| Name | Towson University |
| Type | Public university |
| Campus | Urban |
| Colors | Orange • Black |
| Location | |
| Established | 1784 |
| Affiliations | |
| Notable programs | Liberal arts • Sciences • Engineering • Business • Dutch Studies |
Towson University is a public research university located in Towson, the capital city of the New Holland province within the nation of New Netherland. Founded in 1784, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious institutes of higher education in the country. With over 22,000 students, Towson is the second-largest university in New Netherland after University of New Rotterdam.
Towson University was established in 1784 as the Towson Collegiate Institute, one of the first colleges founded in the Dutch colony of New Netherland. The university was created through the efforts of local Dutchcolonists and the New Netherland provincial government to provide higher education opportunities within the growing colony.
During the New Netherland War of Independence, the university played an active role in the pro-independence movement, with faculty and students participating in demonstrations and publishing pro-independence pamphlets. After New Netherland declared independence in 1796, the institute was renamed Towson University and its status as a leading center of Dutch language and culture was cemented.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, Towson University expanded significantly, adding new academic programs, research facilities, and residential buildings. It became known as a premier institution for the study of Dutch language, history, and culture outside of the Netherlands itself. The university's Dutch Studies department in particular gained an international reputation.
Towson University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across its schools and colleges, with particular strengths in the liberal arts, sciences, engineering, and business. Some of its most prominent academic departments and majors include:
The university is especially renowned for its Dutch Studies department, which offers programs in Dutch language, literature, art, and culture. This department attracts students from around the world and contributes significantly to Dutch language scholarship outside the Netherlands.
Towson University's main campus is located in the heart of the city of Towson, with additional facilities and satellite campuses throughout the province of New Holland. The campus features a mix of historic Dutch-style buildings and modern architecture, centered around a scenic green space known as the "Towson Quad."
Student life at Towson is vibrant, with over 200 registered student organizations, including academic clubs, cultural groups, Greek life, and recreational sports teams. The university also hosts numerous cultural events and festivals celebrating Dutch heritage throughout the year.
Athletics are a point of pride for Towson, with the university's sports teams, known as the "Towson Tigers," competing in the top collegiate leagues of New Netherland. The university's football, basketball, and soccer programs are particularly strong.
Towson University is consistently ranked as one of the top universities in New Netherland, known for the strength of its academic programs and its contributions to Dutch language and cultural scholarship. It is especially renowned for its Dutch Studies department, which attracts students from around the world.
Many of New Netherland's most influential leaders in government, business, the arts, and academia have been Towson alumni, including several former Prime Ministers. The university also counts among its faculty some of the nation's foremost experts in Dutch history, linguistics, and cultural studies.
With its rich history, diverse student body, and excellence in education and research, Towson University remains one of the crown jewels of the New Netherland higher education system.
