USM Statement on Maryland Higher Education Commission and Towson University

Baltimore, Md. (Aug. 18, 2023) – The Maryland Attorney General has issued an opinion on the process used by the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) in its recent approval of Towson University’s doctoral program in business analytics. To be clear, the Attorney General has only determined that the voting process at MHEC was flawed, this is not a statement about program duplication. USM leadership continues to believe that the Towson doctoral program in business analytics is distinct from the existing business administration doctoral program at Morgan State University. TU has followed all established MHEC procedures in gaining approval for its new program.  

There is a clear need to revisit the processes MHEC uses to review and approve new academic programs at colleges and universities throughout the state. That is why USM leadership is fully supportive of the coming review of the Workgroup on Improving the MHEC Academic Approval Process under the direction of the Maryland Department of Legislative Services. We look forward to the establishment of clear guidelines and processes that work for all institutions and all students.  The citizens of the State of Maryland expect and deserve colleges and universities that will lead the nation in innovation and contribute the breakthroughs necessary for today’s knowledge economy. We must create an environment within MHEC that ensures that outcome.
 

Contact: Mike Lurie
Phone: 301.445.2719
Email: mlurie@usmd.edu