State of the University – Now & Tomorrow

A formalized graduate school, new academic programs and enhanced study abroad initiatives were among the highlights announced by Salisbury University President Carolyn Ringer Lepre during her second State of the University address in November.

These are among the next steps in realizing the “Salisbury Seven,” a blueprint for SU’s future success laid out during her inaugural State of the University address – read about them at salisbury.edu/salisbury7.

“Nine months ago, I stood right here and shared our collective vision to be a University known for its purpose of transforming lives through academic excellence and its commitment to suffusing life-changing, high-impact practices, inclusion and belonging throughout the educational experience,” Lepre shared. “Since then, I have been blown away by your excitement for our path forward.”

Formalized Graduate School

The Faculty Senate recently gave its approval to formalize a graduate school at SU. The new academic unit will take the place of the University’s current Office of Graduate Studies and Research (along with the creation of a new Office of Research and Sponsored Programs), allowing SU to bolster efforts to grow graduate enrollment.

New Academic Programs

Lepre announced SU has submitted letters of intent to the University System of Maryland to launch new bachelor’s degree programs in engineering and music therapy. They are the first of what the President expects will be the launch of one new academic program in a high-impact area each year.

Plans for a third new program, an M.A. in public communication, also are in process. That degree will focus on advanced education for public relations practitioners and analysts in the athletic, health care, commercial, public affairs and political fields, she said.

Salisbury University Global Campus

As part of a continuing effort to become the Maryland public university with the highest number of students who have at least one global experience prior to graduation, SU is expanding its study abroad opportunities through new SU Global Campus programs.

During the winter 2024 term, SU leased an entire building for student residences in Stirling, Scotland, growing its SU in Scotland Global Campus program at the University of Stirling. There, students learn both in the classroom and in culturally important locales such as Edinburgh and Glasgow.

In June, seven SU faculty will follow in their footsteps, teaching classes in English and Spanish during the summer session through the SU In Spain Global Campus program in Málaga.

Strategic Innovations

Lepre announced the first five ideas to benefit from the new Strategic Innovation Fund – read about the new program.

In addition, Lepre shared SU is developing a central fund to ensure the ability to provide sign language interpreters at all University events. The President announced plans to install pickleball courts on campus, with the first expected adjacent to Sea Gull Square next spring. She also discussed a study to determine the feasibility of resurrecting the University’s marching band, originally active from 1972-1982.

Campus Climate

Lepre announced the development of ongoing diversity, equity and inclusion training programs, as well as the promotion of open dialogues and the implementation of diverse recruitment practices.

She discussed the importance of mental health among the campus community, noting the Student Affairs Division’s significant investment in TimelyCare, a 24/7, external tele-mental health service provider, which offers free on-demand and scheduled counseling for students.

Institutional Identity

The President also updated the audience on another initiative announced in February: the Centennial Scholars Challenge to create 100 new endowed scholarships in time for the University’s 100th anniversary in 2025. The initiative is nearly a third of the way completed, with 30 new scholarships announced so far.

Capital projects such as the forthcoming renovation of Blackwell Hall into a student service hub will represent investments in the University’s future. The enhanced structure is expected to open in fall 2026 as the first net-zero building on campus (meaning no net greenhouse gas emissions) and one of the first in the University System of Maryland.

Recent Successes

Lepre also took time during her State of the University to reflect on the successes the University has seen in the past nine months.

These have included the approval of a new General Education program to be introduced next fall. The program focuses on the student learning outcomes reflected in SU’s mission and vision, beginning with an academically centered first-year semester and ending with an experiential learning opportunity for all students.

SU welcomed one of its largest first-year classes in campus history, with nearly 1,400 students this fall, including more than 530 transfer students and over 320 new graduate students. Hailing from 27 states and 18 countries, almost a third self-identified as coming from underrepresented backgrounds, making this the most diverse class in SU history.

Of particular note was the announcement of $11 million in external grants and contract awards in 2022-23, representing the largest single-academic-year amount ever received at SU.

Building a Bright Future Together

Lepre closed her address by sharing an account of certainties she has for the future of SU:

“I am certain that we will find ways to put our people – our community – first.

“I am certain that we will provide impactful academic programs that serve the needs of our students and the world.

“I am certain that we will create a place where everyone feels valued and empowered.

“I am certain that we will create opportunities for students to be the critical- and ethically minded leaders of tomorrow.

“I am certain that our institution will be a premier example of excellence.

“And I am certain that, together, we are building a brighter future.”

Read the State of the University transcript on the President’s website: salisbury.edu/president