In the past 10 years, Towson University has changed dramatically-although some of our neighbors aren't willing to admit it. One significant change that exemplifies the others is the shedding of the "state" from its former title "Towson State University."
The move from TSU to TU marked the University's increasing growth, increasing prestige and greater independence from the state. After 10 years of being "state"-less, you would be surprised how many people in the Towson community seem to be unaware of our new name, and more importantly our new status.
While this may seem insignificant, it points out the greater issue at hand: the Towson community's hesitation to full-heartedly embrace the University as one of its own. The community undoubtedly acknowledges the University's existence, but is still far from embracing it. This will continue to be an increasing problem as TU continues to grow.
As Towson University's reputation has improved regionally in the past decade since it abandoned the "state," more students want to come to Towson, resulting in a significantly higher number of students enrolled each year.
The pace of increasing enrollment was, and still is, much faster than the construction of on-campus housing, forcing students to move beyond TU's borders for housing. This has gradually created a stronger student presence in the surrounding Towson community.
A significant number of longtime Towson residents seem to be in denial about TU's relatively new status as a larger, more prominent institution. Towson has been at its present location for almost 100 years, and while it may not have always been so large or populous, it was here when almost every current Towson resident moved here and it certainly isn't going anywhere anytime soon, and neither are its students.
Possible dissatisfaction among neighbors may result from the above stated unwillingness to acknowledge the new Towson. Towson State represents an era where there were not as many University students in the town, where the University was not taken as seriously as it is now.
To regress back into the "Towson State" era of the University would be detrimental to both the University and to the town of Towson. Communities seem to have a "not in my backyard" attitude about having students live near them. The increased student presence in Towson should not be looked at negatively: students are young and they bring a more dynamic, vibrant and lively community.
Students rejuvenate the old, historical, traditional town of Towson. The student population brings Towson to life at night, making downtown Towson feel much safer for both longtime residents and students alike. The business community certainly knows the impact that students have on the climate in Towson; without students populating the town 10 months out of the year, many businesses would not survive. Longtime residents benefit from the increased number of shops, restaurants and businesses here because of the students. The summer months are a perfect time to observe what Towson would be like without students. It is quaint and peaceful, but lacks a distinguishable life and energy.
Towson is a great town, but without the University it would not be what it is today. Towson University and its students bring character that distinguishes Towson from many other medium sized towns in the region. It is to the residents' benefit that they embrace, rather than ignore, what TU's increased prestige has to offer them. The future of Towson depends on its willingness to embrace the University. You can't spell the future without "TU."
So please, from now on, if you or anyone you know has uttered the words "Towson State University" please stop, ditch the "state" and say out loud, "Towson University."
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