Getting to Know You
It’s been about two months since I started my new position as Digital Marketing Specialist with the Division of Innovation & Applied Research (DIAR) at Towson University. As most people do when landing a new job, I went through many feelings. First, was the rush of excitement and the congratulatory pats on the back. Second, was the feeling of anxiety when nerves kick in about learning to navigate new responsibilities, a new work culture, and new coworker relations.
One of the first things I learned was the Division of Innovation & Applied Research is made up of a diverse group of professionals working on a wide range of interesting projects. We often sum up what we do by saying, “We serve as a point of entry for businesses, non-profits, government agencies, and community members interested in collaborating with Towson University.” However, as I continue to settle in and take on the task of expanding our digital reach, I have found we are a lot more than that.
Getting to Know All About You
Here’s a bit about what I’ve learned about the Division that will help keep me on target to expand our digital reach. Hopefully it will also help you get to know who we are and what we do as well.
We focus on four primary areas:
Applied Research and Technical Services: This unit does so much. (Not that the others don’t, too!) They provide analytical, technical, and research services to our region’s federal and state agencies; county and local governments; and non-profit and private-sector businesses. The economists and researchers with Regional Economic Studies Institute (RESI) provide economic analysis and host the annual Economic Outlook Conference (EOC). GIS professionals within CGIS work with advanced mapping technologies. Our IT Services Team develops and hosts websites and provides IT consulting. Business analysts and consultants create best-use practices and case studies for a wide-range of partners from across Maryland.
Continuing Education and Workforce Development: The TU Continuing & Professional Studies (CPS) develops customized workforce training for government and corporate sectors and offers professional certification courses for high-growth industries. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute offers classes to retired and semi-retired adults (50+). CPS Videographers provide complete video production services. Curriculum developers and database experts create customized leadership programs and learning management systems.
Entrepreneurship: This team fosters innovation and entrepreneurship across the TU campus and the greater community with a strong focus on EdTech. If you’re a TU student and have a business idea, Student Launch Pad will work with you to bring it to fruition. If you’re an early-stage startup, you will find extensive resources to get you up and running at TU Incubator, TU’s business . One of this team’s signature events is the Business Plan Competition, which kicks off in November.
Partnerships & Outreach: This my team! We are a group of experienced marketers, designers, event planners, and community outreach professionals. We typically have our collective hands in most of the Division of Innovation & Applied Research projects in one way or another. We host events for the University and outside partners and provide marketing support for them as well. Right now we are busy and marketing the Professional Leadership Program for Women, EOC, and Signature Forums. The Badolato Distinguished Speaker Series and the TU Showcase, which is a collaboration with academic affairs, will be here before we know it!
The Division’s Social Media Outlets
This is just a drop in the bucket of the work the Division of Innovation & Applied Research does. In the coming weeks we will begin a new social media campaign on Facebook and Twitter that will highlight the diverse group of people and projects that makes our Division an integral part of the Towson University community.
So, please stay tuned and connect with us online.
| Newsletters | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Facebook.com/TUinnovates | @TUinnovates | Varies |
| RESI | Facebook.com/RESIofTU | @RESIofTU | Monthly |
| TU Incubator | Facebook.com/TUincubator | @TUincubator | Quarterly |
| Student Launch Pad | Facebook.com/TULaunchPad | @TU_Launch_Pad | Bi-Weekly |
| CPS | TUConED | @TU_ConEd |
