Everyday Hero Kay Broadwater ’77, Recently Retired and Still Giving To TU
Giving back to TU comes in many forms for Professor Katherine (Kay) Broadwater ’77. Recently retired from TU in December 2021 after 40 years in the Department of Art + Design, Art History, Art Education, her service as an educator, mentor, volunteer and donor demonstrates her deep commitment to TU, the students and community to which she has dedicated most of her professional life.
One of Kay’s first gifts to Towson University was to the Asian Art and Culture Center (AACC). “I was motivated to support the AACC because they are doing important work with respect to diversity, inclusion, cultural understanding, and the idea of celebrating the unique qualities of the arts from many places throughout the world,” she says.
Kay says that giving to TU was important to her for a number of reasons. “I wanted to see Art Education be more visible in the larger university context. It bothered me that there was no specific art education scholarship, yet our program is recognized throughout the region and nationally.” After seeing students struggle with the cost of education, Kay established the Arwady/Broadwater Endowed Scholarship in Art Education to assist future art teachers in obtaining their degrees in art education. She named the scholarship for her parents to honor them and their support, encouragement and sacrifice, which provided her the opportunity for a college education.
Kay continues to advocate for growing the scholarship. “Over the years, I met with many excellent students who had no choice but to take out huge loans to fund their education. My hope is that the scholarship will benefit at least one student each year who shows great commitment and promise as an art educator.”
Kay received the 2017 University of Maryland System (USM) Regents’ Faculty Award for Mentoring for her consistent record of guiding and assisting students in finding employment as art educators. She continues to mentor young professionals, years after they graduate. Kay also received the 2021 BTU (Baltimore-Towson University) Partnership Award for her longstanding commitment to youth in Baltimore City.
