About Us

Graduate Business Programs Director
Rod Smith, Ph.D.
 
Graduate Business Programs Advising Staff

Graduate Business Career Services Staff

cob-gbcs@csulb.edu 

Dr. Rod Smith, Director of Graduate Business Programs, also services as faculty program director for all 4 MBA programs:

  • Day-Time MBA
  • Evening MBA, including our joint MBA/MFA program
  • Online MBA
  • Weekend (Saturday) MBA

Faculty Spotlights

 

What motivates you the most in your role?

What motivates me the most is seeing how my students grow. Many of them enter the program without a finance background, or they view the program as a way to achieve social mobility. Watching their progress—both academically and personally—is deeply rewarding.

After they graduate, I stay in touch to see where their careers take them, offer support through my network, and connect them with new opportunities. It’s especially meaningful to see alumni begin helping each other and supporting our current cohort—through mock interviews, resume reviews, and informal meetups.

Together, they’re building a strong ecosystem of MSFA students and alumni—a network where each of them starts as a seed and grows into a forest.

What’s one skill every graduate student should develop before entering the workforce?

The most important skill is to be a lifelong learner—to stay curious, stay hungry, stay humble, and stay positive. The learning doesn’t stop at graduation; it only changes form.

After meeting with students over time, I can often tell—without even looking at their transcripts or GPAs—who will thrive in the job market. The difference usually comes down to mindset: those who are genuinely interested and passionate about what they do stand out.

If you remain open to learning, adaptable to change, and driven by curiosity, you’ll continue to grow no matter where your career takes you.

What’s something about CSULB or its students that inspire you?

Since joining CSULB, I’ve been continually inspired by the dedication of our students. On the first day of class, I always ask them to write a short self-introduction. Through these, I’ve learned that many of our students are full-time working professionals who commute long hours, support families, and finance their own education.

This level of commitment and perseverance is truly remarkable. It reminds me to put myself in their shoes—to understand that when students come to class unprepared or without much practice, it’s not a lack of effort but a reflection of their human limits.

Because of that, I strive to teach in a direct, supportive way and to keep my courses as structured and organized as possible, so that every student—no matter their circumstances—has a fair chance to succeed.

What makes CSULB Graduate Business Programs special to you?

CSULB Graduate Business Programs are special to me because they intentionally combine access, rigor, and innovation. The programs recognize that graduate students arrive with diverse academic and professional backgrounds and design support accordingly. Through initiatives such as the Fundamentals for Success course, a 24/7 AI Tutor, and an online tutoring center staffed by highly qualified peer tutors, CSULB provides structured support in accounting, finance, and statistics while maintaining high academic standards. This integrated approach allows students to build confidence, competence, and momentum from the start.

What motivates you the most in your role?

I am most motivated by helping students succeed during pivotal moments in their graduate journey. As a first-generation college graduate and former foster youth, I am deeply aware of how impactful the right support systems can be. In my role in Academic Support and Innovation, I focus on developing scalable, inclusive services such as the online tutoring program that supports all MBA students and complements faculty instruction. Seeing students persist through challenging coursework, gain confidence, and apply their learning meaningfully is what motivates me most.

What legacy do you hope to leave within the CSULB grad business community?

I hope to leave a legacy of forward-looking, student-centered innovation. This includes helping shape the Weekend MBA into the only CSULB graduate business program with a dedicated focus on AI and emerging technologies, while also strengthening academic support infrastructures across graduate business programs. My goal is to contribute to a culture where technology, peer support, and academic rigor work together to promote equity, adaptability, and long-term professional success.