Recent Articles

Smith Enterprise Risk Consortium Releases Mortgage Credit Risk Index Results

The Smith Enterprise Risk Consortium (SERC) at UMD’s Smith School released Q2 2024 results for its Mortgage Credit Risk Index (MCRI) and Mortgage Redtail Risk Index (MRRI). SERC Director Clifford Rossi noted that credit risk remains stable despite a slight year-over-year rise.

Alumni

Smith Accounting Degree Gave Alumnus The “Edge” For Career In Investment Banking And Beyond

Ralph Dickerson ’92 built a dynamic career in investment banking, corporate strategy, and entrepreneurship. Speaking to Smith MBA students, he emphasized evolving as a leader and leveraging Emotional Intelligence. Now Managing Partner at R2 Partners, he continues shaping high-impact financial and strategic solutions.

Alumni

Alumna Credits Contacts at Smith, UMD for Help With App Development

Smith School alumna Lauren Der ’19 began her career in federal consulting before transitioning to the public sector as a Change Management Specialist for Montgomery County Government. She also developed Opsy, a health-tracking app inspired by her personal health journey.

Alumni

One Alumna and Entrepreneur’s Three-pronged Approach to Success

Shalanda Armstrong, MBA ’12, founded 100KM Ventures to support women-led startups in digital health and the future of work. With a background in engineering, strategy, and finance, she remains engaged with Smith, mentoring students and serving on advisory boards.

Smith Research

Consumer Spending Rises with Air Pollution: New Study

A study by Smith professor Michael Trusov and Sanghwa Kim finds South Korean consumers spend more on hedonic goods when air pollution rises, seeking mood-lifting purchases. Published in the Journal of Marketing, the research suggests implications for marketers and policymakers in responsible consumer engagement.

Alumni

Supporting the Next Generation: Double Smith Terp Pays It Forward

Debo Ayeni ’00, MBA ’07, leads Research and Analytics at ABR Capital Partners. A longtime Smith School supporter, he established a Maryland Promise Program Scholarship in 2024 and serves on the Accounting and Information Assurance Advisory Council. He believes in "paying it forward" to help future Smith students succeed.

Global Wild Cards and Their Impact on the Next Five Years

Kislaya Prasad, academic director of the Center for Global Business, hosted Erik Peterson at the center’s Distinguished Speakers in International Business Series. Peterson discussed key global trends, including middle powers, tariffs, corruption, and AI, highlighting economic uncertainties and geopolitical shifts shaping the next five years.

MQF Students Collaborate with Google Risk Experts for AI-Powered Financial Analysis

Smith MQF students, guided by SERC Director Clifford Rossi and Google’s Pedro Morales, use AI tools to analyze financial data for credit risk signals. This project builds on prior ELP successes in climate and credit risk modeling.

Smith Research

The Options Market Could Play a Role in How Credit Rating Agencies Deliver Ratings

Smith professor Musa Subasi’s research, published in Management Science, examines whether credit rating agencies use options market data to improve rating accuracy. His study finds that higher options trading volume correlates with more accurate ratings, offering insights for regulatory discussions on credit ratings.

World Class Faculty & Research

Smith’s Lemma Senbet Joins Bretton Woods Committee

Lemma W. Senbet, Dean’s Chaired Professor at the Smith School, has joined the Bretton Woods Committee, a leading advocate for global economic cooperation. A renowned finance scholar, Senbet was also inducted as a Fellow of the Academy of International Business in 2022.

TerpTax: Understanding Education Tax Credits

Education tax credits can significantly lower tax bills, says Smith professor Samuel Handwerger. The American Opportunity and Lifetime Learning credits offer key savings, but eligibility rules matter. Students may claim credits if parents opt out. TerpTax offers free tax prep through April 14.

Smith Research

A Guide For Using VR, AR Technology in Foreign Markets

Global businesses use AR and VR to engage consumers, but cultural differences impact success. Smith professor P.K. Kannan’s research finds foreign brands face challenges in South Korea’s XR market. Companies must tailor strategies, choose technology wisely, and build local brand communities.
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