You became SU’s President in July 2022. What’s on your highlight reel from year one?
It has been an amazing year, so it’s hard to choose just a few! Some that immediately come to mind are the joy of meeting students, faculty, staff and alumni at various events across campus and the country, presiding over my first SU commencement ceremonies, the amazing inauguration week activities, and of course, watching our men’s lacrosse team win the national championship!
On the flip side, what’s been the biggest challenge during your first year?
Not having enough time to do all the things I would like to or to meet and get to know all the people I would like to! I’m also directionally challenged, so it’s been a year of using the nav in my car to get from place to place!
Why is a strong relationship between SU and the City of Salisbury so important?
SU has a long history of partnership with the City of Salisbury that has benefited us both. We have so many wonderful activities, cultural events, athletic games and ways to engage the community that enhance people’s lives. And, we have wonderful supporters and partners all across the city and region who work with our students and make this a safe, dynamic place to live and learn. I am so thankful to have that true college town feel.
Beyond President, what are some of your other favorite roles?
My proudest – and the role I am most grateful for – will always be as a mom. My twin daughters Sarah (left) and Ainsley (right), both current juniors in college, are incredible young women and I am so thankful to have them in my life. I love being a teacher and spent much of my life as a professor of communication. Happily, though I’m not in the classroom at the moment, I have so many former students who have stayed in touch, and I love learning about their successes post graduation. And, I suppose I would always consider myself a student. I’m curious about just about everything and am an eager learner.
In the time you’ve spent exploring your new home, what has been your favorite Eastern Shore discovery?
Ugly Pie! I’m a pie person more than a cake person, so it was so much fun to find this amazing local shop. My family and I are also enjoying getting out for some day trips to the beach and local towns.
Which living person do you most admire?
My father. He’s incredible and my inspiration for how to be a good human being.
What do you want Sea Gull alumni to know about the future of Salisbury and the role they can play?
We have so much momentum! I am excited about all I’ve learned and can’t wait to work with everyone to continue moving this incredible institution forward. We will continue to strive to meet our students’ needs, including assuring they have the resources and access to the help that they need. Alumni can help in so many ways by giving their expertise, time, energy, enthusiasm and financial support to projects they are excited about. And, definitely keep sharing your love for SU and your pride in being a Sea Gull in your communities!
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
My grandmother taught me to sew when I was a young girl, and I have been a quilter ever since! I’ve lost track of how many quilts I have completed in my life, and it’s my favorite thing to give to people as gifts. I quilt as often as I can – and find it the perfect way to relax at the end of a long day. When we moved here, I made sure to find a spot for my quilt room, so I can have that getaway when I need it!
What’s on your current …
Reading list?
always have a big stack of books and a healthy Audible playlist ready to go. I lean heavily toward mysteries, but often sprinkle in ones that just look good! My list right now includes The Midnight Library by Matt Haig, The Golden Spoon by Jessa Maxwell, Troubled Blood by Robert Galbraith, The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See, The Appeal by Janice Hallett, The Lamplighters by Emma Stonex, Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin, and The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab.
Playlist?
Music is one of my favorite things, and right now, thanks to the influence of my Korean-major daughter Sarah, K-pop has become my go-to on Spotify. Right now, I’ve got “Turbulence” by ATEEZ, “S-Class” by Stray Kids, “0X1=LOVESONG (I Know I Love You)” by Tomorrow X Together, “Run” by BTS, “Future Perfect (Pass the MIC)” by ENHYPEN and “Life Is Beautiful” by ONEUS on repeat. If anyone is interested in checking out more of my current favorites, I have a playlist on Spotify called “Focus on … K-pop” that is a great mix of some of my favorite songs.
Travel list?
I love to travel and there are so many places I’d love to go! To name a few: Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, the Cotswolds in England and pretty much any tropical island where I can scuba dive.
What excites you about the next five years?
I’m looking forward to many things, and professionally at top of the list would be SU’s upcoming centennial in 2025, which will be filled with many moments of celebration; seeing Blackwell Hall renovated and used by our students; and cheering on even more of our athletics teams as they strive for winning seasons and national championships! But in general, I’m just so excited to live each day in the moment, to be present with our SU family, and see our university grow and evolve. On a personal level, I’m excited to see my girls graduate from college, to explore more of our amazing Eastern Shore as we continue to make it our home and, of course, BTS coming back from hiatus!