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Robert H. Smith School of Business

Leadership in a Rewired World

Why the Smith School of Business

At the University of Maryland Robert H. Smith School of Business, we know that business is everyone's business. We are committed to helping students to become adaptive, ethical and forward-looking leaders.

We offer a transformational, integrated, interdisciplinary experience that unleashes student creativity. We build their ability to think critically and independently, empowering them to build a prosperous future for all.

We reimagine learning, curricula and programs. We are leaders for AI in business.

We address grand challenges and Do Good. We pursue societal impact and the economic development of our communities.

We invest in people and communities—serving students, faculty, staff and members of our larger community at every turn. 

We are future-focused, committed to sparking innovation and navigating intelligent technologies, risk and resilience in the Age of AI and Global Realignment.

Our Momentum

#14

public undergraduate program

U.S. News & World Report, 2025 Best Business Schools

#9

public full-time MBA program

Bloomberg Businessweek, 2025 Best Business Schools and MBA Program

#9

business school for learning

Bloomberg Businessweek, 2025 Best Business Schools and MBA Program

Why now

In a world transformed by intelligent technologies, persistent financial and climate disruptions and the realignment of global supply chains, leadership must be redefined. The next generation of leaders must be capable of guiding organizations, institutions and communities through complex, high-stakes challenges—with AI-powered insight, a deep understanding of systemic risk and a commitment to building resilient local economies in an era of global volatility.

We are guided by this bold vision for the future, and are committed to bringing it to life through four powerful priorities. We are investing in the modernization of our infrastructure to create exceptional learning environments where innovation and excellence can thrive. We are committed to expanding scholarships and fellowships that open doors, break down barriers and empower our students to pursue their ambitions with confidence. We are strengthening the programs of distinction that define our identity and elevate our impact. And through the Dean’s Strategic Fund, we are fueling innovation and laying the essential groundwork for continued growth and transformation. 

With your investment, we will build a stronger Smith School—and shape a brighter future for all who are part of our community.

Group photo with dog.

We have ambitious goals, and achieving these goals is possible only through your support of the Smith School.

Prabhudev Konana

Dean, Robert H. Smith School of Business

Our Priorities

Fuel the Future, Spark Innovation, Launch Leaders

With your philanthropic support, we can expand opportunities for students and faculty, empower tomorrow's leaders and shape the future of global business in a rewired world.  

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To drive impactful research, serve our community and provide outstanding experiences for our students, we must fuel new thinking through our Centers of Excellence and innovation funds.

Invest in the Future: Innovation and Ideas

A person stands in front of a group of students in a room with yellow walls.

Your gifts provide the foundational support students need to pursue ambitious goals with confidence and freedom, while enabling faculty to lead high-impact research and deliver transformative teaching.  

Invest in Excellence: Student and Faculty Support

Two students stand in front of a projection screen, pointing to the images on the screen.

Renovating and expanding Van Munching Hall—home of the Smith Business School—is critical, ensuring we can accommodate growth while providing access to cutting-edge technology and best-in-class learning spaces.

Invest in Expansion: Reimagine Van Munching Hall

Dean Konana addresses a room full of people.

With your support, we can make investments in the programs that provide exceptional beyond-the-classroom, action-oriented learning experiences for our students.

Invest in Opportunity: Dean’s Strategic Fund

Leaders & Champions

A person with long, brown hair smiles, wearing a black shirttop

Pallavi Agarwal ’05
Donor, UMCP Foundation Trustee

Maryland challenged and empowered me, providing a community that continues to inspire me.

A man smiles, wearing a light blue dress shirt under a dark blue suit jacket.

Debo Ayeni ‘00, MBA ‘07
Donor, Smith School Advisory Council Member

I feel a natural desire to pay it forward and help the next generation of Smith students.

A woman smiles, wearing a necklace, a white top, and a blue-gray suit jacket.

Rose Horan Cohen, MBA ‘03 
Donor, UMCP Foundation Trustee

Smith was transformational for me and, as my husband always reminds me, our best investment ever!

Steve Schanwald is standing next to a railing in an academic building, with his hands in his pockets.

Stephen M. Schanwald ‘77
Donor, Schanwald Sports Management Advisory Council Member

It feeds my soul to know I'm making a difference in people's lives.