President Ginsberg shares priorities for TU’s next era

Tigers –

This week marks the start of my second year as Towson University's 15th president. Joining this amazing university community has been the best decision of my career—thanks to each of you—and the honor of a lifetime for me and for my family.

Before joining the university, I long observed TU’s remarkable growth from afar. As a Maryland resident for more than 40 years, I would often hear about the incredible work happening on our campus. Now, I could not be prouder to serve alongside you as together we lead TU to new heights.

As I reflect on the past year, I am so very proud of all we continue to achieve. TU is growing in stature, as evidenced by our recent rankings, and as our impact continues to expand exponentially. 

Joining this amazing university community has been the best decision of my career—thanks to each of you—and the honor of a lifetime for me and for my family.

My first year was focused on listening—seeking to understand TU’s history and the context that would frame our future. Nearly 2,500 TU colleagues participated in one of my 54 campus listening tour sessions, helping me to understand your perspective.

You shared your hopes, concerns and your vision for our future. I heard about the pride you take in that we always put students first, that we have a tight-knit, engaged community and that we make a difference in many consequential ways.

(1) President Ginsberg poses with his wife, Elaine, and their two sons, Rob and Drew, following his inauguration ceremony. (2) Bruno, everyone's favorite pup, helps President Ginsberg spread joy to students on campus. (3) Goh Tigers! President Ginsberg can always be found in the stands cheering on TU athletics. (4) Critically acclaimed filmmaker Mike Flanagan '02 celebrates with President Ginsberg after his 2024 commencement address. (5) A commencement tradition, President Ginsberg visits with graduates in the robing room before each ceremony.

I heard a lot about our tradition of excellence and the legacy we uphold as a leader in educational innovation, as catalysts for success and as champions of access, diversity and inclusion. And, as I listened carefully to your words, it was clear that the six pillars of our current strategic plan indeed are central to everything we do. 

To enhance this work in consideration of your direct feedback, and in collaboration with our university’s leadership team, I have developed 10 priorities that will fuel TU’s next era—guided by three simple principles: assuring that TU is a caring community, promoting the success of every member of our community and strengthening Maryland.

These initiatives are meant to amplify the ambitious goals outlined in our current strategic plan. With this framework for excellence already established, and by working together on new initiatives, I am confident that TU will soar to even greater heights.

To start, members of the university’s senior leadership, together with teams of faculty, staff, students and others, will be identifying actions that support each of these priorities. As one of our nation’s most inspiring leaders, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, once said—"Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time." While change cannot be immediate, please know we are committed to advancing our university for the better.

Our goals are to leverage and lift the best of what has made TU so special.

Today’s message is but a small next step in my commitment to transparent, collaborative leadership. Regular updates on our progress will be shared with our TU community. 

I am also excited to soon launch an internal newsletter and TU podcast—two communications I hope will help foster a greater sense of connection and pride in each other, our university and our collective mission.

I am proud, honored and humbled to serve as your president. Thank you for helping to make this year so wonderful, and for all you do every day in support of Towson University.

Go Tigers!

Mark R. Ginsberg, Ph.D.

President