schanwald Sports Management Program, honoring alumnus Steve Schanwald ’77 for his $18 million commitment. The program prepares students for leadership in the sports industry through experiential learning and mentorship.
Over 100 Advisory Council Members Collaborate and Build Community at the Fourth Annual Gathering
More than 100 industry advisors and alumni gathered at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business for the fourth annual Advisory Council Day, sharing insights, mentoring students, and strengthening connections across the school’s undergraduate and graduate programs.
Smith School Hosts Regional Conference on Open Inquiry in Higher Education
The Smith School served as the venue for the Heterodox Academy Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference on Sept. 26–27, 2025, where academic leaders discussed advancing open inquiry by emphasizing evidence-based reasoning, distinguishing discomfort from threats and adapting to today’s rapidly evolving information landscape.
The High Five
The Smith School launched an exciting semester with its largest freshman class, surging program enrollments, and major alumni gifts supporting research and entrepreneurship. Faculty were honored, innovative learning initiatives expanded, and events promoted discourse and collaboration, advancing accessible, forward-looking business education.
Former Deputy Treasury Secretary Michael Faulkender Shares Candid Economic Policy Views
Former Deputy Treasury Secretary and William E. Longbrake Professor of Finance Michael Faulkender joined Dean Prabhudev Konana for the first Dean’s Distinguished Speaker Series, discussing tariffs, fiscal policy, inflation, manufacturing, and the Federal Reserve, while urging students to engage in civil, independent dialogue.
Smith Programs Challenge Students to Think Independently
The Smith experience emphasizes independent thinking, civil discourse and global engagement. Through immersive programs, debate series and initiatives like the Fact-Based Discourse Initiative, students collaborate across disciplines to tackle challenges, develop leadership skills and prepare to lead with curiosity and integrity.