Anchor Mission

TU is committed to transforming lives throughout the region for the public good.

Aerial of TU and nearby community

As an engaged anchor institution, Towson University recognizes and leverages its economic power and human capital to improve the socioeconomic conditions, the long-term stability and the growth of Greater Baltimore and the state.

We play a central role in Maryland’s growth and stability through:

Local Hiring and Buying

Our Office of Human Resources identifies and recruits local talent by partnering with community organizations whose mission it is to provide professional, learning and training opportunities for economically disadvantaged Baltimore residents.

Community organizations interested in partnering should contact the Office of Human Resources at .  

TU actively utilizes research, entrepreneurship, human capital, talent development and community stewardship to positively impact the economic prosperity of the region.

We have an estimated annual economic impact of $2.1 billion on Maryland’s economy. As an economic driver, we are committed to equitable and inclusive purchasing and hiring.

Through the Procurement Department, Towson University ensures the opportunity for businesses certified through the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Program and Small Business Reserve (SBR) Program to participate in all contracts.

Our goal is for at least 29% of the total dollar value be made either directly or indirectly from Maryland-certified MBE’s and 15% from Maryland-certified SBR’s.

SBR firms and MBE’s are encouraged to connect with the university liaison at or visit Procurement for more information.

Regional Investment

YAAAS exhibiting inthe Center for the Arts

BTU

BTU: Baltimore + Towson University serves as the front door of the university for external partners and makes connections between TU's faculty, staff, students and stakeholders. BTU provides strategic partnership management, marketing and communications, funding support management, and more.

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Co-working in the Armory

StarTUp

The StarTUp at the Armory is TU’s provides startups and businesses of all sizes with free co-working space, business conference room space, and programming for entrepreneurs and executives to connect and accelerate growth.

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Students in a city

Placemaking

TU's boundaries go well beyond the limits of campus. Our committment to investing in projects on- and off-campus creates additional opportunities for students. It also offers more resources for the surrounding communities to use for research, business growth, and recreation.

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Planting in a garden

Sustainability

We recognize that the impact of our actions on the environment is not limited to the Towson region. We remain committed to sustainable practices, responsible management, and efficient use of all resources as we strive for carbon neutrality.

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Business and Community Outreach

Towson University offers many resources and opportunities for businesses, community members and families to engage with the campus.

The Institute for Wellbeing

Promoting Well-Being

At the Institute for Well-Being, we offer innovative health services to the community while providing educational programs for TU students.

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TU students working at the Big Event

Community Relations

TU works to create a welcoming environment for its community neighbors while also fostering community relations and openly communicating with the Towson community.

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TU dance performance

Arts and Culture

From theatre, to music, to dance, to the visual arts, TU is a community destination for student and professional arts and culture performances and installations.

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Osher Lifelong Learning class

Supporting Lifelong Learning

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Towson University offers continued learning, programs and activities for adults, age 50 and up, to enhance social and cultural enrichment.

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Business seminar

Resources for Businesses and Organizations

A variety of opportunities are available to businesses and organizations as well as individual seeking professional growth and development. Explore the ways that you, your business, or organization can connect with TU and tap into university resources.   

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A History of Community Building

Since our founding as the Maryland State Normal School in 1866, TU has had a rich history of community and economic engagement and has been nationally recognized for this work by The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education and the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities. We collaborate with peer institutions locally through BLocal and nationally through the Anchor Learning Network, and our campus serves as the national headquarters for the Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities.

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