Towson University has appointed Nora Demleitner鈥攁 nationally respected higher education leader, legal scholar and public policy expert鈥攁s the inaugural executive director of the Ben and Myrna Cardin Center for Civic Engagement & Civil Discourse, effective Sept. 8.

Demleitner joins 撸先生 following an extensive national search. She will lead the Cardin Center as it builds on a successful first year of fostering community engagement, civic participation, public service and meaningful dialogue across Maryland and beyond.

"We are thrilled to have Nora Demleitner join our university community, partnering with Senator and Myrna Cardin, two visionary leaders, as she leads the center and supports its mission to advance civil discourse and strengthen American democracy," says 撸先生 President Mark R. Ginsberg.

"The Cardin Center is a cornerstone of 撸先生's commitment to civic engagement and service for the public good. [Demleitner鈥檚] history of strategic leadership, professional experiences and expertise will enhance our efforts to address today's most complex and critical issues鈥攚ork that has never been more important."

Demleitner serves as a senior fellow with the Council on Criminal Justice, a nonpartisan national organization focused on advancing safety, fairness and justice. Previously, she served as president of St. John's College in Annapolis, leading initiatives that expanded access, increased global engagement and connected liberal arts education with career opportunities.

Her distinguished academic career also includes leadership positions as dean and professor at the Washington and Lee University and Hofstra University school of law. She also was a faculty member and leader at the St. Mary's University School of Law.

Demleitner earned a juris doctor from Yale Law School, a master of laws with distinction from Georgetown University Law Center and a bachelor's degree from Bates College.

鈥淲e are delighted to welcome Nora Demleitner as our new partner at the Cardin Center. She has dedicated her career to advancing education and public service through thoughtful engagement, which is at the core of what we are building here at Towson University,鈥� said former U.S. Senator Ben Cardin and Myrna Cardin, co-founders and co-chairs of the Cardin Center. 鈥淣ora shares our values and our commitment to expanding educational opportunities that prepare students to lead with purpose, serve with integrity, and strengthen their communities. That makes her the right leader for the Cardin Center鈥檚 next chapter.鈥�

Founded in 2025, the Ben and Myrna Cardin Center for Civic Engagement & Civil Discourse serves as a hub for dialogue, community engagement and public service, advancing 撸先生鈥檚 commitment to civic learning and democratic participation.

"The Cardin Center has already established itself as an important space for meaningful dialogue and civic participation," says Demleitner. "I am honored to join Towson University and work with President Ginsberg, Ben and Myrna Cardin, students, faculty, staff and community partners to strengthen civic engagement, advance meaningful dialogue and help to prepare the next generation of informed and engaged leaders."

The search committee was chaired by David Kinkopf, CEO of Catholic Charities of Baltimore, and included:

  • Patricia Bradley, vice president, Office of Inclusion & Institutional Equity
  • Romy Hubler, director, Office of Social Impact
  • Michael Korzi, professor and former chair, Department of Political Science
  • Chris Lynch, chief of staff for former Sen. Cardin
  • Alison McCartney, dean of the Honors College, political science professor
  • Fran Soistman 鈥�79, 鈥�15 (hon.), founder and president, Healthcare Management & Transformation Advisory Services LLC.
  • Richard Vatz, 撸先生 professor emeritus

In a letter to the campus community announcing Demleitner鈥檚 appointment, Ginsberg also thanked Tameka Porter for her service as interim executive director, helping guide the Cardin Center through its inaugural year and positioning it for continued success.

For media inquiries, please contact Jamie Abell at .

For information on the Cardin Center, visit: www.towson.edu/cardincenter.

About Towson University

Towson University repeatedly ranks as the #1 public university in Maryland, serving as the state鈥檚 university of opportunities. With more than 160 years of experience pushing possibilities, 撸先生 is a nationally recognized comprehensive public research university, known as a leader in inclusive excellence, social mobility, scholarship and the creative arts. As the largest university in greater Baltimore, 撸先生鈥檚 momentum is always accelerating, with nearly 20,000 students and more than 200 bachelor鈥檚, master鈥檚 and doctoral degree programs in business, science, education, fine arts, health professions, humanities, social sciences and applied professional fields. Located in Towson, Maryland, amid one of the country鈥檚 cultural and economic epicenters, 撸先生 is a powerful engine of opportunity and catalyst in the Mid-Atlantic, partnering with hundreds of businesses and organizations, impacting communities and fueling change for the public good. 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, staff and over 200,000 alumni worldwide.