UMSL College of Business students speak with Curators’ Distinguished Professor of Finance Gaiyan Zhang in Anheuser-Busch Hall. UMSL announced the naming of the college as the Ed G. Smith College of Business in honor of UMSL alum and marketing industry leader Ed G. Smith, the founder of American Direct Marketing Resources. (Photo by Derik Holtmann)

The University of Missouri–St. Louis is proud to announce the naming of its College of Business Administration as the Ed G. Smith College of Business. This naming is an unprecedented, one-time opportunity to bolster, transform, launch and sustain a broader and uniquely elevated experience for countless UMSL students for generations to come. The first named college in UMSL’s history was affirmed by the University of Missouri Board of Curators on June 26, 2025.

Through an expanded philanthropic investment, the Ed G. Smith College of Business will reach a level of distinction that is unmatched in the region and across the nation. It will propel the college – already a leader in social mobility and workforce development for Greater St. Louis – toward even greater levels of success. With this support, UMSL will deepen its impact and accelerate outcomes for students by:

• Increasing student scholarships and access to higher education;
• Expanding student success, experiential education and study abroad opportunities;
• Bolstering workforce, instructional excellence and community innovation.

“We cannot overstate the power and reach of this moment, for our university and our region,” Chancellor Kristin Sobolik said. “Ed Smith’s remarkable success and enduring generosity reflect the very best of what UMSL stands for – resilience, innovation and a commitment to community. The Ed G. Smith College of Business will empower generations of students to build impactful careers and strengthen the economic future of St. Louis and beyond.”

Smith’s two decades of philanthropic support to UMSL is rooted in his own story – one of perseverance, opportunity and transformation. Born in St. Louis, like many UMSL students, he was the first in his family to go to college. His decision to enroll at UMSL changed the course of his life. Smith went on to earn both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Missouri–St. Louis, launching a distinguished career in marketing and entrepreneurship.

Smith has led American Direct Marketing Resources since founding it in 1983. Under his leadership, the company has grown into a nationally respected, full-service direct response advertising agency serving top clients in consumer marketing and customer acquisition. A member of Delta Sigma Pi and Sigma Pi during his time at UMSL, Smith’s career reflects a deep commitment to entrepreneurial success and industry innovation.

His experience reflects the university’s mission to create pathways of economic mobility for students from all backgrounds — a mission that will now expand through the Ed G. Smith College of Business.

“I believe in the power of education and the opportunities it creates, and in the importance of giving back,” Smith said. “UMSL was the foundation for my path to success, and I’m honored to help UMSL ensure that future business leaders can find their own successful path forward.”

UMSL’s College of Business has long stood as a pillar of academic excellence and regional workforce development, with over 30,000 alumni, more than 80% of whom live and work in the St. Louis area. As the No. 1 educator of the region’s professional workforce, UMSL is deeply connected to the local economy and committed to student success.

The college is a nationally recognized leader in business education and is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business in both business and accounting – a distinction held by less than 2% of business schools worldwide. The college offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs, including top-ranked offerings in online MBA, international business, cybersecurity and supply chain analytics. That curriculum is designed to meet students where they are – with flexible, experience-based programs that support those balancing academics with work and family responsibilities. Through innovative curricula, experiential learning and strong industry partnerships, students are prepared to lead and transform organizations in a dynamic, global marketplace.

Guided by a new strategic plan and led by Dean Shu Schiller, the Ed G. Smith College of Business is entering a bold new era of excellence – one focused on student persistence, employer engagement and career-building opportunities.

“A sincere desire to ensure that every business student succeeds is the force that drives all UMSL faculty and staff,” Schiller said. “This investment will transform the learning experience for all business students in multiple ways, from their first on-campus coursework in a supportive learning environment to transformative study abroad experiences, and career and graduate school preparation. We are profoundly grateful to Mr. Smith for his belief in our mission and his commitment to building opportunity for generations to come.”

A public celebration and ribbon cutting will be held in August during the start of the 2025-26 academic year.