TU Impact Award

The TU Impact Award for staff recognizes impactful contributions to Towson University, the community and beyond.

Award Categories

TU Impact Award categories recognize staff members who have made an impact in each area. Individual recipients with five years or more of USM service may also be eligible for a Board of Regents Staff Award nomination.

Please read criteria carefully to ensure you have selected the best category and you are including all requirements in the nomination.

This is a staff award. The term Staff refers to personnel employed by the institution for roles other than teaching.

Recognizes staff who demonstrate exceptional and exemplary performance through consistently excelling in the responsibilities of their position. This may include: 

  • Demonstrating integrity and a strong commitment to the mission and values of Towson University 
  • Creating original ideas that contribute to the success of a department or unit 
  • Providing exceptional leadership or facilitating a team or project that enhances operations 
  • Contributing to the success and development of colleagues through mentorship or collaboration

Recognizes staff who make significant contributions to students and the student experience. This may include: 

  • Demonstrating impact on students beyond the scope of assigned responsibilities 
  • Leading or contributing to initiatives that enhance or transform the student experience 
  • Creating innovative programs, services, or approaches that support student success 

Recognizes staff who demonstrate a sustained commitment to service that positively impacts the university and/or broader community. This may include: 

  • Demonstrating passion for and dedication to a cause that benefits the Towson University community or beyond 
  • Engaging in collaborative efforts that support outreach and community impact 
  • Maintaining a sustained record of service through their work at Towson University, rather than solely as an independent citizen 

Recognizes staff who demonstrate impactful financial stewardship and contributions to operational efficiency that result in measurable savings of $2,500 or more. This may include: 

  • Developing innovative approaches to leverage existing resources 
  • Creating long-term value through process improvements 
  • Reducing waste or lowering costs of goods and services 
  • Demonstrating measurable savings or efficiencies that support institutional goals 

Recognizes staff who foster a culture where all individuals feel valued, respected, and supported. This may include: 

  • Promoting multicultural understanding and equitable practices 
  • Advancing a sense of belonging across the university community 
  • Supporting environments that value diverse perspectives and experiences 
  • Contributing to initiatives that enhance inclusion and institutional equity 

Recipients receive a certificate and $500 stipend. Groups or teams that are recipients split the $500 stipend amongst the group/team members identified in the nomination.

Eligibility 

  1. Nominees must be Towson University staff employee(s) in good standing*; including all staff employees in regular and contingent II status.
  2. There is no minimum service requirement for staff to be nominated.
  3. Nominations are accepted from all TU staff, faculty, students, as well as internal or external community members. Staff employees may nominate themselves.
  4. Nominations can be submitted for individuals, groups or teams.
  5. Senior Leadership staff members are not eligible. Senior leadership staff include members of the President's Cabinet and the deans of each college.

Submit a Nomination

Nominations for 2026 awards closed at 8 p.m. on April 29, 2026.

Questions? Contact .

Recipients

  • Chris Truong - Inclusion, Multiculturalism, and Social Justice
  • Tramell Anderson - Outstanding Service to Students
  • Allison Frey - Extraordinary Public Service
  • Central Payroll Integration Project Team - Exceptional Contribution to the Institution
    • Shal Aderonmu, Office of Technology Services
    • Willem Bosma, Office of Technology Services
    • Darren Curry, Office of Technology Services
    • Lakiya Emerson, Office of Technology Services
    • Steve Kettinger, Office of Technology Services
    • Debbie Larney, Office of Technology Services
    • Olimpia Dunca, Financial Services
    • Tracy Holden, Financial Services
    • Kandyce Pinder, Financial Services
    • Millie McMillan, Office of Human Resources
    • Natasha Zhalkovsky, Office of Human Resources
  • Alejandra Balcázar - Inclusion, Multiculturalism, and Social Justice
  • E. Mairin Barney - Outstanding Service to Students in an Academic or Residential Environment
  • LaVern Chapman - Exceptional Contribution to the Institution and/or Unit to Which the Person Belongs
  • Cynthia Baker - Inclusion, Multiculturalism, and Social Justice
  • Henry O. Jackson - Extraordinary Public Service to the University or Greater Community
  • Tammie King-Kelly - Outstanding Service to Students in an Academic or Residential Environment
  • Travis Sammott - Exceptional Contribution to the Institution and/or Unit to Which the Person Belongs
  • Ashley Gregg – Exceptional Contribution to the Institution and/or Unit to Which the Person Belongs
  • Kristin Pinkowski – Outstanding Service to Students in an Academic or Residential Environment
  • Albert S. Cook Library Group – Inclusion, Multiculturalism, and Social Justice
    • Chris Casamassima
    • Allison Fischbach
    • Melvin Moore
    • Natasha Sweitzer
  • Marissa Berk-Smith - Inclusion, Multiculturalism, and Social Justice
  • Aaron Droege - Exceptional Contribution to the Institution and/or Unit to Which the Person Belongs
  • Dan Fricker - Effectiveness and Efficiency Regarding an Academic or Administrative Transformation
  • Justin Mason - Outstanding Service to Students in an Academic or Residential Environment
  • Kerry Spence - Extraordinary Public Service to the University or Greater Community

*In good standing will be verified via the Office of Human Resources:

  • currently employed as regular or contingent II and not separated/terminated
  • not on disciplinary action or active corrective action
  • satisfactory performance status
  • no unresolved conduct concerns
  • meeting required employment conditions, such as mandatory trainings or compliance requirements