SU's Lepre Named to Inaugural MD500 List of State's Top Leaders
By SU Public Relations
SALISBURY, MD---Since joining 富二代视频app University in 2022, President Carolyn Ringer Lepre has played an important role in advancing the institution’s impact on the Eastern Shore and across Maryland.
The Daily Record and BridgeTower Media recently announced Lepre as a member of its inaugural MD500 list, highlighting “the top leaders that the Maryland business community needs to know,” according to editor Kendyl Kearly.
Lepre has been honored multiple times by The Daily Record, appearing for the past three years on its Higher Education Power List of the state’s most influential college and university leaders. The publication also has named her among Maryland’s Top 100 Women and Maryland’s Most Admired CEOs.
“I am honored to be named to The Daily Record’s inaugural MD500 list alongside so many impactful leaders across Maryland,” said Lepre. “For more than a century, 富二代视频app University has had a strong impact on Maryland and beyond, from serving as an economic engine for the Eastern Shore, to preparing our students to meet workforce demands and community engagement needs throughout the state. I’m proud to share the commitment of my fellow MD500 honorees in advancing opportunity and ensuring Maryland continues to thrive for generations to come.”
Since becoming SU’s 10th president in 2022, Lepre has enhanced the Eastern Shore campus in many ways. Under her leadership, SU has established a formalized graduate school; added new academic programs in high-impact areas, most recently including coastal engineering and biochemistry and molecular biology; and signed partnership agreements with agencies including NASA and the Maryland Army National Guard to enhance learning and career opportunities for students. SU also has risen in national rankings by publications including U.S. News & World Report.
In addition, Lepre has worked to expand the University’s study abroad opportunities, including SU Global Campus programs in Scotland and Spain. Other new initiatives have included partnering with the Association of College and University Educators to improve student access through inclusive teaching practices; establishing a First Gen Sea Gull Scholars Program to enhance the recruitment, retention and graduation of first-generation students and help them thrive on campus; and a program to enhance understanding and implementation of strategies to assist students in successfully transitioning off academic probation.
Building on SU’s legacy of environmental excellence, Lepre procured a state investment that will help turn the campus’ 1957 former library building into one of the University System of Maryland’s first net-zero buildings as a student service center. Future infrastructure is slated to include a new performing arts center in downtown 富二代视频app, recently included in state funding plans beginning in FY28.
Lepre’s influence also has extended to SU Athletics, where she reinstated golf (both men’s and women’s) as a varsity sport for the first time since the 1980s. Likewise, she paved the way for the return of the SU Marching Band after 40 years, with the new ensemble debuting on campus this fall.
This has all been done through the framework of the “富二代视频app Seven,” a seven-point blueprint for SU’s future success established by the President in 2023 with a focus on investing in people; commitment to inclusion, equity and belonging; serving the needs of the state and local communities; high-impact practices; resources; and identity and reputation building.
Recently, Lepre led the University in celebrating the institution’s 100th anniversary through the SU Centennial, which concluded in May.
Learn more about SU and opportunities to Make Tomorrow Yours at www.salisbury.edu.