University of Baltimore's Merrick School of Business

The latest Vital Signs 24 report shows Baltimore is at a turning point based on over 110 community data indicators. In 2024, homicides have continued to decline, creative businesses are rebounding for the first time since the pandemic, and chronic absenteeism in schools is dropping in almost every neighborhood.

The city is measuring progress through the Baltimore Neighborhood Indicators Alliance's (BNIA-JFI) Vital Signs 24 report, which tracks more than 110 local indicators across eight topics. This provides detailed, neighborhood-level data that goes beyond citywide statistics. The approach relies on formal partnerships, community input, and data-sharing agreements to make sure the data reflects what residents care about.

For our foundation, this data model is important because it can guide grantmaking, measure neighborhood-level impact, and help spot issues early. Dr. Amanda Phillips de Lucas, director of UBalt's BNIA-JFI, says these indicators offer "a trusted reference to understand trends and guide future planning"—the type of evidence our board uses for decisions.

Read BNIA's news by clicking the News & Stories link in our bio.

Managing Director of Worthington Power, LLC, Joan Worthington, B.S. ‘84, MBA ‘91 (chair of the University of Baltimore Foundation board, came back to campus to lead a session at today’s UBalt AI Summit. She and David Long, founder and CEO of Tuscany Strategy Consulting, led an interactive session focused on “Work, Mobility and Baltimore’s AI Economy.

They really dove deeper into the three of the personas that were unveiled at the opening session of the summit—The Hometown Hero, Labor Guardian and the Adaptive Achiever.
We all learned a little bit more about workforce systems, economic mobility and career resiliency that are being shaped by AI users and where Baltimore can better position residents for opportunity.

You put in the work. You earned this moment.

To our Summer/Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 graduates:

Your University of Baltimore journey was more than a degree—it was a test of determination, resilience, and grit. You balanced priorities, asked tough questions, and showed up when it mattered most. You made your mark on Baltimore and on this university.

Today, as you walk across that stage, you carry not just knowledge, but the confidence and fortitude to shape your future. You’re ready for the modern workforce because you’ve already proven you can thrive in it.

This is your UBalt degree. Wear it with pride.

Congratulations, Classes of 2025 and 2026! The city—and the world—are waiting for your next chapter.

Share your favorite UBalt memory or tag a supporter who helped you reach this milestone.

The 2025-2026 Merrick School of Business Dean's Award was presented to Gamar Hayles. The award is presented to the undergraduate Merrick School of Business student who demonstrates high academic achievement, leadership and service.

Gamar was the president of the Black Student Union and helped revitalize the organization. His interests lie at the intersection of business, law, and technology, with plans to pursue law school and a career in legal and business strategy.

He'll graduate this week with a B.S. in Information Systems and Technology.

Ever wondered what it’s really like to work in real estate? UBalt’s REED students got a front-row seat last month, spending a day with Baltimore’s top developers and community leaders. They weren’t just sightseeing—they were asking tough questions, learning how projects come together, and seeing firsthand what it takes to turn big ideas into reality. One student called it “one of my favorite days as an MBA student at UBalt.” This is just the beginning of our REED signature experience. Want to see how we do real estate differently? Check out the blog: https://ow.ly/EUC650YZaiC

Dan Gerlowski has been appointed interim dean of the Merrick School of Business. A longtime UBalt leader, he's committed to preparing graduates who are workforce-ready and equipped to thrive in an AI-driven economy. Read more: https://ow.ly/fH7050YYqZ7

On the heels of last week's AI+ Expo in D.C., The University of Baltimore is fully committed when it comes to AI in teaching and learning. Dr. Danni Fowler highlights, "using AI vs. leading AI—there's a critical difference." She and other School of Business faculty see our M.S. in Artificial Intelligence for Business as a way to educate managers to design, evaluate, and effectively govern AI systems.

Read Dr. Fowler's blog post titled "Why Tomorrow's Leaders Must Design and Govern AI" and learn more: https://ow.ly/nsf450YRkAp

UBalt has the best people.

From “Captain America” on Pennsylvania Avenue to a changemaker at University of Baltimore 💙

One of CSEI’s very own, Tourian Aldridge, is turning adversity into purpose and using his passion for justice to uplift others. From overcoming loss and challenges to pursuing criminal justice and supporting fellow students, his story is one you don’t want to miss.

Take a moment to read and be inspired — Link in bio✨

At the University of Baltimore's Merrick School of Business, Professor Ting Zhang and MBA student Ranjith Keerikkattil have built an AI-powered learning ecosystem that's changing how students master managerial economics.

The challenge: Traditional lecture-based instruction struggles to convey dynamic economic concepts. Static textbook diagrams can't show how supply, demand, and equilibrium interact in real-time.

The solution: A comprehensive platform featuring 78 interactive modules, specialized AI agents for different learning tasks, and real-time data integration from the Federal Reserve. Students don't just read about economic models—they manipulate variables and observe consequences instantly.

The philosophy: AI isn't replacing thinking. Students learn to collaborate with AI tools while maintaining critical judgment. They submit conversation transcripts and working process files, developing the AI literacy skills employers are actively seeking.

This is the future of education—and it's happening now at UBalt. And be sure to stop by our exhibit booth (no. 447) at the 2026 AI+ Expo at the D.C. Convention Center (May 7-9).

Learn more about this class and other AI activities at UBalt. Blog post: https://ow.ly/RR0O50YRluY