Becoming a leader: Kim Schatzel

Imagine being told that it was “unnatural” for you to want a particular job. 

Now imagine this coming from your prospective supervisor.

Towson University President Kim Schatzel faced that particular challenge in her first job out of college. She was a foreman on a Ford Pinto assembly line in Michigan, supervising 20 employees and responsible for working with them to provide assembly operation to vehicles.

As one of the first women in a leadership position in advanced manufacturing, Schatzel made it her goal to show she was more than capable for any job. 

“I was told I was taking a job from a man,” she remembered. “That a man needed it to feed his family. But a lot of men would help me out. They gave me a fair shake and were supportive when they saw I wanted to do my best. 

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

Schatzel is a rarity among university presidents: Only 2 percent have extensive business and private sector experience. She spent more than 20 years as a corporate leader and serial entrepreneur in the technology and advanced manufacturing sectors. 

With over two decades in higher education, her resume includes stints as dean of the College of Business at the University of Michigan-Dearborn and provost and interim president at Eastern Michigan University. 

Now in her third year at TU, she continues to apply her business acumen in the world of higher education. Under her leadership, the university has strengthened its reputation as a regional anchor and sought-after partner—surpassing over 300 BTU Partnerships at work for Greater Baltimore.

“We’re going to the legislators, donors, foundations and companies and telling them why partnering with Towson University provides great benefits,” Schatzel said. “My business background allows me to connect with those different groups and show them what TU brings to these partnerships.”

It’s been almost 40 years since she was initially told she was taking a job from a man. For years afterward, she would take a job and find she was the first woman to hold it.  

That wasn’t the case when she was named president of Towson University in December 2015. According to a national survey by the American Council on Education, only 30 percent of college presidents are women. Schatzel is the university’s fifth woman principal or president—a tradition she is more than happy to continue.

“It was a blessing because it was the only time that I haven’t been the first woman,” she laughed. “I really appreciate the history of women in leadership here, and I hope to learn from them and build on their legacy.”

She also hopes to blaze her own trail at TU, knowing it’s going to take work—and even a little help. 

Schatzel considers herself a consultative leader. She admits she landed every job she’s had, without exactly knowing how to do it. That’s why she believes in creating diverse working environments and surrounding herself with strong leadership teams.

“If you think you’re prepared for it, it’s not the right job,” she said. “I like to hear a lot of perspectives. I like to hear a lot of voices when making a decision. Ultimately, I decide—but I want to make sure all voices are heard.”