Strengthening Programs and Centers of Excellence—$4.5 million
The Merrick School of Business creates innovative academic programs, pursues public and private partnerships, conducts applied research and provides local, regional and international business expertise to the greater Baltimore community. Our centers and programs serve as idea incubators and give students opportunities for real-world application of classroom content. This Campaign will strengthen established centers and add new capacities within the business school.
Applied Finance Technology Lab. In conjunction with the rollout of our new Master’s of Science in Finance program, we are developing a state-of-the-art financial research and teaching center that bridges financial theory and practice. We are committed to creating an environment where academic theories are brought to life through real and simulated exercises. The lab will integrate technology into the learning experience, including financial and investment data, trading software and the advanced equipment available to corporate financiers and Wall Street traders.
Accounting Honors Program. This program will enhance UB’s regional reputation by offering a select group of outstanding accounting majors the opportunity to participate in a progressive and enriched curriculum that incorporates active discussion of advanced topics. The program will provide challenging, stimulating and enriching opportunities, including small class sizes, customized co-curricular activities, and exceptional internship and full-time employment opportunities.
Entrepreneurial Opportunity Center (EOC). As Baltimore has shifted from large corporate headquarters to small business and entrepreneurial enterprises, the Merrick School of Business has responded with expertise and assistance. Less than half of small businesses survive for more than four years after start-up—but when they receive coaching, the rate jumps to 87 percent. That difference is EOC’s reason for being.
The center delivers coaching, counseling and support for new ventures in Baltimore. In addition to its hatchery and incubation program, the center offers an innovative Business Consulting Services program. Students employed as contracted consultants to area firms provide research, operational and financial analysis, and business planning. To date, the EOC’s outreach efforts have connected to more than 2,500 area professionals. With Campaign support, the EOC will :
- increase its support to student entrepreneurs,
- expand its coaching and support services to local companies, and
- enhance awareness of UB in the business community.
Center for Global Business Leadership (CGBL). Creating sustainable value and global solutions is one of our greatest opportunities. To thrive in our 21st-century environment, the state of Maryland needs to prepare its business leaders, present and future, for a new and exciting world of global change and collaboration. Our aim at the Merrick School of Business is to enable students to become globally responsible leaders and to equip them with the knowledge, skills and competencies to succeed in this complex and dynamic environment. They will learn to respond to resource scarcity, a low-carbon economy and doing business in emerging markets; understand the business risks and opportunities of environmental and social trends; factor these trends into strategic decision making; and address the complex issues of sustainability and corporate social responsibility.
With Campaign support, the Merrick School of Business will:
- develop a Global Sustainability and Social Enterprise Consortium,
- prepare an annual global activity report for Maryland businesses,
- expand educational programs and consulting services for Maryland businesses,
- organize conferences on issues related to globalization, sustainability and corporate social responsibility, and
- support faculty research projects with global partners.
Center for Real Estate and Economic Development (CREED). Never has the national debate been more ready to focus on issues of land use and development. As entire neighborhoods are shuttered from foreclosures, we need to analyze housing and commercial development within the center city/suburban/exurban configurations. We need to look at the successes and failures of “smart growth” policies, the opportunities inherent in microenterprise lending in our own nation and the creative partnerships that can renew communities using sustainable practices.
Given Campaign resources, the Merrick School of Business will develop a Center for Real Estate and Economic Development to serve as an educational and research center for these and related issues. It will:
- become a nexus for speakers, seminars, conferences and networking events,
- work with the Jacob France Institute to publish real data relating to commercial and residential construction, rental prices, sales, building permits, housing affordability, household income and population trends,
- participate in government and private research on economic development projects,
- analyze property tax effects and the impact of related public policy measures, and
- examine smart growth initiatives and other land-use issues.
Jacob France Institute (JFI). The JFI is one of Maryland’s most highly respected sources of research and statistical information for business and government agencies. Its research and reports help ensure that policies and decisions are based on the most accurate and timely information. Key elements of the JFI’s services include research focused on economic development, labor and employment trends, and outcome assessment of education and training programs. With Campaign support, the JFI will:
- produce and distribute the Business Climate Survey for Maryland, and
- continue its work with the Baltimore Neighborhood Indicators Alliance, a multi-institutional project to strengthen the city’s neighborhoods and make them more livable.
Speaker Series. At the Merrick School of Business, we seek to provide a forum for our students and the business community to reflect on current business trends and forge new tools for a changing business environment. To this end, we are establishing an annual speaker series, which will need ongoing support. To the extent that we can attract speakers with national and global reputations, we will enhance our reputation and visibility while providing valuable perspectives.
