Ritu Agarwal named Smith Interim Dean

Dear Colleagues:

After nearly 25 years of service to the University of Maryland, Alex Triantis has informed me of his intention to step down from his position as dean of the Robert H. Smith School of Business, and pursue a new opportunity as dean of the Johns Hopkins Carey School of Business. His last day with the university will be August 14, 2019.

During his tenure as dean, he has done a tremendous job transforming classroom teaching and student engagement, and building the Smith School’s reputation worldwide. This is evident by the school’s consistent recognition by leading publications, with three programs currently ranked in the top 10 nationally. The school's research reputation is reflected by its No. 17 ranking based on research publications in premier business journals over the past five years.

Under his leadership the school has invested in several new programs, including new master’s programs, new dual degree programs, and new minors for non-business undergraduates; and launched a number of new initiatives to ensure a highly inclusive and supportive environment for the school’s diverse student body.

I would like to express my gratitude to Dean Triantis for his service to the Smith School and the University.

I am pleased to announce that Dr. Ritu Agarwal has agreed to serve as Interim Dean while we undergo a national search for a replacement.

Dr. Agarwal is a Distinguished University Professor and currently serves as the Robert H. Smith Dean's Chair of Information Systems and Senior Associate of Faculty and Research at the Smith School of Business. She also founded, and is the Director of the Center for Health Information and Decision Systems (CHIDS). CHIDS, established in 2005, was the first research center within a business school to study the use and application of information technology in healthcare.

Dr. Agarwal has been with the university for 20 years. Her familiarity with the strategy and operations of the Business School will be significant and important for the faculty, students and staff. 

Please join me in welcoming Dr. Agarwal to her new role as Interim Dean. 

Sincerely,

Mary Ann Rankin, Ph.D.