Celebrating our people.

As I often say, one of the strengths of Towson University is its people.

I receive confirmation of that every day when I see first-hand the impact of our faculty and staff on their colleagues and our students. I am so proud of their efforts over the past year, in particular.

That's why, when the University System of Maryland (USM) Board of Regents recognized their award winners for faculty across all 12 system institutions, I was delighted to see five TU faculty members honored. Our world-class educators are making a difference in the lives of our students every day. Knowing that they are appreciated by their peers and our system's leadership fills me with pride.

We also recently celebrated accomplishments of faculty and staff with our annual recognition ceremony—including highlighting one faculty member who has been part of our community for 55 years.

As an anchor institution, our partnerships around the state have directly benefitted TU's people. Through the USM, our faculty and staff were eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine through the state's tier 1B. Now, through collaboration with the Baltimore County Department of Health, our faculty and staff members have received direct invitations for appointments to receive the vaccine.

Taking care of our people—putting health and safety at the forefront of our response to the pandemic—has been Priority 1 from Day 1.

As we prepare for the return to a full on-campus experience this fall—including academic programming, residential housing and student life—I''m also filled with hope for what is to come.

We recently announced plans to hold in-person Commencement ceremonies for our graduates—from 2020 and 2021—at Unitas Stadium this May. After being unable to gather in person for the past year, I look forward to celebrating our newest Tiger alumni.

For these reasons and more, I continue to look forward with hope.

There's much to be proud of at Towson University, and there are truly great things ahead!

Kim Schatzel, Ph.D.

President