This is my fourth Fall address, and each time I stand here in front of you, I get more excited about our future. Did you like what you just saw? It's almost impossible not to get caught up in the energy and enthusiasm-the life on campus. I am excited, and I hope you are too. Those images show that Towson University is alive. We're changing. We're on the map. Our message is being heard loud and clear - by our students, their parents, our alumni, elected officials, our business and community partners. Towson is on the move. Towson has arrived.
We've come a long way since my fall address in 2003. Back then I talked about the many good things that were happening on campus. But we also discussed what wasn't so good: no new major capital projects for 25 years; no funding for the hundreds of millions of dollars in capital improvements and renovations we needed to make; the lowest percentage of state funding of any school in the System; $72 million in deferred maintenance needs; and faculty salaries and some staff salaries that were no longer competitive. I had just gotten back in town. As your new President, I heard it all. There was no shortage of people to tell me what they thought I needed to know and do. I had to wonder. Did anyone out there know we existed? Were the Board of Regents and the Chancellor listening? How about the folks in Annapolis? Where were our supporters and our partners? Towson was not a major player in the region. We were lost in the shuffle. Ironically, despite having over 63,000 Towson alumni in Maryland and over 100,000 Towson graduates around the world, we didn't seem to make much of an external splash. They weren't involved with us either. Over and over I heard, "Towson is good, but we're not sure why." Press reports about us...I didn't read many, and the ones I read were neutral at best. We knew we were solid, but few seemed to recognize that. We were not telling and selling our story.
But that was then, and this is now! Back then, we talked about what Towson did NOT have. Today, we can talk about what we DO have. And what we have is impressive. Not only is Towson on the move, we are making noise, and we are taking down the doors. (I hope you saw the TV spot.) We - You - have accomplished much in the past three years. I'm happy about that, and I hope you are too. We are an institution on the move. A leader in the region. A major community partner. Thanks to the support of the Chancellor and the Regents, the University System, the State, the County, and the community, we now have friends, and we are funded at a more competitive level. Many people have contributed to the high profile we now enjoy - alumni, staff, faculty, students, and all of our friends -the TU "family." We owe them a debt of gratitude - one which we will repay by doing what we do best - providing a meaningful, high quality and accessible education to Maryland's citizens. We are no longer lost in the shuffle. We are telling and selling our story!
Now we have a clear plan - Towson University 2010: Mapping the Future. A plan that guides our best efforts and turns our ideas into action. We also launched our Annual Report Card to gauge our progress on the plan. And we have a Master Plan that will transform our campus, providing needed academic and research space as well as more open space for academic and social interaction. As we implement the Master Plan, we feel it's important for us to keep an architectural style that respects our long history, so our new buildings, beginning with the College of Liberal Arts, will have a more traditional look on the outside. But inside they will be state of the art so we can keep up with our students' ever-expanding educational and technical needs.
We have always enjoyed a great geographic location, and that won't change. We are still in the heart of Towson the town, and now we are working harder to be in the hearts of the town's residents and create a community that is alive and vibrant. We want to make Towson a true college town as well as the County seat. We believe we have improved our relationships with our immediate neighbors. It may take a little longer for some of them to believe that, especially while our construction is in their back yards. But we have made progress, and we're having mostly friendly chats over the fence. Our new policy on "Nuisance Houses" will help a lot. Our leadership in the UDAT (Urban Design Assistance Team) process will too. We want to be a good neighbor and a leader in "town." We can't be the local police force, the parents, the landlords, or the county code officers - we can't solve all the problems, but we can help. We will also continue to go beyond the borders of Towson and the state of Maryland. We have established many mutually beneficial external partnerships - our new global business incubator (launched last spring) is one great example - so we have even more people telling Towson's story on our behalf.
