TU President Schatzel named to ‘Most Admired CEO’ list

By Kailey Adams on September 20, 2022

Towson University President Kim Schatzel has been named one of The Daily Record’s 2022 Most Admired CEOs, the second time she has received the annual honor. She is the only leader of an educational institution recognized as a 2022 Most Admired CEO.

The Most Admired CEOs list recognizes business executives, higher education leaders and nonprofit directors throughout Maryland whose leadership and vision are admired by those around them. A panel of judges selected the winners based on professional accomplishments, community service and letters of references submitted by co-workers, board members and fellow community leaders.

“I am truly honored and humbled to be included among such remarkable leaders in Maryland," said Schatzel. "This is ultimately a recognition of Towson University, its role as an anchor institution for Greater Baltimore and TU’s impact as a leader for the public good.”

Schatzel was previously named a Most Admired CEO in 2017.

She has also been named to the publication’s Circle of Excellence as a three-time honoree on the Top 100 Women in Maryland list in 2017, 2019 and 2021. In addition, President Schatzel has been recognized by The Daily Record as one of the Most Influential Marylanders (2017 and 2021), the Power 100 list (2021), Power 30 Higher Education list (2021), and the Icon Honors (2018).

President Schatzel was honored by the Associated Black Charities as the 2017 “Champion for More in the Middle” for her leadership in advancing diversity and inclusion at TU. In 2020, President Schatzel was honored with the Whitney M. Young Jr., Award. Given by the Board of Directors of the Urban League affiliates across the country, the award is in memory of the great civil rights leader and former head of the National Urban League. The award honors members of the Baltimore community committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in our region and state. 

During her tenure, Towson University has repeatedly been recognized for its inclusive and academic excellence.

Schatzel is not the only honoree with ties to TU. The list also features two alumni – Mike Gill, ’74, of the Maryland Department of Commerce and Kevin Drumheller, ‘92, of Richcroft Inc. The winners will be recognized during a November celebration and profiled in the Nov. 4 issue of The Daily Record.

"This year's Most Admired CEOs have demonstrated innovation, positive energy, empathy and vision. They elevate the people with whom they work, and they are good listeners. In addition, they mentor young colleagues, helping the next generation flourish and grow," said Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, senior group publisher of The Daily Record. "Our state is enriched by their leadership, and they are role models to be emulated. The Daily Record is honored to recognize these tremendous leaders.”