State treasurer visits, discusses University growth

By Vanessa Junkin

Staff Writer

Things have been changing at SU — not just physically, but also in the way the University has been interacting with the community.

Maryland State Treasurer Nancy Kopp has realized this.

At a lunch meeting with some of SU’s executive, academic and student leaders, Kopp talked about some of these changes, then took a tour and saw some of the physical changes like the TETC.

"I see the University not only as a great educational institution but a driver of economic development for the state, so that’s why I like to go and get a feeling for how things are going and what the major issues are, what people are talking about, what you’re concerned about," Kopp said.

She was interested in hearing about SU’s good town-gown relations.

President Janet Dudley-Eshbach said the University has worked hard to make the town-gown relationship successful during her nine years here so far. She noted that SU and the city are now working together in a variety of ways.

In addition, Dudley-Eshbach said that in 2003, she began a town-gown council and she also mentioned students have contributed to the effort with days like The Big Event.

"Involving the town, communicating with our neighbors is critically important, and [Kopp] was very complimentary of the fact that we do that," said Rosemary Thomas, Vice President of University Advancement and Executive Director of the Salisbury University Foundation.

Kopp also asked the three students in attendance about reasons for choosing Salisbury and talked to them about their experience here as well as their futures.

"She was just very interested in what the students have been through," said Julius Jones, who works in governmental relations.

SU is a "growth institution" with expected long-term enrollment growth, and upcoming physical changes were discussed during Kopp’s visit. The parking garage, a Perdue School building and a residence hall complex are the planned Board of Public Works projects.

Dudley-Eshbach said in the future, SU will see a new library, a fine and performing arts center and a new field house.

The new developments aren’t just about University growth, Vice President of Student Affairs Ellen Neufeldt said, but are "meeting the demands of our students today."

She appreciated that Kopp was able to visit despite her busy schedule. Kopp is also on the state’s Board of Public Works and previously spent 27 years as a Maryland delegate.

"I think we’re so fortunate that the state treasurer took the time to come, because to learn and understand the culture and heartbeat of Salisbury University, I think makes all the difference in the world as we work together in the future," Neufeldt said.

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