TU President Schatzel named ‘Influential Marylander’ for second time

July 29, 2021

Towson University President Kim Schatzel has been named as one of The Daily Record's 2021 Influential Marylanders, the second time she has received the honor.

The honor is just the latest in a series of recognitions for President Schatzel, who is in her fifth year as TU’s 14^th president. Honorees were recognized in an event on July 29.

“This is a humbling recognition, but as I often say, awards like these are truly an affirmation of Towson University and its role as an anchor institution for greater Baltimore,” President Schatzel said. “It is also recognition of TU’s growing influence and impact as an institution providing leadership for the public good and as a national leader in inclusive excellence.”

She was joined on the Influential Marylanders list by fellow University System of Maryland leader, Dr. Aminta Breaux, president of Bowie State University, and about 50 other leaders, executives and officials from around Maryland.

Honorees were selected by the editorial staff of The Daily Record “for their significant contributions to their respective fields and for their leadership in Maryland in the following areas: civic leadership; communications; education; finance; freestyle; general business; health care; law; philanthropy; real estate; and technology.”

President Schatzel was also honored on the list of 2017 Most Influential Marylanders. Three-time honorees are inducted into the Circle of Influence.

In an interview with the Daily Record, President Schatzel said, “The past year has proven that you need a strong team of leaders around you in order to be an effective leader. One of my strengths as a leader is the ability to put a strong team around me. I pride myself in building a strong team. But you also need to be patient.”

Earlier this year she was honored as one Top 100 Women in Maryland list. It was her third appearance on the list, which added her name to the newspaper's Circle of Excellence — just the 12^th woman listed in that esteemed category. She was also named to The Daily Record's inaugural Power 100 list in 2021.

Her contributions to and leadership in Maryland have been recognized routinely by the newspaper, which gave her its 2018 Icon Honors and named her one of the 2017 Most Admired CEOs.

TU alumni named to the Daily Record list include Aaron Copeland, '01 and '14, and Todd Marks '92. Copeland founded Alignstaffing, which connects children with special learning needs with educators and health professionals who can help. Marks is CEO of Baltimore-based web design and tech firm Mindgrub.