Dean’s Column

Members of the Smith community recently came together to revise the school’s mission statement. After vigorous discussion and multiple drafts, we agreed on 30 words that guide our programs, initiatives and centers of excellence:

“The Smith School's mission is to create knowledge, promote a learning environment that fosters intellectual discovery, and equip current and future leaders to assess complex problems and deliver innovative solutions.” 

The statement starts with a commitment to creativity. Many people recognize art, music and poetry as creative pursuits. But research — the pursuit of new knowledge — requires similar genius and discipline. Faculty and students set the tone for the whole Smith community when they ask questions, connect dots and fill knowledge gaps. 

The school’s second pledge grows from this passion for research. We combine our discoveries with knowledge from other sources in a rich learning environment. We are a community of teachers and learners. 

Our final pledge is to open this community to current and future leaders facing complex challenges in a fast-changing global economy. This includes undergraduate students preparing for their first jobs, graduate students returning to school, and working professionals looking to boost their careers in our executive education programs. 

Combining our strengths as researchers and educators in an inclusive community of lifelong learners, we deliver innovative solutions that make the world a better place. Articles in this issue of Research @ Smith provide recent examples in the fields of marketing, management and organization, health care delivery and logistics. 

As someone who has lived the Smith experience for nearly 20 years, I know how much meaning is packed into each of the 30 words of the revised statement. We are a school on a mission, and we invite you to come along. 

Alex Triantis
Dean, Robert H. Smith School of Business
University of Maryland