Towson University is proud to announce that it has received the 2026 Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement, a prestigious national designation that affirms the university’s deep commitment to meaningful partnerships and impactful engagement with communities. TU was initially recognized in 2008 and then again in 2015.

The classification, awarded by the American Council on Education (ACE) and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, places TU among 277 institutions nationwide that have demonstrated excellence in aligning campus mission, culture, leadership and resources to support dynamic community engagement.

“Community engagement is at the heart of TU's mission, and this honor underscores our commitment to creating opportunities that strengthen both our campus and the communities we serve," says TU President Mark R. Ginsberg. “As a university for the public good, we strive to create a brighter future for Maryland. This designation affirms our continued dedication to doing just that.”

Towson University stands out for its exemplary institutionalized practices and clear commitment to advancing community engagement. Spearheaded by BTU (Baltimore–Towson University), TU has shown a commitment to positive impacts, making a difference and transforming lives in greater Baltimore throughout Maryland. BTU supports the partnerships necessary to elevate work already being done driving cross-campus collaboration, mutual respect and innovative approaches to problem-solving.

“Our partnerships with local businesses, nonprofits and organizations are essential to driving economic growth and social progress,” says Daraius Irani, vice president of the Division of Business and Public Engagement. “This classification validates the work we’ve done to build sustainable relationships that benefit our students and our region.”

Students are also deeply engaged in the community, often through initiatives coordinated by the Office of Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility (CESR). Through CESR’s high-impact programs, students develop a strong civic identity and commitment, along with skills in civic communication, intercultural understanding, and navigating civic contexts and structures. Working collaboratively, they partner with local communities to address real-world challenges, advocate for social issues, bridge political and societal divides, and lead their peers in meaningful social change.

The classification is valid through 2032, after which institutions may seek reclassification to maintain their status.

For more information about the Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement, visit https://carnegieclassifications.acenet.edu/elective-classifications/community-engagement/.  

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About Towson University

Towson University is Maryland’s university of opportunities. With more than 150 years of experience pushing possibilities, TU is a nationally recognized leader in inclusive excellence, social mobility, research and discovery. As the largest university in greater Baltimore, TU’s momentum is always accelerating, with nearly 20,000 students and nearly 200 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs in the liberal arts and sciences and applied professional fields. Located amid one of the East Coast’s cultural and economic epicenters, TU is a beacon and powerful catalyst in the Mid-Atlantic, partnering with hundreds of businesses and organizations, impacting communities and fueling change. TU meets the holistic needs of each student to achieve success, a result of a deeply inclusive culture with a focus on equity among all students, faculty and staff.