Celebrating women in leadership at TU

Meet four of the women leading Towson University forward

By Megan Bradshaw, Ray Feldmann and Kyle Hobstetter on March 28, 2018

Women led Towson University from teacher-training school to nationally recognized university, each providing a role model for those who followed.   

Sarah Richmond served as the first female principal of the State Normal School, which evolved into what is now TU. Richmond’s tenure (1909–17) was noted for many achievements, including the school’s relocation from Baltimore to suburban Towson. She led the way for more women principals and presidents: Lida Lee Tall (1920–38), Theresa Wiedefeld (1938–47), Maravene Loeschke (2012–14) and  Kim Schatzel (2016).

In honor of Women's History Month, we'd like to introduce you to four TU leaders: President Schatzel, Vice President for Inclusion and Institutional Equity Leah Cox, College of Business and Economics Dean Shohreh Kaynama, and Deputy Director of Athletics and Senior Woman Administrator Tricia Turley-Brandenburg.

Each speaks candidly about her journey to her TU leadership role.

Kim Schatzel with female student

Towson University President Kim Schatzel

“You want to show you are not a token, and that you are competent. And every time I would get a new job, I went to prove the fact that women can do these jobs.”

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Leah Cox

Vice President for Inclusion and Institutional Equity Leah Cox

“For me, it’s always about wanting to learn more,” she added. “You can’t be shy about saying ‘I don’t know that and I need to know more.’ You definitely have to be willing to step up and take some risks. You can’t be the wallflower.”

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Shohreh Kaynama

College of Business & Economics Dean Shohreh Kaynama

“It’s important to students to see not only that I am a female, but I am foreign-born with an accent, and I have been a relatively successful dean of this college. They can look at themselves and say, ‘If she can do it, then I can do it too.’ Becoming a role model and a mentor is important to students.”

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Tricia Turley-Brandenburg

Deputy Director of Athletics and Senior Woman Administrator Tricia Turley-Brandenburg

“The dream job you may end up with might not exist today,” she said. “Just go with the things you are passionate about, and pursuing those things to see where that leads may lead you in a different direction. Connect with people and make the possibility a reality.”

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