1865
Maryland law authorizes the establishment of a State Normal School for the formal training and certification of teachers of public schools. Maryland becomes the seventh state to establish such a training school.
About TU
One of the nation’s top 100 public universities, Towson University offers a welcoming environment for living and learning, close to many educational, cultural and community resources.
We are Towson University.
Towson University offers students the best of both worlds. We have the academic programs and exceptional faculty typical of a large university coupled with the close-knit community and personalized approach of a small college. TU’s wide range of extracurricular activities contribute to a dynamic student experience. Students can pursue diverse interests and cultivate undiscovered talents.
The backdrop for learning is TU’s beautiful 329-acre suburban campus, located eight miles north of Baltimore and less than an hour’s drive from Washington, D.C. Throughout the region, Towson University’s strong partnerships with public and private organizations provide unique opportunities for research, internships and jobs. The Towson Learning Network extends beyond its main campus to off-campus locations throughout the state. Transfer students can complete their degrees at TU in Northeastern Maryland.
Towson University is the second-largest university in the prestigious University System of Maryland, the 12th-largest public university system in the United States. TU is also a founding member of the Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities and offers employment opportunities at all levels.
Our History
1866
The Maryland State Normal School opens its doors on Jan. 15 in downtown Baltimore near present-day Lexington Market. McFadden Alexander Newell serves as the school's first principal.
1875
The Carrollton Building, constructed at the corner of Lafayette and Carrollton Avenues houses the State Normal School, including 10 classrooms, meeting rooms, a library and enough space to accommodate 300 students.
1915
One of the school’s first graduates, Sarah Richmond, serves as the school’s first female principal and makes moving to a larger campus in Baltimore County her major priority.
1916
Three farms were transformed into the Maryland State Normal School at Towson with the construction of the Administration Building, Newell Hall and the Power Plant.
1927
Doc Minnegan, father of Towson athletics, is hired as a part-time physical education teacher. He fielded the first soccer team, followed by baseball, gymnastics, track, wrestling, football, and lacrosse teams. Minnegan, who died in 2002, was the first member of the Towson Athletic Hall of Fame.
1935
The Maryland State Normal School changes its name to the Maryland State Teachers College and implements a four-year course leading to a Bachelor of Science degree under the leadership of Lida Lee Tall.
1963
Indicative of the school’s growth and broadening scope, State Teachers College is renamed Towson State College. Towson is the second largest public institution of higher education in Maryland. The Towson Tiger mascot debuts in the fall.
1976
Under the leadership of President James L. Fisher, in 1976 the college changes its name to Towson State University, further signaling the development and expansion of the institution.
1982
President Hoke Smith creates a new governance structure and organizes the university’s academic programs into six colleges. During his administration, Towson adds 20 new undergraduate programs, 19 new master’s programs and 3 doctoral programs.
1997
To understand Towson’s increasing independence and reduced state funding, President Hoke Smith advocates for another name change. Following years of discussion and debate, the school’s name is changed to Towson University.
2003
Robert Caret, who spent more than 20 years as a Towson faculty member, dean, executive vice president and provost, assumes the presidency.
2012
Maravene Loeschke becomes the third alumna and fourth female president in the school’s history.
2013
SECU Arena, a new 5,200-seat venue for athletics, sporting events, concerts and commencements, opens on campus.
2014
Provost Timothy J.L. Chandler assumes the role of interim president, and a search committee is formed to recruit a new Towson University president.
2016
Kim E. Schatzel is appointed president of Towson University.
100+
Undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs
17:1
Student to faculty ratio
78%
Percentage of full-time faculty who hold the highest degree in their field
Join Our Community
See the Campus
See our beautiful campus for yourself. Plan your visit today to the university. Can’t make it to Towson? Take the virtual tour.
Plan Your Visit
Meet Our President
Kim Schatzel is Towson University's 14th president. Learn about her priorities and plans for the university in the coming years.
Learn about President Schatzel
Request Information
Learn more about your study options at TU. Complete the form and we’ll add you to our contact list.
Learn More about TU
Recent News
