TU 2020 is the evolution of Towson University’s two previous strategic plans, TU 2010 and TU 2016, and focuses their 46 action items on 10 institutional priorities. Each is aligned with potential funding opportunities from the state of Maryland, the University System of Maryland and the private sector.

Rooted in the philosophy that a liberal arts education is the base for all undergraduate programs, the success of the 10 priorities is threaded through and dependent upon these underlying principles:

• Faculty teaching/scholarship/research/service and staff commitment and development
• Expanded interdisciplinary credit and noncredit experiences
• Undergraduate and graduate education
• Community outreach
• The contributions of Cook Library

Download TU 2020 (PDF)

Towson University’s top priority, Academic Excellence and Student Success, is dependent on the teaching and mentorship of faculty. We will continue to improve graduation completion and retention
rates, close the achievement gap, ensure a seamless transfer process and prepare globally conscious students for an expanding workforce. Commitment to this priority includes academic transformation and course redesign.

Towson University’s historic reputation in teacher education continues to lead the nation as an example of best practices in teacher preparation and school leadership. Excellence and innovation
in STEM, arts integration and special education will transform the future of the pre-K through 12
academic model for the youth of Maryland and the nation.

Towson University is a major contributor to Maryland’s STEM workforce. In addition to teacher preparation, we will reinforce and expand our contributions to workforce development in STEM
disciplines such as cybersecurity and forensic chemistry.

Towson University’s focus on innovation and entrepreneurship facilitates collaborations and strategic partnerships with the community and the state. We will continue to support our faculty, staff and student applied research endeavors and connect their work to teacher transformation, innovation
and entrepreneurship. We will continue to promote economic and workforce development to
keep the majority of Towson graduates working in Maryland.

Towson University will expand its emphasis on internships and experiential learning, and
significantly increase corporate, educational, government and health care partnerships to help
provide these opportunities.

Towson University is rooted in our strong commitment to civic engagement, civility and ethics. The university supports personal and professional growth by recognizing and developing positive leadership philosophies and styles. Our primary goal is to instill in our students the qualities essential for outstanding, lifelong leadership in all aspects of their lives. We are also committed to increasing credit and noncredit opportunities in leadership development for our faculty, staff and students.

Towson University will further strengthen its commitment to diversity and continue to provide a safe,
inclusive, welcoming and peaceful community respectful to all. Towson will continue as a recognized national model for diversity and closing the achievement gap. Our institutional strategies will expand and continue to provide a forum for campus dialogue and action.

Towson University is a major educator of health professionals in our region. We are dedicated
to continue to empower our campus and our greater community to make choices for lifelong
well-being and effective stewardship of our natural resources.

Towson University is committed to a financially stable, gender-equitable and competitive athletics
program. The university will continue to support these goals by placing academics first. We will support opportunities for all Towson students to participate in a range of sports activities and leadership opportunities that support physical well-being and personal excellence.