Smith Global Leadership Scholars
About
Smith GLS
Program Overview
Why Choose Smith GLS?
The Greg & Lisa Smith Global Leadership Scholars program (Smith GLS) promotes the development of international business awareness, leadership and personal and professional growth. Through honors classes, seminars in leadership training, international experiences and extracurricular activities, Smith GLS students work with honors faculty to develop the skills necessary to become future international business leaders.
Timing
First-year business students with a passion for honors education and a desire to challenge themselves are encouraged to apply to the Smith GLS program. This prestigious opportunity is open to all first-year students who want to push their boundaries and excel. Applications open December 1 and close January 31. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative experience!
Selection
After the application process closes on January 31, the Smith GLS selection committee reviews applications in February. Selected candidates will be invited to in-person interviews with the committee. Semi-finalists will participate in individual interviews during March and April. Once spring semester final grades are posted, students will be chosen for the cohort, formally starting the program in the fall of their second year.
Smith GLS
Applications
Applications for the Smith GLS Class of 2029 will be open from December 1, 2025 through January 31, 2026, at 5 p.m.
Admissions
Criteria
Admission into Smith GLS provides scholarship awards contingent upon continued participation in the program and academic performance, including but not limited to, maintenance of a minimum 3.25 GPA and a minimum of 20 service hours per semester. To be eligible for scholarship awards, students must apply for the Continuing Student Undergraduate Scholarship by March 1, 2025. If, for any reason, students withdraw or are dismissed from the program, their Smith GLS scholarship awards may be rescinded. The Smith GLS program reserves the right to request a repayment of the awards.
The admissions committee reviews the following material and selects finalists to interview:
- Online application indicating interest in international business and academic rigor
- High school data, GPA and standardized test scores
- College resume including leadership experience, campus involvement and community service (Note: Please utilize the Haslam resume template when submitting your resume)
- Two UT professional or academic references’ contact information
- UT GPA, academic history and letter grades
- BUAD 100 or 107 instructor feedback
- College disciplinary record
For questions about the Smith GLS application and admissions process, please contact us at [email protected].
Average 25 Members per cohort
- Required minimum 3.25 GPA
- 20 hours of service per semester
- 15 years of alumni
Three-Year Fully Integrated Honors Program
Cohort-Based Honors Courses
International Business Focus
- Semester in London
- International internship
$14,600
Scholarships over the three years
Professional Growth Focus
- Friday professional events
- Executive in Residence
- Business site visits
Program Benefactors
Greg & Lisa Smith
Greg (HCB, ’85) and Lisa Smith have made a profound impact on Haslam through their support of the Smith GLS program. In 2016, their naming gift established the Greg and Lisa Smith GLS program, reflecting their passion for helping students succeed and gain global perspectives.
Greg, a leader in global supply chain management with roles at Walmart and Medtronic, values the program’s ability to expose students to a global mindset, fostering insights and opportunities. The Smiths cherish the personal connections they’ve built with students, hearing how the program has transformed their lives. Beyond financial support, Greg mentors students and serves on advisory councils, exemplifying his commitment to servant leadership and empowering others. Their contributions, driven by a desire to give back, ensure Haslam students are equipped to thrive as global leaders.