TU partnership with National Guard strengthened
National Guard Partnership reinforces TU’s position as a leader in cyber security and cyber defense education and training.
By Jaclynn Neiman '19 on January 27, 2018
For more than a year, Towson University and the Maryland National Guard have enjoyed a strong and collaborative partnership. That partnership was affirmed today as TU President Kim Schatzel and Maryland Adjutant General Linda Singh signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions at midcourt of SECU Arena, just prior to tip-off of Towson’s Military Appreciation Day men’s basketball game with Elon.
This partnership provides students with unique opportunities through valuable engagements in the form of internships, guest lectures and other transformative experiences with guard members.
“As an agent of change for the economy and the state of Maryland, it is my pleasure to sign this memorandum of understanding on behalf of Towson University,” Schatzel said.“We are looking forward to expanding our partnership with the Maryland Army National Guard to provide important opportunities for continuing education, cyber security training, experiential learning and community outreach.”
Towson University continues to be a strong supporter of veteran and military affairs through hosting military appreciation athletic events, and its involvement in the Maryland National Guard’s Partners in Education. Furthermore, TU is one of the first institutions in Maryland to establish a Military & Veterans Center, which provides veterans with a one-stop shop for university information and advising.
Ranked consistently as one of the nation’s most veteran-friendly schools by GI Jobs Magazine, TU is distinctively positioned to provide targeted education and training in the Department of Computer and Information Sciences and the Center for Professional Studies.
“This is our first MOU in the state of Maryland and builds on our significant and longstanding partnership with Towson University,” Singh said.“This MOU will take both organizations to new heights as we focus on important programs of need like cyber security.”
Under this partnership, TU and the Maryland National Guard are currently exploring new ways to provide opportunities for students and guard members alike — including the creation of the Major Robert Marchanti Scholarship, which is awarded to a Towson University student-athlete.
This Memorandum of Understanding also paves the way to expand cyber security experiential learning in and out of the classroom for TU students.
A recognized leader in cyber education, Towson University is one of only 16 institutions nationally that is recognized for NSA/SHA National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education. Additionally, TU boasts an award-winning cyber-defense team and comprehensive list of cyber security programs.
“Towson University’s partnership with the Maryland National Guard strengthens Maryland’s cyber security infrastructure and creates opportunities for TU students and guardsman,” Schatzel said. “We are proud to work alongside the Guard to support the region’s communities and economy as an anchor institution for Greater Baltimore.”
The Maryland National Guard partnership is also part of Towson University’s innovative, successful BTU (Baltimore-Towson University) initiative, which is one of Schatzel’s eight presidential priorities. BTU was developed in May 2016 to elevate the work the university was already doing with partners throughout Greater Baltimore to better address the needs of the region.
Read The Sun's coverage of the TU-MDNG partnership and MOU signing.