Donn Worgs, a political science professor in Towson University’s College of the Liberal Arts, was recently awarded the Mitten Professorship, a recognition of effective teaching, continuous engagement, and productive scholarship and contribution to broader student college experience.

“I am thrilled to recognize Dr. Worgs with this distinguished professorship. His research on youth engagement in Africa and the African Diaspora will include innovative, interdisciplinary projects around youth activism in the Gambia, Kenya and Baltimore,” says Chris Chulos, CLA dean. “This work is natural to the liberal arts, which ask big questions about the world we live in and provide equally big answers and solutions.”

This work is natural to the liberal arts, which ask big questions about the world we live in and provide equally big answers and solutions.

Chris Chulos, CLA dean

Passionate about student activism, community service and community transformation, Worgs has big plans for his next three years as the Mitten professor. His projects include a series of events for thoughtful and informal conversation for students. It would include a symposium featuring scholars and practitioners who work with youth activists in Baltimore and Africa, where students can have in-depth conversations, share their perspectives and evaluate possible solutions. Worgs plans to bring in national and international scholars to give insight to students.

“I want students to be aware of the issues around the world and in their own backyard,” Worgs explained. “While they express their thoughts on the issues and how they feel it can be changed, they’re also making connections with other scholars from all over the world!”

The event will give participants a valuable experience they can use in their everyday lives by helping them explore the theoretical analysis of real-world situations and critically think of how to apply those theories to create solutions for universal real-world problems.  

I hope students will understand they have the power to impact change. Students are our next-generation leaders, and they should feel engaged in the processes and institutions that shape their world.

Professor Worgs

“I hope students will understand they have the power to impact change. Students are our next-generation leaders, and they should feel engaged in the processes and institutions that shape their world,” says Worgs.

Learn more about the Mitten Professorship and see how you can nominate another professor.