Washington, DC — February 19, 2026— The Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area (the Consortium) today announced the largest one-time membership expansion in its history, significantly strengthening its capacity to advance regional collaboration, economic and workforce development, and community impact.
This milestone growth includes new partners across higher education, research, and public engagement—reflecting growing demand for innovative, scalable, cross-institutional solutions to complex regional challenges.
Bowie State University joins the Consortium as a voting member, reinforcing the Consortium’s commitment to inclusive opportunity. Bowie State University President Aminta Breaux brings exceptional leadership experience and perspective to the organization’s Board of Trustees, which includes 18 fellow voting member presidents representing colleges and universities throughout the region.
The Consortium also welcomes the National Geographic Society and the University of Virginia as associate members, alongside current associate partners Johns Hopkins University, Virginia Tech, and the Smithsonian Institution. These organizations bring deep strengths in research, storytelling, public scholarship, and global engagement—enhancing the Consortium’s ability to translate academic excellence into public good.
Additionally, Shenandoah University and Towson University join as affiliate members, expanding the Consortium’s geographic reach and strengthening pipelines for student mobility and talent development.
“This historic expansion reflects strong confidence in the Consortium’s collaborative model and its ability to deliver shared impact,” said Irma Becerra, Consortium Board Chair and President of Marymount University, “Welcoming Bowie State University, National Geographic, the University of Virginia, Shenandoah University, and Towson University underscores our commitment to inclusive leadership, cross-sector partnership, and regional innovation, while strengthening our capacity to align resources and accelerate outcomes.”
According to Consortium President and CEO Andrew Flagel, ”This expansion is made possible in part by a generous investment from the A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation, which is supporting the Consortium’s work with community colleges across the region and challenged the Consortium to match the foundation’s investment through support for new and expanding members. This catalytic funding strengthens regional pathways for learners, accelerates workforce alignment, and expands the Consortium’s collective impact. The incredible range of Consortium members reflects the depth of talent and resources of our region. Together we will lead the way, pioneering future opportunities and expanding economic development, cementing the message that there is no better place in the world to study, work, and live.”
About the Consortium
The Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area is a regional network of colleges, universities, research institutions, and mission-driven organizations working together to advance collaboration, innovation, and opportunity across the Washington metropolitan region. Through shared programs and partnerships, the Consortium strengthens talent development and workforce mobility, supports research and public scholarship, and drives economic growth and opportunity. By aligning institutional strengths and resources, the Consortium helps translate academic excellence into measurable public impact.
For more information about the Consortium, its members, as well as partnership and funding opportunities, visit https://consortium.org/.
Contact:
Jeffrey A. Dagley
Director of Strategic Initiatives & Assistant to the President
Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area
jdagley@consortium.org