We Are Smith: Bobvita Salters

Vita cultivates the talent of Smith's vibrant community.

Faculty and staff, have no fear -- Vita Salters, director of human resources, is here with cheer! Whether she's unlocking the staff's potential through the UMD-Smith Leadership Academy or bringing the Smith community together in innovative ways, Vita is always looking to foster faculty and staff growth.

We are an encouraging, collaborative community. We Are Smith.

What career achievement makes you most proud?

Developing and implementing the UMD-Smith Leadership Academy in partnership with the Office of Executive Programs. I am proud to say that the Leadership Academy has gone from an idea that was put on paper to being a program that is offered campus wide.

If you could meet any historical figure, who would it be?

Dr. Maya Angelou, her words have touched so many people and I would have been honored to have had the opportunity to be in her presence.

What is the most interesting thing you have in your office?

A framed quote called Crayons: We could learn a lot from crayons: some are sharp, some are pretty, some are dull, some have weird names.  All are different colors…but they all have learned to live in the same box.

What drives your passion for Smith?

Being an HR professional, I am very people oriented and I love the diversity in the organization. Our faculty and staff come from all walks of life from around the world.

If you could give advice to a large group of people, what would it be?

Enjoy your moments. Life is too short; don’t sweat the small stuff.  

You have a completely open weekend – where are you and what are you doing?

Hanging with my 8-year-old nephew!

Who are your heroes in real life?

My father and maternal grandmother who have passed away.

If money were no object, what one project would you tackle at Smith?

A Smith Employee Lounge and a fitness studio.

If you were to die and come back as a thing, what would it be?

A bird – so that I would be able to fly all around and see all that the world has to offer.

You have a lunch meeting at Ledo – what’s on your pizza?

Spinach and pepperoni

What’s your favorite memory from your time at Smith?

Our Smith School Holiday parties!

If you won the lottery, what would you buy?

I would spoil my family rotten and then invest the rest.

The We Are Smith campaign highlights the dedicated faculty, staff, students and alumni at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business. Each person featured fits into one of Smith’s four brand pillars: world-class faculty and research; entrepreneurial spirit; experiential learning; and collaborative community. #WeAreSmith @SmithSchool on Twitter.