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September 26, 2008
BHU, Towson U Partnership Likely
Rochelle Eisenberg
Staff Reporter
Following discussions that began last spring, Towson University announced Sept. 22 its intention to integrate Baltimore Hebrew University’s academic programs into its own offerings.
The two institutions have approved a “Memorandum of Intent” signifying a commitment to pursue exclusive negotiations, with details to be worked out within 60 days.
Ultimately, the goal is for Towson to offer a master’s program in the areas of Jewish study, Jewish education and Jewish communal service. The hope also is to integrate BHU’s doctorate program in philosophy and Jewish studies into the Towson program. Towson currently offers a minor in Judaic studies.
The new integrated program at Towson could begin as early as the 2009-2010 academic year. “This will allow us to reach a broader base with a larger student body,” said Erika P. Schon, BHU’s interim president, who worked with Towson leadership and BHU board chair Jonathan Lowenberg on the planned partnership. “Another advantage is it will enable us to develop a strong undergraduate program to feed into the graduate program.”
Towson Provost James P. Clements, who was out of town at press time, wrote in an e-mail, “BHU brings a wonderful history of providing very high quality education that matches well with our institution and our academic programs.”
BHU also would work with Towson to incorporate its Joseph Meyerhoff Library holdings into Towson’s Albert S. Cook Library. BHU’s library, considered the largest independent Judaica library in the Southeast, boasts more than 80,000 volumes, including a rare books collection and video library.
Under a current understanding between BHU and the Associated: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore, the university will leave its Upper Park Heights campus by the end of the 2009-2010 school year. The Associated, which owns the property, is likely to put up a new social services building on the site with money already appropriated by the Maryland General Assembly.
During the next two months, Towson is expected to take a look at its programming and curriculum, as well as its faculty and staff, to determine how the two institutions would work together. They are also exploring the logistics of transitioning, admission and placement of current BHU students.
The two schools plan to work together to inform future recruits of the potential collaboration, Mrs. Schon said.
Mrs. Schon added that BHU would continue offering its adult lifelong continuing education program. Currently, the program includes a Distinguished Lecture Series; its “Limud” program that sends BHU scholars to local synagogues, Jewish organizations and institutions; and the Me’ah program, which lets a small group of students study together during a two-year period with BHU faculty.
In 1930, Baltimore Hebrew College became a member of the Associated Jewish Charities and Welfare Fund, now the Associated: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore. Last year, the Associated decided to cut $500,000 in funding over a five-year period to BHU, which necessitated a new strategy for the university.
Under the new scenario, the Associated will continue its $1 million allocation for BHU-sponsored adult education programs through fiscal year 2009, as outlined in a previous agreement. Mrs. Schon and others stressed that Associated officials have worked closely to help pursue a BHU-Towson relationship.
Future funding, according to Stacye Zeisler, vice president of marketing and communications for the Associated, has not been determined and will not be decided until the two institutions reach a final agreement.