SU and the Local Area

Known as “Maryland’s Coastal College Town,” the City of Salisbury has long been the crossroads of the historic Delmarva Peninsula. Located in Wicomico County (population over 102,000), the city is less than an hour away from the Atlantic Ocean, which is dotted with popular vacation destinations such as Ocean City, MD; Assateague Island; and Rehoboth Beach, DE. Situated on the Wicomico River, Salisbury is approximately half an hour away from the beautiful Chesapeake Bay, the nation’s largest estuary and a hub for environmental research.

The Eastern Shore of Maryland is steeped in history, and SU helps preserve this heritage through its Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art, recognized by USA Today as one of the 10 best places in the U.S. to view American folk art, and the Edward H. Nabb Research Center for Delmarva History and Culture, home to some of the nation’s oldest genealogical records.

The campus has been a partner in reinvigorating downtown Salisbury following the private donation of a $4.4 million building to the University. SU has placed an art gallery, is constructing a multimillion-dollar Entrepreneurship Center and is relocating its Eastern Shore Regional GIS Cooperative there. University performing artists also are engaged with the city’s Arts and Entertainment District’s popular monthly 3rd Friday celebrations.

The campus is a cultural center for the region, with exhibits, the Salisbury Symphony Orchestra (a town-gown collaboration), two National Public Radio affiliates, a home for Wicomico’s Public Access Television (PAC 14), and a robust roster of performing arts and other events.

The University’s four academic schools have been endowed by Eastern Shore entrepreneurs, and area businesses (many alumni owned) welcome student interns. SU graduates have found careers with Perdue Farms, one of the nation’s largest agribusiness companies with corporate headquarters in Salisbury, as well as Peninsula Regional Medical Center, an award-winning hospital. With SU, they constitute a significant employer base for the county. A 2016 study showed the University contributing nearly a half billion dollars annually to the region’s economy.

Above are multiple links to additional information about SU’s campus and service region. Please check back frequently for updates.