The University of Maryland’s Smith School received $1.031 million in federal funding to help Maryland small businesses adopt AI, offering tools, training and research to improve efficiency, expand access and support economic growth statewide, officials said.

William J. “Bill” Fishlinger ’71, CEO of Gramercy Risk Holdings, shared lessons on leadership, risk and decision-making at the Smith School’s Dean’s Distinguished Speaker Series, emphasizing responsibility, curiosity, communication, innovation and perspective in business.

University of Maryland football coach Michael Locksley partnered with business faculty to co-teach a leadership course, sharing career insights with students. A campus discussion highlighted lessons on resilience, values, accountability and preparing students and athletes for success beyond football future.

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.