Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
President Kim Schatzel said Wednesday “momentum” was the best word to describe Towson University’s growth, recognition and progress.
“We see strong evidence of that momentum all over this beautiful campus,” the president said in her annual spring address in the Recital Hall within the Center for Fine Arts building.
Schatzel has led Towson since January 2016 and is the university’s 14th president. This is the first year the presidential address was held outside of Stephens Hall, which is a larger venue compared with the Recital Hall. The address was live streamed, another first.
Momentum “embodies Towson University in 2018,” she said. “I hear that word again and again when I talk to faculty, staff, students, legislators and partners.”
Schatzel said Towson is already achieving recognition and progress that has the university on pace for its best year ever, and it is only April. At 23,000 students, Towson is the second largest university in Maryland and the 73rd largest in the nation.
So far this year, Schatzel said the number of applications for the fall 2018 semester have increased nearly 10 percent compared to last year, when Towson received a record number.
This spring semester, more than 1,200 students transferred to Towson, making 2018 the largest spring enrollment ever, she said.
“Best of all, Towson University’s six-year graduation rates – often cited as the indicator of a university’s success – are strong and growing even stronger,” Schatzel said.
Since 2001, Towson’s graduation rate has risen from 66 percent to 72 percent and the university is 13 points higher than the national average of 59 percent, statistics show.
“Even more notable, our data shows there is no difference between minority and overall graduation rates,” Schatzel said. “Our African-American graduation rate is 74 percent greater than our overall graduation rate.”
Schatzel also said that data shows student success is defined as inclusive of all students, including athletes.
“TU athletes once again have the highest NCAA graduation rate of all Division 1 USM (University System of Maryland) institutions,” Schatzel said. “Our baseball team is leading the way in this success. They have the highest federal graduation rate in the entire CAA (College Athletic Association) and our field hockey, women’s soccer and women’s swimming and diving teams have graduation rates of 100 percent.”
Schatzel gave the Towson University faculty some major recognition.
“Momentum is not just about moving – it’s about moving forward, leading in the right direction, world-class teaching and research standing as an anchor for our community and a sought-after partner that is committed to making a difference,” Schatzel said.
“That is what our outstanding faculty are doing and that is how TU is leading in a way that sets the standard for higher education in this nation.”
Schatzel insisted that the 2018 Maryland legislative session that ended two days ago showed the governor and lawmakers are eager to support Towson.
The support comes in the form of funding for the new Science Complex to be completed in two years, the upgrades to the South Campus athletic fields, plans for a brand-new building for the College of Health Professions as well as a total renovation and 85,000 square foot addition to the University Union, she said.
“I hope you’re getting used to the cranes and cones,” Schatzel said. “Because we are just getting started.”
Schatzel listed the traits she said embody what is best about Towson:
• Faculty members who are not just world-class scholars in their fields but avid mentors and trusted advisers.
• Students who use their ingenuity and ambition to boldly go where no one has gone before.
• Life-changing opportunities that spring up on our campus each and every day.
• And the impact that TU makes on the world of knowledge innovation and culture.
“These are the heart of our success and the fuel for our momentum,” she said.
Schatzel’s upbeat message drew praise from the audience.
“It is exciting to hear about everything moving forward,” said Partnership Manager Kathleen Crostic. “It is always interesting to hear updates.”
Physics professor Vera Smolyaninova said she was very impressed with the univerity’s progress.
“It is very good to hear what Towson is doing great at,” Smolyaninova said. “As faculty, we are usually so focused on our specific teaching that It is refreshing to hear about the overall picture.”
Schatzel concluded that there are great things ahead for Towson.
“When I look back on the university as it was then (two years ago), it was and it continues to be, a campus with a growing reputation for achievement and excellence,” she said. “A campus that is vibrant and vital to the future success and prosperity of Greater Baltimore and Maryland.”