UMSL names College of Business after completion of alum and leader of the Marketing industry Ed G. Smith
The Ed G. Smith College of Business will speed up UMSL’s ability to attract, educate and support more students to obtain commercial diplomas and enter the labor market as highly qualified professionals.

The students of the UMSL shop of businesses speak with the distinguished professor of the Gaiyan Zhang financing commissioners at Anheuser-Busch Hall. UMSL has announced the name of the college as Ed G. Smith College of Business in honor of the former UMSL and the leader of the Marketing Industry Ed G. Smith, founder of American Direct Marketing Resources. (Photo by Derik Holtmann)
THE University of Missouri – St. Louis is proud to announce the name of his business administration college such as the Ed G. Smith College of Business. This name is an unprecedented and unique opportunity to strengthen, transform, launch and maintain a broader and unique experience for countless UMSL students for future generations. The first named college in the history of the UMSL was confirmed by the Conservative Council of the University of Missouri June 26, 2025.
Thanks to an enlarged philanthropic investment, the Ed G. Smith College of Business will reach an unrivaled level of distinction in the region and across the country. He will propel the college – already a leader in social mobility and the development of the workforce for the Grand Saint -Louis – towards even higher levels of success. With this support, UMSL will deepen its impact and accelerate the results for students by:
- Increase in student scholarships and access to higher education;
- Expand students’ success, experiential education and study opportunities abroad;
- Strengthen labor, educational excellence and community innovation.
“We cannot overestimate the power and scope of this moment, for our university and our region”, ” Chancellor Kristin Sobolik said. “The remarkable success of Ed Smith and sustainable generosity reflect the best of what the UMSL represents – resilience, innovation and a commitment to the community. The Ed G. Smith College of Business will allow generations of students to build impacting careers and strengthen the economic future of Saint-Louis and beyond. ”
The two decades of philanthropic support from Smith to UMSL are rooted in its own history – one of perseverance, opportunity and transformation. Born in St. Louis, like many UMSL students, he was the first in his family to go to university. His decision to register for UMSL has changed the course of his life. Smith then obtained his baccalaureate and master’s degree from the University of Missouri – St. Louis, launching a distinguished career in marketing and entrepreneurship.
Smith led American direct marketing resources Since he founded it in 1983. Under his leadership, the company has become a direct response advertising agency at full national service serving the best customers in consumer marketing and the acquisition of customers. Member of Delta Sigma Pi and Sigma Pi during his stay at UMSL, Smith’s career reflects a deep commitment to entrepreneurial success and industry innovation.
His experience reflects the university’s mission to create economic mobility paths for students from all walks of life – a mission that will now develop through the Ed G. Smith College of Business.
“I believe in the power of education and the opportunities he creates and the importance of restoring,” said Smith. “Umsl was the foundation of my path to success, and I am honored to help Umsl ensure that future business leaders can find their own way to go.”
The UMSL business college has long been a Pillar of academic excellence and the development of regional workforceWith more than 30,000 former students, more than 80% of whom live and work in the St. Louis region. As a number 1 Educator of the professional workforce in the region, the UMSL is deeply linked to the local economy and is committed to the success of students.
The college is a leader recognized nationally in commercial education and is Accredited by the association to advance college activity schools In business and accounting – a distinction held by less than 2% of business schools worldwide. The college offers a wide range of undergraduate and cycle programs, including leading offers in Online MBA,, international trade,, cybersecurity And Analysis of the supply chain. This program is designed to meet students where they are – with flexible programs based on experience that support those who balance academics and the responsibilities of work and family. Thanks to innovative programs, experiential learning and solid industry partnerships, students are ready to direct and transform organizations on a dynamic global market.
Guided by a new strategic plan and led by Dean Shu SchillerThe Ed G. Smith College of Business is entering a new era of daring excellence – a focus on students ‘persistence, employers’ commitment and career strengthening opportunities.
“A sincere desire to ensure that each successful business student is the strength that drives all the teachers and the staff of the UMSL,” said Schiller. “This investment will transform the learning experience for all business students in several ways, their first courses on the campus in an environment of learning to support experiences of transformation abroad, and to the preparation of careers and higher education. We are deeply grateful to Mr. Smith for his belief in our mission and his commitment to develop opportunities for future generations. ”
A public celebration and a ribbon cup will be held in August at the start of the 2025-26 academic year.