Wayne Smith `58

In the more than 60 years since Dr. Wayne Smith ’58 graduated from Salisbury State Teachers College, a lot has changed – the student demographics, demand for state teachers and even the name of the institution.

Some things, though, stay the same.

After graduating, Smith taught eighth grade in Delaware and later became a history professor at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Throughout his career, he worked with countless students from different backgrounds. For each of them, one thing remained true: Their education was the key to a new way of life.

“Knowledge is power,” Smith said. “My students sometimes thought I was asking a lot of them, but I always tried to see them for who they are and where they come from. I wanted to motivate them to raise themselves to my level.”

When Smith attended college in the 1950s, he and most of his classmates were first-generation college students. Coming from blue-collar working families, a college education was an opportunity for them to take a step up in society. During the peak of the Baby Boom, there was also more demand for teachers. Both Smith and his wife were able to receive state assistance to help pay their tuition.

Today, it has become up to the student to finance their education. Recognizing this struggle amongst his students, Smith was motivated to establish the Class of 1958 Scholarship for teacher education majors at SU. Along with fellow alums Gary and Marilyn White, he encouraged members of their class to give to the scholarship, creating a lasting impact on SU students and future teachers.

My generation was blessed by having so much state support,” Smith said. “Those four years at Salisbury were the best of my life. I wanted to make that experience more accessible for today’s students.”

Although times have changed, Smith believes a college education is still important.

“Education makes you a broader person and gives you richer appreciation for life,” Smith said. “In those four years, you gain a sense of identity and self-confidence. Students may be looking for a degree, but what they get along the way is truly invaluable.”