Towson University's President Resigns Due To Health Concerns
TOWSON, Md. (WJZ) -- Towson University's President, Maravene Loeschke has announced that she is resigning from her position effective Friday, Dec. 19 due to health concerns.
In April, Towson University officials announced that Dr. Loeshke had been diagnosed with adrenal cancer. She has been on leave since August.
Dr. Loeshke was expected to return from leave in January, but announced she will not be able to do so due to her current state of health.
"My health will not allow me to give Towson the 100 percent of my attention that it deserves, which any University deserves from its President," Dr. Loeshke said.
Dr. Loeshke received her bachelor's and master's degrees from Towson University. She spent more than 30 years at Towson as an educator, administrator, dean and president.
"Her tenure as president, while brief, will nevertheless have a lasting impact on her beloved institution in terms of educational quality, regional impact and community service," Chancellor William E. Kirwan said.
Chancellor Kirwan announced that Dr. Timothy Chandler will be interim president. Chancellor Kirwan said he plans to put together a search committee in spring to look for Towson's next president.
Acting president Chandler released a statement, saying:
"It is with heavy hearts that we learned today of the resignation of President Maravene Loeschke. Perhaps her greatest gifts to Towson were her warmth and her generosity. They contributed immeasurably to the intimate feel of this 26,000-person community and were reflected in her dedication and love for her alma mater. She spent most of her career at Towson, which spanned more than three decades as a student, faculty member, dean, and president. It is through her life's work in the arts and through her students, alumni, and her fellow faculty and staff that she has touched the world.
Maravene's question to students, 'How are you going to use your education to change the world?' rings loud and clear as we send off 2,400 more graduates this week at commencement. As we head into a New Year we are honored to carry on her vision of developing future leaders who will impact our community near and far. We wish Maravene our best as she fights this illness with grace and dignity. Many folks have been sending her their heartfelt best wishes via the President's office (presidentsoffice@towson.edu) and as we continue to respect her need for rest and privacy we will continue to forward and share these notes with her.
Until we reconvene in 2015, please take the time to reflect, rejuvenate, and be with those you love."
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