From the academic perspective, we have achieved many milestones. I believe there is a clear understanding of faculty workload. That wasn't true three years ago. We are maturing and growing our new graduate and doctoral programs that move us closer to the applied research university we are destined to be. The Towson/University of Baltimore joint MBA was approved and our first cohort of students have already begun their studies. The College of Science and Mathematics received two significant donations: we have our first named college - the Jess and Mildred Fisher College of Science and Mathematics and the Hackerman Center for Math and Science Education. Attracting students to science and math careers is a critical need in Maryland and nationally. Towson now has much improved resources to address these critical areas of academic and workforce needs.
In the past, there was a lot of discussion about what Towson was going to do, what we should do, what we could do. If only we had....money, or respect, or political clout or….parking. So much focus on "IF." But that was then, this is now. No more IF. No more shoulda, coulda, woulda or planning, meeting, thinking. It's time to stop talking about what Towson is "becoming" and talk more about what we are. Let's drop those "ing" words and go to the active verbs. We created. We developed. We launched. We implemented. We are an action campus. Now we can talk about accomplishments that make us proud and might even make a few others envious. A few examples……
We are the growth campus for the State of Maryland and the System. We will grow this fall by over 800 FTE students (from Fall 05 to Fall 06), and the State funded that growth. That rate of growth will continue. We just had a formal launch of our partnership with the Cherry Hill community and the Baltimore City Public Schools to create the Cherry Hill Learning Zone. Our goal is to prepare every preschooler for kindergarten, every elementary student for middle and high school, and every high school student for college or the workforce. Our connection with regional public schools continues to grow stronger. Our Top 10% Program enrolled approximately 200 students from Baltimore City and Baltimore County schools in its first year. We've expanded our reach in other ways too. Our College of Education operates 118 Professional Development Schools, the largest network in the state. The new Towson/UB MBA program offers new and unique tracks such as sports management and business security. The Nursing program is responding to critical workforce needs by expanding to the USM site in Hagerstown this fall. EMMA and MEGIN were launched. They're not astronauts, but the technology behind them seems a little like rocket science. EMMA stands for Emergency Management Mapping Application, a program developed by Towson's Center for Geographic Information Sciences (CGIS) in large part to help first responders in emergencies. MEGIN, short for Maryland Emergency Geographic Information Network, is a data sharing and mining application that enhances EMMA and other applications. CGIS is on the forefront of homeland security and emergency management for the state of Maryland, and there is increased out of state interest in these innovative tools. We're now a wireless campus, making it easier for students to stay in touch with classmates, family and friends….maybe even do a little schoolwork.
You've probably heard the word BRAC a few times. BRAC is big. If you don't know, BRAC stands for Base Realignment and Closure. It's the plan to close hundreds of military bases around the country and reposition both facilities and personnel. How does this affect us? Well, for one, Maryland will gain thousands of new jobs, principally at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Edgewood, and Fort Meade. Thousands of families will move into Harford, Anne Arundel and surrounding counties. Hundreds of companies will follow those families and the research dollars the Federal government is sending with them. These families need housing. They need schools. They need teachers. They need training. And they need Towson University bachelors and masters degrees. They need us. With BRAC on the horizon, DBED already looked to Towson University for workforce development analysis. As for higher education needs, we've created seamless articulation agreements with our friends at Baltimore County Community College and Harford Community College. The Harford partnership will allow students to earn their Towson degrees (bachelors and masters) right on the HCC campus. Some organizations are still forming committees to discuss the potential impact of BRAC. They're still talking. Towson acted. We jumped on it.
We've done a little fund-raising too. I already mentioned the $10.2 million, and that isn't a bad start. I think the College of Science and Mathematics will agree. We have other great successes. We now bring in over $5 million a year through our fundraising efforts. That's about a 60% increase over three years ago. Not too shabby. If you think that's good news, just wait until November 2nd and beyond when the Capital Campaign kicks off. You haven't seen anything yet. Bottom line - people don't donate their money to failures. They want to associate with success, and Towson University is success.
