Today, at Towson University announced its receipt of the 2025 Library Excellence in Access and Diversity (LEAD) Award from Insight Into Diversity magazine, the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education. The LEAD Award honors academic libraries鈥� programs and initiatives that encourage and support inclusive excellence and belonging across their campus. These include鈥攂ut are not limited to鈥攔esearch, technology, accessibility, exhibitions and community outreach. Towson University will be featured, along with 33 other recipients, in the March 2025 issue of Insight Into Diversity magazine.

鈥淭he heart of any great academic institution is its library. It is more than just a place for books or studying鈥攊t is a gateway for education, conversation and opportunity,鈥� says Mark. R Ginsberg, president of Towson University. 鈥溸Ｏ壬� is honored to receive this award recognizing our unwavering commitment to creating an inspiring, inclusive and equitable learning environment."

INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine selected Albert S. Cook Library because of its commitment to developing services, collections, physical spaces, technology, instruction, programs and hiring practices that embody 撸先生鈥檚 strategic priorities of inclusion, innovation and education. Cook Library provides all students, faculty, staff and the community with a welcoming environment that includes access to more than 400 electronic databases and 115,000 electronic and print journals to deepen their understanding of the world around them.

鈥淭his achievement reflects the dedication of our entire team in creating an inclusive, welcoming space where knowledge is open to all,鈥� says Dean of University Libraries Suzanna Yaukey. 鈥淲e remain committed to breaking down barriers and ensuring that every student, faculty and staff member and community member has the resources they need to push their academic boundaries and thrive at 撸先生.鈥�

Most recently, 撸先生鈥檚 launched initiatives to develop a student-centered outreach model for academic archives and implement a community-centered education program to address Holocaust disinformation.

鈥淲e know that many academic libraries are not always recognized for their dedication to diversity, inclusion and access,鈥� says Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of Insight Into Diversity magazine. 鈥淲e are proud to honor these college and university libraries as role models for other institutions of higher education.鈥�

For more information about the 2025 Library Excellence in Access and Diversity (LEAD) Award, visit .

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About Towson University

Towson University is Maryland鈥檚 university of opportunities. With more than 150 years of experience pushing possibilities, 撸先生 is a nationally recognized leader in inclusive excellence, social mobility, research, and discovery. As the largest university in greater Baltimore, 撸先生鈥檚 momentum is always accelerating, with nearly 20,000 students and 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, 撸先生 is a beacon and powerful catalyst in the Mid-Atlantic, partnering with hundreds of businesses and organizations, impacting communities and fueling change. 撸先生 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 Diversity

Insight Into Diversity magazine is the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education today. Insight is the leader in recognizing inclusive excellence in higher education through its many prestigious awards. They are also known for being the leader in advancing best practices in diversity, equity, and inclusion through their website and print magazine.

At Insight鈥檚 online Career Center, readers will also discover career opportunities that connect job seekers with institutions and businesses that embrace a diverse and inclusive workforce. Current, archived, and digital issues of Insight Into Diversity magazine are available online at insightintodiversity.com.