Student Profile Archives

Smith W. Kalita
Learning is a life-long endeavor!

To keep pace with today’s competitive workforce, professionals have to keep acquiring as much knowledge as possible. Smith Kalita, an M.A. ISD Graduate operates with this principle, believing strongly that learning is a life-long endeavor.

Education has always been a part of Kalita’s journey. He graduated from Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA in 1976 with his B.S. in Business Administration. Then in 2001, he earned his master’s degree in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University at Andrews Air Force Base, MD.

His thirst for knowledge took him many wonderful places. He served for 23 years before retiring from the U.S. Coast Guard as an Aviator. After that, he began his career at Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc. as an Associate, where he still works today.

As his career at Booz Allen Hamilton grew, he wanted to learn more about systematic data gathering and analysis processes and using the data to design, develop, implement and evaluate training interventions. So, he considered some of the highly regarded ISD programs around the country, and ultimately chose UMBC.

“I chose UMBC because it is highly respected in the ISD field, offers a variety of online and classroom courses, and is close to my home. UMBC’s ISD program offers the opportunity to interact with others face-to-face and greatly expand social networks,” he said.

Kalita enjoyed the structure of the curriculum and course offerings within the program and the flexibility to complete coursework either online or in formal classroom settings. His personal focus was on Human Performance Technology and using ISD concepts to improve the on-the-job performance of a client organization’s workforce.

“I think the caliber of students is top-notch and we learned a lot from each other by working together in small teams (just as we do in the workplace) to complete academic assignments and projects,” Kalita said.

“The faculty is also top-notch, and they bring much knowledge, experience, wisdom, and enthusiasm to the program! The program growth in recent years is a testament to its success.”

Excited about what the future holds, Kalita plans to continue on his journey to learn as much as possible from those around him.