Four Towson University projects have been awarded a total of $100,000 in grants from the Towson University Foundation (TUF).  Established in 1970 as a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation, The Towson University Foundation, Inc. allows donors to make tax-deductible contributions in support of TU scholarships and fellowships, faculty development, research, outreach projects, academic and other programs.

“Every year, our committee looks forward to seeing the grant applications, and this year we were blown away not only by the quality of the submissions but also by the level of engagement we saw from our TU community,” says Stephanie Johnson, chair of the Advancement Committee of the TU Foundation Board.

The foundation received 48 applications, the largest number in the program’s eight-year history, totaling close to $1.1 million in requested grant funding.

Assistant professor Xiaorui Zhu’s proposal for funding AI Adoption in Data Analytics was one of the four grant winners. "This grant provides our students with hands-on learning, research experiences and emerging AI tools that are transforming the analytics profession,” says Zhu. ”The project will prepare students to generate and apply advanced analytics in real-world contexts. We are deeply grateful for this support, which represents a meaningful investment in our students’ success and confidence in an increasingly AI-driven future.”

The following projects will benefit in 2026 TUF grant.

College of Business and Economics: Adoption in Data Analytics (AI-Adoption-DA) 

Xiaorui Zhu, Ph.D., assistant professor ($25,000)

Equipping students with cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, specially generative AI (GenAI) and large-language models (LLMs), will strengthen their data and business analytics skills and enhance their career readiness. This two-year experiential learning platform consists of training modules, faculty-led workshops, hands-on research and mentorship opportunities, preparing students to effectively apply AI tools to real-world data problems.

College of Health Professions: Implementation of a Peer-Ambassador Program to Increase TU Students' Behavioral Intention to Use Mental Health and Substance Use Services

Kristin Schuller, Ph.D., associate professor ($25,000)

By reducing barriers to care, improving early recognition of behavioral health concerns and linking students with timely and appropriate support, this project will contribute to healthier, more resilient students and strengthen TU’s holistic well-being. A cohort of undergraduate peer ambassadors will be equipped to teach mental health and substance use knowledge, reduce stigma and improve awareness of TU resources. The project will reach approximately 4,000 students each semester. 

College of Education: VITAL SPEAK @ TU (Virtual and Intelligent Training for Articulate Speaking)

Syeda Shahid, Ph.D., assistant professor ($25,000)

Housed in the Immersive Learning Innovation Lab and training approximately 90–100 students annually, Vital Speak @ TU is an innovative, AI-supported public speaking and communication training platform designed to improve students’ oral communication skills, reduce speech-related anxiety and expand equitable access to experiential learning. Leveraging immersive technologies—including virtual reality, AI-powered feedback tools, the project will provide English Language learners and other under-represented students with structured, individualized practice in interviews, presentations and real-world speaking tasks.

Fisher College of Science and Mathematics: Building Privacy Workforce Readiness for Future Digital Infrastructures

Lin Deng, Ph.D., assistant professor ($25,000)

Positioning TU as a leader in AI education, the grant will fund the development and launch of eight new undergraduate and graduate artificial intelligence (AI) courses—along with integrated minors, tracks and programs—in the Department of Computer and Information Sciences. Designed in collaboration with multiple CIS faculty members, the initiative will build a cohesive, scalable and future-focused AI curriculum that aligns with Maryland’s AI Enablement Strategy and national workforce needs.

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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.

About Towson University Foundation

Towson University Foundation, Inc. was established in 1970 as a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation, allowing donors to make tax-deductible contributions in support of TU scholarships and fellowships, faculty development, research, outreach projects, academic and other programs.