Announcing the Retirement of Dana Smith
Associate Teaching Professor, Department of Information Systems
The Department of Information Systems at UMBC announces the retirement of Associate Teaching Professor Dana Smith, whose career in higher education has spanned more than three decades, including 25 years of dedicated service to our department.
Dana Smith joined UMBC in 2000 as a Teaching Assistant and steadily rose through the ranks to become Associate Teaching Professor in 2019. Throughout her tenure, Dana played a pivotal role in shaping undergraduate education within the Department of Information Systems. She advised countless students, championed academic integrity and student success, and played a key role in curriculum development and department service initiatives. Her leadership on committees such as Undergraduate Studies, Honors and Awards, and the Academic Conduct Committee reflects her commitment to the UMBC community.
Reflecting on Dana’s impact, department colleagues and leaders shared the following tributes:
“On behalf of the Department of Information Systems, I extend my sincere gratitude to Dana Smith for her exemplary service over the past 25 years. Dana’s steadfast commitment to student success, academic excellence, and institutional service has left a lasting imprint on our department. Her thoughtful approach to teaching, advising, and mentorship has shaped the academic and professional journeys of countless students. We celebrate her retirement with deep appreciation and wish her continued fulfillment and happiness in this next chapter.”
— Dr. Zhiyuan Chen, Chair, Department of Information Systems
“Dana and I began our careers at UMBC together in August 2000, both starting as lecturers and undergraduate advisors. From day one, she has been more than just a colleague — she has been a friend. Over the past 25 years, we have grown side by side, sharing both professional successes and challenges, as well as stories and moments from our personal lives. Dana has always had a genuine care for her students that made her a great advisor and a beloved teacher. She is respected for her fairness, integrity, and unwavering support of students — qualities that also contributed in her many years of service on departmental and university committees, especially during her time as chair of the Academic Conduct Committee. Dana’s presence will be deeply missed.”
— Dina Glazer, Associate Teaching Professor; Associate Undergraduate Program Director for Advising, Department of Information Systems
“Dana worked with a philosophy of supporting students’ hands-on skills. She looked at what makes the student successful in the workplace and provided tools to support them. She took a thoughtful approach to student needs in the classroom and often beyond, keeping in touch with them as alums too. I wish her the very best in the next chapter of her journey, where I am sure she will continue to be engaged and supportive of those around her.”
— Dr. Vandana Janeja, Former Chair, Department of Information Systems; Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Development, COEIT
“It has been a privilege to work alongside Dana during her many years of dedicated service to the IS department. As department chair during part of Dana’s tenure, I saw firsthand the care, commitment, and professionalism she brought to her teaching, advising, and service roles. Dana’s impact on students and colleagues alike has been profound. While we will miss Dana’s presence at UMBC, I wish her joy, strength, and fulfillment as she begins her next chapter—with her grandchildren, family, and community work. Our thoughts are with Dana and her sister.”
— Dr. Aryya Gangopadhyay, Former Chair, Department of Information Systems; Professor, UMBC
Beyond the classroom, Dana’s passion for community engagement and service was evident in her long-term volunteer work and leadership roles across numerous organizations, including the Maryland Concert Series and the Jude House.
Please join us in thanking Dana for her remarkable contributions to UMBC and in wishing her all the best in retirement. Her impact on our students, department, and broader community will be felt for years to come.