We will invest in the people who deliver on the promises we make to our students.
Transformational Community Leadership
Salisbury University renewed its partnership with the Greater Salisbury Committee through participation in their Transformational Community Leadership (TCL) professional development program, which graduated six SU employees from the Wicomico County-wide initiative. TCL is an immersive leadership series, launched by the Greater Salisbury Committee in April 2017, that is held every two years in partnership with SU. The goal of TCL is to engage future Salisbury area leaders in learning about the industries, institutions and entities that are the backbone of our community. Every month for eight consecutive months, TCL participants take field trips to learn more about these community and regional assets. At the conclusion of each monthly visit, exceptional leadership speakers share insights with the TCL cohort.
Participants from SU included Anne Bergen-Aurand, assistant director of complaint resolution and compliance in the Office of Institutional Equity; Beth Skoglund, director of admissions; Joel Davies, captain (retired)
in the SU Police Department; Joe Benyish, director of Orientation, Transition and Family Programs; Martin Hunter, registrar; and Margaret Sebastian, director of TRIO Student Support Services
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New Campus Leaders
SU welcomed Dr. Laurie Couch, Aurora Edenhart-Pepe and Zebadiah Hall to its executive leadership in 2023-24. Couch serves as provost and senior vice president of academic affairs, overseeing academic policy, faculty, research and student success. Edenhart-Pepe serves as vice president for administration and finance, overseeing finance, human resources, facilities and capital management, information technology, and the University Police Department. Continuing on President Lepre’s pledge to foster a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment on campus, Hall was chosen to champion those efforts as the inaugural vice president of inclusion, access and belonging.
Celebrating Excellence in Faculty and Staff Achievements
In 2024, three outstanding faculty members and three staff members received the prestigious University System of Maryland (USM) Board of Regents Awards for Excellence.
Faculty Awards for Excellence
These awards, the highest honor bestowed by the USM Board of Regents, celebrate exceptional achievements in teaching, research, scholarship, creative activity, public service and mentoring.
Dr. Timothy Stock, professor and chair of the Philosophy Department, was acknowledged for his exemplary contributions in teaching. Stock was noted for demonstrating innovative and effective teaching methods, significantly enhancing student learning and engagement. His dedication to creating an inclusive and supportive classroom environment has not only enriched the academic experience for students but has also set a benchmark for teaching excellence within our University.
Dr. Hong Yao, professor and chair of the Economics Department, was recognized for her proactive and impactful approach to mentoring. In her classroom, Yao emphasizes career preparedness by incorporating industry guest speakers and connecting students with job and graduate program opportunities. Her efforts have led to Perdue School students securing positions at top firms, winning fellowships and gaining admission to renowned graduate programs.
Dr. Alexander “Sandy” Pope, director of SU’s Institute for Public Affairs and Civic Engagement (PACE) and associate professor of secondary social studies education, was recognized for his dedication to public service. His initiatives include partnerships with local schools, civic education programs and transitioning the Center for Civic Reflection to SU. Under his leadership, PACE received the 2023 Excellence in Innovation “We the People” Award and the Carnegie Foundation’s Elective Community Engagement Classification, marking SU as a model of civic responsibility.
These recognitions underscore the high caliber of faculty at Salisbury University and their commitment to excellence in all facets of their professional endeavors. The achievements of these awardees reflect the University’s mission to cultivate an environment of academic excellence, innovative research and community engagement.
Staff Awards for Excellence
Michelle Pryor, director of annual giving, received the award for effectiveness and efficiency for her significant contributions to SU’s fundraising efforts. Pryor has played a crucial role in organizing and transforming SU’s Giving Day into a successful annual event. She also introduced Flash Fundraisers, innovative crowdfunding campaigns that not only raise funds but also save costs by retaining state funding. Her expertise is recognized beyond SU as she collaborates with the USM Foundation to share her successful fundraising strategies.
Jennifer Ellis, curriculum and administrative specialist in the Office of the Provost, was recognized for her exceptional contribution to the institution. She has been instrumental in implementing SU’s new General Education curriculum. Her efforts included conducting numerous training sessions for faculty on course curriculum submissions and developing detailed templates to streamline the course submission process, resulting in over 365 General Education course proposals.
Stephanie Davis, (former) academic program specialist in the University Writing Center, was recognized for her outstanding service to students. Davis showed unwavering dedication to enhancing student experiences and steered innovative advancements within the academic community. Her efforts in improving the Writing Center’s services are highlighted through her involvement in research studies that seek to understand and enhance the center’s outcomes.
Salisbury University remains dedicated to supporting and celebrating the achievements of its faculty and staff, whose contributions significantly enhance the University’s reputation and impact. The USM Board of Regents Awards for Excellence serve as a testament to the hard work, dedication, and remarkable accomplishments of our Sea Gull family.
SULead
On the heels of the successful inaugural cohort of SULead, the professional development initiative graduated a second class of 12 participants this year. Representing a diverse cross section of our campus workforce, the second cohort was comprised of:
- Logan Becker, budget analyst in the Budget Office
- Ryan Bradshaw, identity and data security manager in Information Technology
- Kelly Cowger, interim director of the Guerrieri Student Union
- Wynnette Curtis, program coordinator in the Seidel School of Education
- Tammy Harris, program administrative specialist in the Fulton School of Liberal Arts
- Michelle Hirsch, executive administrative assistant in Advancement
- Jalesa Hull, assistant program director in the Disability Resource Center
- Shannon James, assistant registrar in the Registrar’s Office
- Brian Koehler, alumni engagement coordinator in the Alumni Office
- Angela Lookabill, academic program specialist in the Office of the Provost
- Lisa Nowak, executive administrative assistant in the College of Health and Human Services
- William Woodward, sergeant in the SU Police Department
SU Lead is a Salisbury University professional development initiative designed to provide staff with the opportunity to learn about various aspects of University operations. The program creates a pipeline of diverse leaders within the institution and provides an opportunity for staff to be more informed about how various offices/departments work together to support the entire campus community. The program’s goal is to foster engagement of all talented, emerging staff with leadership potential. The program provides participants with the opportunity to gain familiarity with campus, engage with the University’s senior leaders, and explore leadership themes through self-assessment, assigned readings, project work and mentor pairing.