Wikipedia

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Salisbury University is a public university in Salisbury, Maryland. Currently, Salisbury University offers 42 distinct undergraduate and 14 graduate degree programs.

Salisbury University, originally called the Maryland State Normal School, was opened on September 7, 1925 as a two-year institution to train elementary school teachers to help fill the teacher shortage in the state of Maryland. The original class of 105 students were greeted by Salisbury's first president, Dr. William J. Holloway, an experienced educator and the driving force behind the creation of the school. The curriculum was influenced by best practices established at Columbia's Teachers College, alma mater of six of Salisbury Normal School's eight original faculty. During the Great Depression, Maryland extended the required course of study at Normal Schools from two years to three years, and to four years in 1934, paving the way for the institution to become Maryland State Teachers College one year later.

In 1935, its name was changed to Maryland State Teachers College, and in 1963 to Salisbury State College. Between 1962 and 1995 several Masters Degree programs were approved. In 1988, the name was changed to Salisbury State University. In 2001, the name was changed again to Salisbury University

In 2007, construction was completed on the Teacher Education and Technology Center, located on the main campus. Construction began in the fall of 2006[5] and cost an estimated $75 million to complete. The building houses education and technology classrooms as well as a professional recording studio and is equipped with state-of-the-art Smart Classroom technology. It also includes a satellite dining facility.

In 2009, a multi-level parking garage on the east-campus located next to the sports fields was completed.

Two new buildings were completed in 2011: the Perdue School of Business and a new, upper classmen residence hall.

The $55 million Perdue School of Business, named for Frank Perdue, was opened with a formal ribbon cutting ceremony on September 9, 2011. "Jim Perdue said his father would be proud of Perdue School accomplishments. “Just as my grandfather started the company on a solid foundation in 1920, this school really has a solid foundation for business education on Delmarva,” he added. The Arthur W. Perdue Foundation donated $8 million for the building, the largest gift for a capital project in SU history. The building also includes the Franklin P. Perdue Museum of Business and Entrepreneurship, one of the few campus-based museums devoted to business nationwide, said University archivist David Ranzan.

With some $3.1 million in new technology, the traditional academic exterior houses the latest resources for students and faculty.

Academic Programs & Academic Schools[edit] There are four schools at the University, all of which are endowed (a rarity among public institutions).

Fulton School of Liberal Arts

The Charles R. and Martha N. Fulton School of Liberal Arts, endowed in 1989, is the largest and most diverse of the four schools within the University. The Fulton School champions both discipline-based and interdisciplinary programs. In addition, the school provides support for numerous faculty, University, and community initiatives, including the Nabb Research Center for Delmarva History and Culture, the Institute for Public Affairs and Civic Engagement, the Maryland Summer Center for the Arts, the Bobbi Biron Theatre Program, the Salisbury Symphony Orchestra, and the Center for Conflict Resolution. In the Fall of 2008, the School instituted a new, enhanced curriculum, moving from a three credit to a four-credit course model intended to provide students with "a more rigorous, focused, and deeper learning experience."

Henson School of Science and Technology

Henson Hall at Salisbury University the Richard A. Henson School of Science and Technology was endowed in 1988.

Perdue School of Business

Frank Perdue The Franklin P. Perdue School of Business was established in 1986 and named for late alumnus Frank Perdue. Its new building was completed in 2011.

Seidel School of Education and Professional Studies

The Samuel Seidel School of Education and Professional Studies dates back to the organization of the University. In 1997, Samuel Seidel, a Salisbury businessman, donated a $1 million endowment.

Thomas E. Bellavance Honors Program

The Thomas E. Bellavance honors program was established in 1981. The Honors program promotes academic excellence in a small, collegial environment. Special classes, cultural events, trips, and other opportunities are offered to help motivated students pursue intellectual and personal growth. The program fosters close individual contact between students and faculty and brings together students with many varied interests. Honors courses and activities are intended to enhance other educational opportunities available to Salisbury University students. Honors students also have access to the Honors Center for quiet study. Students get priority registration privileges as well. Prospective students at Salisbury University are invited to apply to the Honors program. To remain in the program, students must maintain a GPA of at least 3.25 and be able to graduate with a cumulative GPA of 3.5.

Notable Alumni

Eric Arndt - Professional Wrestler competing in WWE as Enzo Amore

Jake Bergey - Former professional Lacrosse Player

Steve Bisciotti - Owner, Baltimore Ravens Football Team

Talmadge Branch - Democrat in Maryland House of Delegates for District 45

Erica Messer - writer for the OC, Alias, and Criminal Minds

Eric M. Bromwell - Democrat in Maryland House of Delegates for District 8

Norman Conway - Former Democrat in Maryland House of Delegates for District 38 B, Chairman of Appropriations Committee

Jeannie Haddaway - Former Republican in Maryland House of Delegates for District 37B

Scott Krinsky - Actor/Comedian, starred in the NBC series Chuck

Dale Midkiff - Actor

Frank Perdue - Former president of Perdue Farms, major contributor to Salisbury University. The Perdue School of Business is named in his honor.

Dan Quinn - Head Coach of the Atlanta Falcons.

Justin Ready - Republican in Maryland State Senate for District 5

Kenneth D. Schisler - Former Maryland Delegate and former chair of the Maryland Public Service Commission.

Mike Seidel - Weather Channel meteorologist

J. Lowell Stoltzfus - Former Maryland Delegate and State Senator in Maryland State Senate for District 38.

Kris Valderrama - Democrat in Maryland House of Delegates for District 26

Byron Westbrook - American football player, formerly of the Washington Redskins.

Jennifer Hope Wills - Actress, starring in “Phantom of the Opera” on Broadway