Mark R. Ginsberg

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President, Towson University

Mark R. Ginsberg, Ph.D., president of Towson University, believes that the key to effective leadership is not just listening but understanding the context of what is being said.

“Throughout my career as an educator and administrator, I’ve always positioned myself as a leader who values honest feedback,” said Ginsberg. “It’s helped me to build trust with colleagues and, ultimately, make a difference for those I serve.”

One of the most challenging tests for Ginsberg’s leadership came with the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to rapidly pivot the university to online learning.

“It was a very challenging time without a ‘playbook’ of what to do or how to do it,” recalled Ginsberg. “I learned that anything is possible, and that everything we do must be based on developing knowledge linked to data and best practices while caring for the needs of others. I am proud of what we did and even more so about how we did it.”

A psychologist by training, Ginsberg is passionate about ensuring access to mental health services, especially for families. He is also deeply committed to creating inclusive and equitable communities. These priorities are woven into his leadership of TU, where he wants to ensure that all students feel welcome and have the resources they need to thrive.

Ginsberg hopes to be remembered for more than job titles or accomplishments. “I have strived to serve others and to care for others – to help family, friends, students, and colleagues to grow, enjoy their life experiences, live well and succeed,” he said. “I hope that my legacy will be that I cared for others and impacted them in a positive way – that I helped to make a positive difference in the lives of others.”