Reaching new heights as a destination for discovery

When President Mark Ginsberg announced his presidential priorities in fall 2024, they included continuing to advance TU as a comprehensive research and teaching university. Now, Towson University has just achieved the Research Colleges and Universities designation from the 2025 Carnegie Classification for its dedication to academic research and development.

Our focus on research and creative activities extends beyond the lab, classroom, and concert hall—it provides multiple opportunities to engage with and enhance the community around us and share knowledge with the world.

Melanie Perreault, provost and executive vice president of academic affairs

“This designation exemplifies the important work our dedicated faculty and students produce,” says Melanie Perreault, provost and executive vice president of academic affairs. “Our focus on research and creative activities extends beyond the lab, classroom, and concert hall—it provides multiple opportunities to engage with and enhance the community around us and share knowledge with the world.”

At Towson University, students have endless opportunities to work with faculty to deepen their understanding of the world around them, and faculty members have the resources to embark on a variety of research journeys. Rooted in research doctoral degrees, the R2 Carnegie Classification remains a goal for the institution, and students and faculty are well on their way to achieving this goal.

Kaitlyn Wilson, Ph.D., Douglas F. '80 and Therese J. Erdman Term Professor, leads TU’s newest doctoral program: autism studies. The program prepares students for research and leadership that will improve systems and practices in education, health care and related fields while also contributing to changes in culture and improvement of outcomes.

With 10 enrolled students, the program encourages interdisciplinary research, leveraging the expertise of faculty across the campus.

“The students I work with are incredible,” says Wilson. “They have a passion for not only deepening their understanding of autism but also for sharing their knowledge and research outcomes to make a difference in the community.”

TU’s largest doctoral program, information technology, prepares students to become professors, scientists and entrepreneurs through the exploration of data science and engineering, networking systems, machine learning, algorithm design and so much more. Wei Yu, Ph.D., the program director, is one of the most prolific researchers at Towson University.

“Research goes beyond theory—it drives real-world innovation that impacts our community,” says Yu. “Our faculty and students are addressing critical challenges, expanding knowledge and creating practical solutions that improve lives and strengthen industries.”

Enrollees in TU’s four research doctoral programs continue to increase, jumping almost 29% since fall 2021.

“Research has always been here and will continue to happen at Towson University,” says Sidd Kaza, associate provost for research and dean of graduate studies. “It will continue to grow, thrive and drive meaningful progress. As we expand our research initiatives, we are opening new doors for discovery, collaboration and real-world impact.”