Diversity! Everyone talks about it- how great it is to have a diverse group. We're not just talking about it. We're doing it. And we'll do more. I already mentioned our Top 10% Program that attracts good students from public schools in Baltimore County and Baltimore City. In the last three years, the number of freshmen who come to Towson University from Baltimore City Public Schools has tripled. Consequently, more African-American students are coming to campus, being successful and enjoying themselves. We reach out with our message that Towson is a great place to be.
On a campus where we're nearly two thirds female, attracting more males is also a diversity initiative. Our Academic Special Admit Program (ASAP) targets students with high SATs but lower than our acceptable GPA. That cohort has a fairly high percentage of males in it. Those of you who are parents of boys might know what I'm talking about. No matter how they get here, we'll help them all be successful at Towson.
We have global diversity too! We send our students abroad and welcome students from all over the world. They bring us a wealth of knowledge about other cultures. They give us a new perspective on the world. And we intend to do more. We are embracing the Abraham Lincoln Initiative, created to greatly expand study abroad opportunities for students, and the goals it has set. Our new international business incubator gives us the chance to support new business growth in the global marketplace. Our message to business and to all those who embrace diversity is - your world can begin at Towson. We open doors.
And let's not forget the core of our mission - education - back to academics. We have accomplished a great deal. A few examples…..
Our Honors College transformed its curriculum for fall, further enhancing course options and academic rigor. Later this fall, the Honors College will move into Stephens Hall where Honors students will enjoy a great new space for studying and relaxing. Our Honors students are a very impressive group; this year's Freshmen class had an average GPA of 3.9. We had over 800 applications for the 200 spots available in the Honors College.
Civic engagement has always been important to our mission but is now critical to our mission and the future of our society. Our goal is to have every Towson University student engaged in an on or off campus experience that broadens their world view and enhances their civic involvement. Internships, study abroad, volunteering, athletics, and campus leadership experiences help our students become well-rounded and better able to contribute to our community….and theirs. Our students already participate in Study Abroad experiences at twice the national average. (14% TU; 7% national average). We want to help more students have positive educational and co-curricular experiences both here and abroad.
Our faculty and staff also make tremendous contributions to scholarship and to the community. Many of you have been recognized by your professional associations, the community, and your peers. Two awards I'll mention here are examples of such recognition. Dr. Joy Watts, assistant professor of biology, was named as the first recipient of the Jess and Mildred Fisher Endowed Chair in the Biological and Physical Sciences. And Cyndi Zimmerman, Executive Assistant to the Vice President of Student Affairs, received a University System Board of Regents Outstanding Staff Award. Congratulations to them, and thank you to all of you who go the extra mile.
I also have my team in place. You may notice some new faces on my Executive Team. They are a talented and committed bunch. Outspoken. Energetic. I want to be surrounded by people who can get it done and who will bring me the hard truths as well as the good news. We are on the move. We will also keep focusing on more and better communications across the campus. Bob's Blog was started last year to help us talk with students, and eTU was redesigned to add more of a "campus news" flavor.
As we move forward this year, our energy and impact will be felt far and wide. We have new ideas. New initiatives. But… we will not compromise our core values to get where we're going. These values have made us successful for 140 years. We will continue to grow, true to our academic values and principles. We won't give up our "big school, small feel" atmosphere. That's such an important part of what draws students to Towson. And we can make our campus even more attractive to them.
Everyone wants quality - quality programs and a high quality atmosphere. You've heard me mention the "Clean, Safe, Pretty, Happy" campus many times. We're not there yet. But we will get there. We all know that "clean and pretty" is not true everywhere on campus. We want our students to have a great experience here. To provide that great experience, we need the appropriate academic foundation, and we also need an environment in which they can thrive. We want students to stay here on weekends. They need to feel safe in their residence halls, at social functions, or just walking around our campus. We are addressing safety. Safety is a priority. We want you to feel safe and enjoy being here. And we also want the community to view us as an asset in the neighborhood, not as an eyesore or a problem. There are some things you can do to make our campus look better. Some things you can't. We'll take care of the larger problems. But all of us need to pick up the candy wrapper that's been on the sidewalk in front of your building for more than a day. Students, staff and faculty are pitching in to adopt portions of campus to keep them clean and safe. You'll hear more about an Adopt-Your-Campus program later. We need to continue to work toward an environment for success; you haven't heard the last of "Clean, Safe, Pretty, Happy."
