From teacher to icon

By Jaclynn Neiman, '18 on December 8, 2017

The Daily Record has named Towson University alumna and Presidential Scholar Nancy Grasmick as an inaugural recipient of its Icon Honors. This award celebrates Maryland’s top business leaders who have displayed significant leadership and innovation in the community.

“Icon Honors recipients’ innovative leadership, commitment to mentoring and community engagement demonstrate why they deserve to be called icons in the Maryland business community,” said Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, publisher of The Daily Record. “They have committed many years to making our state a wonderful place to live and to work, and The Daily Record is pleased to honor them.”

Grasmick has an extensive career record demonstrating her long-standing commitment for improving education within the Baltimore area, the state and the nation.

She worked for 20 years as the state superintendent of Maryland public schools. She was both the first female superintendent in Maryland history and the longest-serving appointed superintendent in U.S. history.

Earlier this year, her team was awarded 2017 Daily Record Innovator of the Year for its ground-breaking work in developing and implementing The LYNX School — a curriculum that creates personalized plans for success based on each student’s unique talents and interests.

Previously, Grasmick was awarded 2015 Baltimore County Woman of the Year and was inducted into the Baltimore Business & Civic Hall of Fame in 2016.

Towson University’s first Presidential Scholar for Innovation in Teacher and Leader Preparation, Grasmick has worked to take the TU Teacher Preparation Program national, in addition to helping to develop the university’s UTeach program and the Signature Forums Series.

Grasmick will be awarded with the Icon Honors during a ceremony on Tuesday, December 19 at the Center Club in Baltimore. She is an integral member of the campus community and Towson University wishes her our warmest congratulations on this award.