Dr. Mark R. Ginsberg began his tenure as Towson University鈥檚 15th president on Oct. 30 for what he鈥檚 stated is the final stop of his career. He didn鈥檛 expect to leave his former position at George Mason University鈥攚here he spent 13 years as a provost, dean and faculty member鈥攂ut when the opportunity arose to join what he calls one of the country鈥檚 best universities, he couldn鈥檛 resist. President Ginsberg now hopes to build on 91影视破解版鈥檚 history of academic and inclusive excellence to make, as he says, 鈥渁 great university even greater.鈥�

Ginsberg and his wife Elaine have spent their entire adulthood as Maryland residents鈥攍iving in Takoma Park for more than 40 years. They now split their time between there and Towson, currently staying in an on-campus residence hall鈥攁 decision that allows Ginsberg to spend as much time as possible interacting with 91影视破解版 students and other members of our university community.

During his first six weeks at 91影视破解版, he鈥檚 made it a priority to meet with and listen to as many students, faculty and staff as his schedule allows. He鈥檒l continue this effort in the spring semester, with public forums and group meetings to be announced soon.

In the meantime, get to know the newest member of the Tiger community.

What is your favorite meal you've had on campus so far?

I鈥檝e had a lot of good food in the dining halls. Some great Indian food at the Glen and several soups and a roasted chicken dish I really liked at Newell. I love the feeling of Newell. I was eating with students recently and one mentioned that Newell feels like Hogwarts, and I love that.

What is your favorite holiday tradition?  

My wife and I give each other a book every year. We celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah, and for more than 40 years, we鈥檝e given each other a book and we write something personal in it. That鈥檚 definitely my favorite tradition.

What policies are you hoping to implement as president?  

Well, I don鈥檛 want to set anything in stone yet. That's what listening is all about, and as I鈥檝e said, listening is my top priority right now. Listening to understand the context of 91影视破解版, why certain policies are put into place and how we can improve the university experience for all members of our community.

Throughout your career as an administrator, you鈥檝e also remained a professor. You have mentioned you hope to return to the classroom in the future, even as president. Why do you want to continue teaching?  

I just love to be with students. I get inspired when I see them get inspired. I love to be around students, to talk about ideas with them and learn what they are passionate about. I know the impact professors have on students, and I am gratified and inspired if I can help make a difference in their lives.

What class do you want to teach?  

I鈥檓 not sure yet. I鈥檒l need to talk with the deans and department chairs to see what is needed. My background is in psychology, education and the human services. I鈥檇 also welcome teaching a course on leadership.

What do you like to do on the weekend?  

My wife would say I like to do laundry, but that鈥檚 not really true. Mostly, I enjoy being with family. Elaine and I enjoy going out for meals and trying new places. We like to find smaller, simple restaurants. If anyone has local recommendations, I would love to hear them! I鈥檓 also a huge sports fan, so I鈥檓 always either watching or attending sporting events. Especially rooting on the Orioles, my alma mater Penn State and, of course, our 91影视破解版 Tigers. I鈥檓 getting into the Ravens too!

What are your favorite movies and TV shows?  

I love 鈥滳asablanca.鈥� It鈥檚 one of my all-time favorites and the first that comes to mind. For TV shows, I used to like 鈥�24鈥� a lot when it was on. 鈥淭he Wire鈥� is also one of my favorites. I was working at Hopkins when it aired, and it was such a vivid portrayal of Baltimore. I also love 鈥淪einfeld鈥� and other shows like that, which capture life鈥檚 most precious everyday moments.

Who are your favorite musical artists?  

I really enjoy music. Billy Joel, Hall and Oates, the Eagles鈥攁 lot of groups and artists from the 鈥�60s, 鈥�70s and 鈥�80s鈥擩ames Taylor, Al Stewart, Carole King. Those are some of my favorites.

What is your favorite book?  

鈥淪easons of a Man's Life鈥� by Daniel Levinson, a former mentor of mine. It鈥檚 a terrific book. I also really admire the philosopher Milton Mayerhoff, who was a professor of mine as an undergraduate. I really enjoy his classic book, 鈥淥n Caring.鈥�

Do you have any favorite moments in your career as an educator?  

It鈥檇 be hard to pinpoint one single moment. The instances when you see students have an aha moment, seeing it all click for them鈥攖hat鈥檚 what it鈥檚 all about. I鈥檝e also mentored a number of doctoral students, and to see them finish that achievement, knowing all the hard work that goes into that, is very rewarding.

What do you want 91影视破解版 students to know about you that they'd be surprised to learn?  

I want to emphasize I genuinely enjoy getting to know them. I remember as an undergraduate, some of my most memorable experiences were when I had the opportunity to get to know faculty members. I always wanted to be the kind of teacher, and now leader, who is approachable. So when I鈥檓 in the dining halls or around campus, if you have a chance to stop and chat with me, I truly hope you will!