Towson University

Towson University
Name	Towson University
Established	1866
Type	Public research university
Endowment	$108.1 million (2022)
President	Mark R. Ginsberg
City	Towson, Maryland
State	Maryland
Country	United States
Campus	Suburban, 329 acres
Students	19,793 (Fall 2023)
Faculty	1,500+
Colors	Black & Gold
Nickname	Tigers
Affiliations	University System of Maryland, APLU
Website	www.towson.edu

Towson University is a public research university located in Towson, Maryland. It is the second-largest university in the prestigious University System of Maryland and anchors the Baltimore metropolitan area as a significant educational and economic driver. Founded in 1866 as a teacher training school, the institution has evolved into a comprehensive university offering a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Known for its strong programs in the health professions, business, education, and the fine arts, it maintains a vibrant campus life and competes in NCAA Division I athletics.

History

The institution was established in 1866 as the Maryland State Normal School, dedicated to training teachers for the state's public schools, with its first location in downtown Baltimore. In 1915, the school moved to its current location in Towson, Maryland, and was renamed the Maryland State Teachers College at Towson in 1935. A pivotal period of growth began in the 1960s under the leadership of President Earl T. Hawkins; it achieved college status in 1963, becoming Towson State College, and began expanding its curriculum beyond teacher education. It joined the newly formed University System of Maryland in 1988 and was granted university status, adopting its current name. Key developments include the 1999 merger with the University of Baltimore's School of Nursing and the 2015 opening of the state-of-the-art College of Health Professions building.

Academics

The university is organized into six colleges: the College of Business & Economics, the College of Education, the College of Fine Arts & Communication, the College of Health Professions, the College of Liberal Arts, and the Fisher College of Science & Mathematics. It offers over 100 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs. Notable and highly ranked programs include those in occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, business administration, computer science, and mass communication. The university is classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity" and is a member of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities. It maintains strong partnerships with major employers in the Baltimore-Washington corridor, including Northrop Grumman, T. Rowe Price, and the Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Campus

The 329-acre suburban campus is situated in the county seat of Baltimore County, approximately eight miles north of downtown Baltimore. The campus features a mix of historic red-brick buildings, such as the iconic Stephens Hall, and modern facilities like the University Union, the Albert S. Cook Library, and the SECU Arena. A major recent addition is the 790-bed West Village housing complex. The campus also includes the Asian Arts & Culture Center, the Center for the Arts, and the Hippodrome Theatre in downtown Baltimore. It is served by the Baltimore Light Rail and is adjacent to the York Road corridor.

Student life

Student life is active with over 250 student-run clubs and organizations, including a robust Greek life system with numerous fraternities and sororities. The campus hosts major annual events like Tigerfest, a large spring music festival, and Homecoming. Student media includes The Towerlight newspaper and WMJF television station. The university places a strong emphasis on community service and civic engagement, with many students participating in programs through the Center for Student Diversity. On-campus housing is available in a variety of residence halls and apartment-style complexes, accommodating a significant portion of the undergraduate population.

Athletics

The university's athletic teams, known as the Towson Tigers, compete in the NCAA Division I as members of the Coastal Athletic Association for most sports. The football team competes in the Football Championship Subdivision within the CAA Football conference. Notable athletic facilities include the Johnny Unitas® Stadium for football and lacrosse, the SECU Arena for basketball and volleyball, and the Tiger Field complex. The university has a strong tradition in lacrosse, with the men's team achieving national prominence, and its gymnastics and swimming and diving programs are also highly competitive.

Notable alumni

Notable alumni include television journalist and CNN anchor Pamela Brown; actress and Tony Award nominee Julie Halston; former NFL player and Super Bowl champion Dave Meggett; former MLB player and coach John Shelby; Emmy Award-winning broadcaster and voice of the Baltimore Ravens Gerry Sandusky; and former U.S. Congressman and Secretary of Veterans Affairs David Shulkin.

Category:Universities and colleges in Maryland Category:University System of Maryland Category:Educational institutions established in 1866