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A nationally recognized leader in inclusive excellence, Towson University is a welcoming community for living and learning, and an important anchor institution for the greater Baltimore region. TU advances research and creates opportunities for the public good.
We are Towson University.
With more than 150 years of leadership advancing higher education, Towson University has established a rich history of academic success and continues to strategically look to the future with purpose and passion.
TU connects students to industry experts in intimate learning environments and never stops creating opportunities — which is why Tigers are prepared, no matter what. Tigers learn in an inclusive environment where all students achieve high academic success. TU also focuses on providing a well-rounded and dynamic student experience.
Our 329-acre campus is eight miles north of Baltimore and less than an hour’s drive from Washington, D.C. Throughout the region, TU’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. Through innovative partnerships with Maryland Community Colleges, transfer students in northeastern Maryland are offered the flexibility to pursue a bachelor’s degree at TU's satellite campus in Northeastern Maryland.
TU is a university of opportunities.
We incorporate experiential learning and world-class teaching with rich student experiences.
- Academic Excellence
- Prestigious Rankings
- Inclusive Community
110+
Majors, concentrations and tracks
14:1
Student-to-faculty ratio
24
Average class size
7,000+
Internships each year
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A University on the Rise
Towson University’s 2024 Annual Report is a celebration of achievements that fuel TU’s momentum and national recognition.
Read the TU Annual Report (PDF)
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Our History
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.
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.
2016
Kim E. Schatzel is appointed president of Towson University.
2023
Mark R. Ginsberg begins his tenure as the 15th president of Towson University.