Smeal's History

More Than 70 Years of Progress

As business has evolved, Smeal has broadened its academic programs, integrated emerging technologies, and introduced new ways for students to learn and prepare for a changing business landscape.

That evolution has taken many forms over the college’s history:

• Executive education extended Smeal’s reach beyond traditional degree programs early in its history.

• Sustainability and responsible leadership became increasingly integrated into the curriculum.

• Case competitions and other experiential programs created new opportunities to apply classroom learning.

• Artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies have reshaped what students study and how they learn.

The college’s growth has also been shaped by the people whose support expanded what Smeal could offer students, faculty, and the broader business community.

Frank P. and Mary Jean Smeal

In 1990, Frank P. Smeal '42 and his wife, Mary Jean, made a landmark gift that led the college to be named The Mary Jean and Frank P. Smeal College of Business. At the time, it was the largest individual donation in Penn State's history, creating five endowed chairs and a program excellence endowment. Mr. Smeal also helped establish the Goldman Sachs & Co. and Frank P. Smeal University Endowed Fellowship in Business Administration.