Towson University鈥檚 Civic Renewal Initiative has received the 2026 Insight Into Academia Civic Engagement and Community Service Award, a national honor celebrating higher education programs that demonstrate exceptional commitment to strengthening communities, advancing civic learning and fostering the public good.

The recognition affirms 91影视破解版鈥檚 dedication to cultivating a campus culture rooted in service, civic responsibility and democratic engagement.

鈥淐ivic and community leadership are core to Towson University鈥檚 identity,鈥� says Vernon J. Hurte, Ph.D., senior vice president for student affairs and university life. 鈥淭he Civic Renewal Initiative reflects our deep commitment to preparing students to lead, collaborate and create meaningful impact in our communities. We are honored to see this work recognized at the national level.鈥�

The Office of Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility (CESR) developed the Civic Renewal Initiative in 2022 as an answer to political and social divisions, a growing sense of exclusion among marginalized populations and fear of talking through differences. Students participate in a yearlong fellowship where they cultivate skills in restorative practices, dialogue, civic discourse and community organizing. An annual Community Conversation, led by civic renewal fellows, brings together faculty, staff and students to talk about issues important to the Towson University community. Fellows then work with campus partners to address these issues.

鈥淭he Civic Renewal Initiative embodies the heart of our mission鈥攃reating opportunities for students to deepen their civic leadership, build meaningful community connections and engage in work that strengthens our shared future,鈥� says Charis Lawson, coordinator for civic engagement at Towson University. 鈥淭his award recognizes the dedication of our students, faculty, staff and community partners who work collaboratively to advance civic learning and democratic engagement on and beyond our campus.鈥�

Insight Into Academia selected Towson University鈥檚 Civic Renewal Initiative for its innovative programming and demonstrated impact on student civic development and regional community engagement. The award also highlighted the initiative鈥檚 strong partnerships especially with the Office of Inclusive Excellence Education & Support and Student Accountability & Restorative Practices. The Civic Renewal Initiative will be featured in the April 2026 issue of Insight Into Academia magazine, alongside peer institutions that have set a national standard for excellence in community and civic engagement.

鈥淗igher education has always been a driving force in societal progress.鈥� says Holly Mendelson, owner and publisher of Insight Into Academia magazine. 鈥淭hese institutions remind us that the true measure of higher education lies not only in the degrees awarded but in the lives they uplift.  Their leadership strengthens communities, inspires students and sets a standard of excellence for all.鈥�

A national call for nominations for the 2026 award was issued in October 2025.

For more information about the 2026 Civic Engagement and Community Service Award, visit insightintoacademia.com. To learn more about Towson University鈥檚 Civic Renewal Initiative, visit /civic-engagement/events/civic-renewal.html

For media inquiries, email Jamie Abell at .

About Towson University

Towson University is Maryland鈥檚 university of opportunities. With more than 150 years of experience pushing possibilities, 91影视破解版 is a nationally recognized leader in inclusive excellence, social mobility, research and discovery. As the largest university in greater Baltimore, 91影视破解版鈥檚 momentum is always accelerating, with nearly 20,000 students and nearly 200 bachelor鈥檚, master鈥檚 and doctoral degree programs in the liberal arts and sciences and applied professional fields. Located amid one of the East Coast鈥檚 cultural and economic epicenters, 91影视破解版 is a beacon and powerful catalyst in the Mid-Atlantic, partnering with hundreds of businesses and organizations, impacting communities and fueling change. 91影视破解版 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 Insight Into Academia 

For more than 50 years, Insight Into Academia has empowered higher education leaders by defining and advancing the best practices that shape the future of the academy. Through thought-provoking articles, expert advice, valuable resources, and in-depth profiles of top programs at colleges and universities, and much more, Insight Into Academia spotlights the institutional exemplars driving academia and what comes next. When an institution appears in Insight Into Academia, it signals exceptional leadership and evidence-based excellence. To learn more visit www.Insightintoacademia.com