Government and Community Relations

From playing an active role in the revitalization of downtown Salisbury, to promoting town-gown relations with University neighbors, to working with local and state legislators to ensure Salisbury University is doing its best to meet workforce needs in Maryland and beyond, SU’s Government and Community Relations Office maintains ties between the campus and its constituents.

Town-Gown Council

Established in 2003, the SU Town-Gown council seeks to foster community ties between the University and local citizens through an open exchange of ideas and information. Members include community residents, city officials and business representatives, as well as SU students, faculty, staff and administrators.

SU’s Community Connection

The Neighborhood Relations Subcommittee works to build and sustain positive relationships between the SU local neighborhoods, identifying both concerns and opportunities, and encouraging the appropriate responsible individuals and groups to develop solutions and programs.

Have a question or concern? Or just want to get involved? Email Eli Modlin, SU chief of staff, government and community relations director and Town-Gown Council chair or call 410-548-3316.
Town-Gown Council Members
Want to know exactly who from the University is reaching out to the community – and vice versa? From University neighbors to elected officials, the Town-Gown Council’s membership is far-reaching. It includes:
- Mr. Eli Modlin, Chief of Staff and Vice President of Public Affairs & Strategic Initiatives, CHAIR
- Mr. Joe Benyish, Chair, Staff Senate
- Mr. Muir Boda , City of Salisbury Director of Housing & Community Development
- Ms. Cheryl Brophy, Villages at Sleepy Hollow Homeowners Assoc., Inc.
- Dr. David Buchanan, Campus Neighbor
- Mr. Paul Butler, Director of Communications & Community Outreach, WCPS
- Ms. Julie Cain, Vice President, Institute of Retired Persons
- The Honorable John Cannon, President, Wicomico County Council
- Mr. Bill Chambers, President & CEO, Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce
- Mr. Mandel Copeland, Campus Neighbor
- Mr. Jason Curtin, Vice President of Advancement / Executive Director of the Salisbury University Foundation, Inc.
- Mr. Charles Dashiell, Campus Neighbor
- Mr J. Anthony Dickerson, Executive Director, Christian Shelter
- The Honorable D’Shawn Doughty, Salisbury City Council
- Mr. Mike Dunn, President/CEO, Greater Salisbury Committee
- The Honorable Julie Giordano, Wicomico County Executive
- Mrs. Martha Graham, Campus Neighbor
- Mr. Aaron Guy, Director of Community Partners, Pohanka Automotive Group of Salisbury
- The Honorable Jack Heath, Mayor, City of Salisbury
- Ms. Winona Hocutt, Schumaker Pond Neighborhood
- Mr. Bret Hopkins, President, Salisbury Area Property Owners Assn. (SAPOA)
- Ms. Olivia Ingrao, Director of Civic Engagement, SGA
- Ms. Jennifer Jordan, Campus Neighbor
- Mr. Andy Kitzrow, City Administrator, City of Salisbury
- Chief Ed Lashley, Salisbury University Police
- Sheriff Mike Lewis, Wicomico County
- Ms. Nancy Linck, Executive Director, Lantern Ltd.
- Dr. Deneen Long-White, President, Faculty Senate
- Ms. Rachel Manning, Community Relations Manager, City of Salisbury
- Chief Dave Meienschein, Salisbury Police Department
- Ms. Jane Messenger, Campus Neighbor
- Ms. Sharon Morris, Community Reinvestment Activity Officer, First Shore Federal Savings and Loan
- Rev. Charlie Osberger, Campus Neighbor
- The Honorable Megan Outten, Salisbury City Council
- Mr. Wyatt Parks, President, SGA
- Mr. Roy Perdue, Vice President, Mallard Landing Council of Unit Owners
- Dr. Maarten Pereboom, Dean, Fulton School of Liberal Arts
- Mr. Habacuc Petion, Executive Director, Rebirth Inc.
- Mr. Nick Plummer, President, Graduate Student Council
- Dr. Sandy Pope, Director, PACE
- Ms. Valerie Randall-Lee, Assistant V-P of Student Affairs / Dean of Students
- Ms. Monica Richardson-Brooks, Interim President, Wicomico Chapter of the NAACP
- Mr. Blair Rinnier, Rinnier Development Co.
- Mr. Tim Robinson, President, Adjunct Faculty Caucus
- Mr. Tony Sarbanes, Former Wicomico County Council Member
- Ms. Marge Seif, President, Village in the Park I Community Assoc.
- Ms. Dianne Shaw, President, Mallard Landing Council of Unit Owners
- Ms. Amanda Weaver, Campus Neighbor
- Mr. Ryan Weaver, Faculty / Campus Neighbor
- Ms. Lee Whaley, Campus Neighbor
- Dr. George Whitehead, Campus Neighbor
- Mr. Bill Wyatt, Campus Neighbor

Legislative Testimony

Typically, SU’s President annually addresses committees of the Maryland General Assembly, delivering legislative testimony on various topics related to University operations, enrollment, budgets, capital projects and more. Briefings from 2010 to the present are available to view.

Public Affairs

Salisbury University is a unique place – one that is powered by the stories and accomplishments of our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and others. Public Affairs works to advance Salisbury University as a leader in higher education. Join us as we champion SU and celebrate our journey together!

Students Volunteer Thousands of Hours Annually

SU students provide thousands of hours of community service to area non-profits and University neighbors each year, including the Student Government Association’s annual Big Event community cleanup day. To request assistance for non-profit events visit our Enterprise Volunteer Center website. For information on The Big Event visit the SGA website.

Culture, History, Explore!

From cultural events, to historical resources, to educational opportunities, we offer many free and low-cost activities for the community. Find out about all the groups, services and opportunities we offer our community in the Cultural Events section of our Community Outreach page.