We will have a continual commitment to inclusion, diversity, opportunity and equity, and the cultivation of a sense of belonging.
Largest Ever Powerful Connections Cohort
Salisbury University’s Powerful Connections program welcomed its largest cohort yet, with 100 first-year students participating to receive student mentorship from more than 50 mentors. This initiative aims to ease the transition to university life for students from diverse backgrounds, particularly those who are first-generation college students. The program includes a week-long orientation featuring team-building activities, workshops and networking opportunities designed to foster a sense of community and belonging.
Participants like Amiyah Brunson and Zion Powell found the program instrumental in forming lasting friendships and gaining confidence as they began their academic journeys. The orientation activities encourage students to step out of their comfort zones, build trust with their peers and establish a supportive network.
Mentorship plays a crucial role in the Powerful Connections program. Jahnaiya Sutherland, a mentor and senior at SU, shared her experiences and offered guidance to new students, helping them navigate the challenges of college life. The mentors, often former participants themselves, provide valuable insights and support, contributing to the program’s success.
The program also highlights family legacies at SU. Brunson followed in the footsteps of her mother, Dr. Undrea Blake, an SU alumna who now serves as a mentor and role model within the program. This generational connection underscores the lasting impact of the Powerful Connections initiative on families and the broader SU community.
The Powerful Connections program not only facilitates academic success but also emphasizes personal growth and the importance of building relationships. By fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment, SU ensures that students from all backgrounds feel valued and supported, setting the stage for a successful college experience and lifelong connections.
Hall Named Inaugural SU Vice President of Inclusion, Access and Belonging
Zebadiah Hall was appointed as Salisbury University’s inaugural vice president of inclusion, access, and belonging, marking a significant step in the institution’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity. With a distinguished career spanning over 15 years in higher education, Hall brings extensive experience from roles such as vice president of diversity, equity, and inclusion at the University of Wyoming and director of Student Disability Services at Cornell University.
Hall’s appointment aims to build on the University’s core values of diversity and inclusion by enhancing existing initiatives and developing new programs to support inclusivity across campus. In his new role, Hall oversees key campus entities including the Disability Resource Center, Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Office of Institutional Equity, and the Charles A. Wight Center for Equity, Justice and Inclusion. He will also chair the newly established Inclusion, Access and Belonging Working Group, tasked with advancing SU’s commitment to diversity through collaborative efforts and innovative approaches.
Recognized for his leadership and dedication, Hall has received accolades such as the Association on Higher Education and Disability’s Duraese Hall Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award. He holds an M.B.A. in applied management from Indiana Wesleyan University and a bachelor’s degree in business management from Calumet College of St. Joseph, and he is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in higher education administration at the University of Wyoming.
Hall’s appointment signals SU’s proactive stance in promoting inclusivity and equity, positioning him to play a pivotal role in shaping a campus culture where all members feel valued and empowered to thrive.
2024 President’s Diversity and Inclusion Champion Award Honorees
Salisbury University honored nine members of the campus community with its 2024 President’s Diversity and Inclusion Champion Awards.
Faculty honorees included Drs. Carolyne King, (former) assistant professor of English and director of first-year writing; Deneen Long-White, associate professor of public health and Opioid-Impacted Family Support Program project director in the Center for Healthy Communities; and Andrea Suk, assistant professor of secondary education.
King was nominated for her work in disability rhetoric, including piloting a course on the topic twice in the past five years, leading to its inclusion in course options in SU’s disability studies minor. Long-White was lauded as a leader in multiple diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts at SU and as a mentor to students and colleagues, especially those who identify as people of color. Suk’s teaching approach centers on empowering future educators to create inclusive and supportive environments for students with disabilities by emphasizing the significance of understanding each student’s unique needs and adapting teaching strategies to meet them.
Staff honoree Brandon Smithson, director of intramurals and assistant manager of campus recreation facilities, was recognized for creating programs that allow all students, faculty and staff to participate, such as a recent Adaptive Sports Night, featuring a wheelchair basketball tournament and para-boccia (with Dr. Dean Ravizza, professor of physical education, and the Commuter Connections program).
Sam Hicks, Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) graduate assistant, also was honored. In ODI, Hicks developed, organized, coordinated and delivered many events supporting students, faculty and staff.
The undergraduate student honorees included Nyla Carter, Ben Schmitt, Kyra Stewart and Austin Walls.
Carter spent the past year promoting educational materials about nutrition, working with departments including University Dining Services, the Disability Resource Center, ODI, and the Campus Housing and Residence Life Office. Schmitt and Stewart were nominated for sharing their experiences with autism to help SU faculty and future educators create inclusive content, respectful reflections and a classroom of belonging for all students. Walls made a significant impact on the SU community through his dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus environment, organizing events and initiatives that have celebrated diversity, promoted inclusion and encouraged dialogue on important social issues.