July 2022
Juley Harper 1990
DEGREES:
B. S. Secondary Education, Minor in English Literature
Seidel School & Fulton School
CURRENT EMPLOYER
Wor-Wic Community College
CURRENT OCCUPATION
Associate Professor of English
DESCRIBE YOUR CAREER PATH
I started 32 years ago as a middle school English teacher at Delmar Middle School. In 2001, I was named Delaware Teacher of the Year and served as the spokesperson for education in Delaware for one year. This was followed by a year as a Teacher on Loan at the Delaware Department of Education. I then became the education associate in curriculum and assessment at the Delaware Department of Education, where I served for seven years. I was an adjunct professor of education at Salisbury University as well. I am now a professor of English at Wor-Wic Community College.
MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU LEARNED WHILE ATTENDING SALISBURY UNIVERSITY
I learned to believe in myself. I learned to respect those around me, no matter their race, religion or ability. I learned that we are all different, and we are all amazing. I learned that the Education Program at Salisbury University is top-notch.
WHAT CAMPUS ACTIVITIES/ORGANIZATIONS WERE YOU INVOLVED WITH?
I was a cheerleader at Salisbury University all four years for both football and basketball. I served as captain for two years. I was there when we went to the Stagg Bowl! I was also the Homecoming queen in 1989.
BEST COLLEGE MEMORY
My best college memory was flying to the Stagg Bowl, the NCAA Division III Football Championship in Alabama, with President Bellavance and the Salisbury State University football team. The town turned out to see us off and “Sweet Home Alabama” was filtered through a sound system. Although we did not win, the experience was unforgettable.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE SALISBURY UNIVERSITY?
I feel like I did not choose Salisbury; it chose me. I grew up in Salisbury and thought I would go away for college. However, when I visited the campus, I discovered I could get everything from a college right in my hometown.
IF YOU COULD DESCRIBE SALISBURY UNIVERSITY IN THREE WORDS, WHAT WOULD THEY BE AND WHY?
Diverse, Student-centered, Friendly.
FAVORITE VACATION SPOT AND WHY?
My favorite vacation spot is Cape Charles, VA. It is far enough away that I feel like I'm not at home, but close enough that the travel does not take long. It is quaint, filled with history and I can get the beach atmosphere without tons of tourists.
GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT
Besides giving birth to my precious daughter, my greatest accomplishment is being named Delaware Teacher of the Year. It was a fantastic experience and a chance to be the voice of educators for one year.
WHAT IS SOMETHING PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU?
Many do not know that I was the 1989 Maryland-Delaware Watermelon Queen and the 1990 National Watermelon Queen. I traveled the United States for two years promoting watermelons and the watermelon industry.
HOBBIES/OTHER INTERESTS
I love to read. I love to bake. I love to travel. I love spending time with my wonderful husband, Dale. In addition, I love watching my daughter, Daisy, become an educator. I love dogs and spending time with family.