Let me mention several other teams, our athletic teams. We've made a strong commitment to athletics. You know what George Mason did in basketball. Final Four. Whether or not you're a sports fan, it's a fact that sports are a draw. Athletics attract attention to the entire university. They are an essential partner with our academic side to institutional success. We'll do some great things this year. We already have Johnny Unitas stadium, a great place to watch our football and lacrosse teams play. Now we're going to have a great place to watch basketball, volleyball and gymnastics. Yes, I am talking about the Towson Center. $15 million in renovations and upgrades to the center will begin next summer. We'll be ready to rock and roll at the men's and women's basketball openers in Fall 2008. I encourage you…be fans. Make some noise! Make them know Towson is here.
In 1866, 140 years ago, Towson began as a Normal School with 11 students and 3 faculty members. 140 years is a really long time. Back then, President Andrew Johnson declared the Civil War officially over, and the nation set off on a new path. In 1866, Jesse James committed the first recorded daylight bank robbery. Speaking of hard cash, Congress created the nickel. Congress dealt with some important national issues in 1866. They passed the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Imagine the history. Such a long time....It is astounding! 140 years ago, Towson University started its incredible history.
Towson had to adapt to 140 years of change and challenge to find its place in the modern world. All the while holding on to core values. Once upon a time, we had 11
students, 3 faculty members, and a rented building. Now we have 19,000 students, nearly 3,000 faculty and staff, and 328 prime acres in a metropolitan region abundant with opportunity. Our past is amazing. Just think of our future.
Three years ago, I made a commitment to you. I made a commitment to collaborate on a clear vision for Towson University. With you, I created a plan to move us a
decade ahead. A plan that addressed not only university life, but the life of the university. I worked hard to get financial resources and support for more critical projects.
There were times I put my foot in the door to keep it from being shut on Towson. I ruined a few good pairs of shoes, and I made sure we were heard. Our critical needs are now, finally, being funded.
My presidential duties have taken me all over the United States and to several countries. I am pleased to tell you that our plan is working. Everywhere I go, people want to talk
about Towson University. This past July I was on the Great Wall of China talking to tourists about our MBA program. Sure, there will always be challenges, opportunities to improve, even an occasional set-back. But Towson has made noise. Towson is a player. Our message has been heard.
I read somewhere that you know you've arrived when the competition starts to look for your vulnerabilities. Sometimes they even get a little touchy when they find out
how good you are. I like to say…the good news is that we have been noticed, and the bad news is also that we have been noticed. Our competition is checking us out. We're under the microscope. We're on the big screen. And it sure beats being ignored. We're thinking outside. We have arrived. Let's keep the momentum going. Thank you, and have a great semester.
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END NOTE:
In closing, Dr. Caret read a quotation from Don C. Forester, Professor of Biology, Jess and Mildred Fisher College of Science and Mathematics. Professor Forester held two creatures, which he described as follows:
"The smaller of the two is an American toad - it is present in almost every backyard in the state. As a species it is extremely successful, but perhaps unappreciated. It has short legs and a very unfrog-like gait - moving from place to place by crawling or with a series of short hops! In the other hand I hold a bullfrog - a physically impressive species that is even more successful, and morphologically capable of dramatic leaps. I suggest that these frogs are a metaphor for Towson University - past and present. As a result of the generous gift announced here today, the College of Science and Mathematics is on the verge of major transformation and will soon be leaping, not crawling, toward an even brighter future."
