2023 Disability Resource Center Access Awards Recipients Announced

SALISBURY, MD---Salisbury University’s Disability Resource Center (DRC) recently honored 12 members of the campus community with its third annual Access Awards.

Nominees have displayed outstanding support and advocacy for students with disabilities. Recipients were nominated by DRC-registered students. 

Honors included:

•    Outstanding Faculty Advocate Award – Drs. Jennifer Nyland and Rhyannon Bemis

•    Outstanding Staff Advocate Award – Vanice Antrum, Joe Benyish and Haley Cristea

•    Outstanding Graduate Student Award – Amanda Thompson and Hunter Whitt

•     Will Fried Outstanding Undergraduate Advocate Award – Julia Tuck and Nicholas Kautz (pictured)

•    Director’s Award: Excellence in Allyship and Collaboration – Eli Modlin, Eddy Morrison and Angeline Prichard 

Nyland, associate professor of biological sciences, and Bemis, associate professor of psychology, demonstrated a strong commitment to disability-related advocacy/awareness, research and accessibility, and significantly improved or enhanced the quality of the higher educational experience in ways that have made a substantial difference for students with disabilities at SU. 

Antrum, Multicultural Affairs director, Benyish, Orientation, Transition and Family Programs director, and Cristea, instructional designer, supported DRC efforts and its students, were involved in disability-related advocacy and general awareness, and have significantly improved or enhanced the quality of the higher educational experience in ways that have made a substantial difference in the lives of students with disabilities at SU. 

Thompson, an M.S.W. student, of Waldorf, MD, and Whitt, an M.A., English student of Trappe, MD, have been exemplary advocates for disability rights at SU and beyond, and has been instrumental in improving and/or enhancing disability-related awareness, access and inclusion of students with disabilities at SU.

Kautz, a senior information systems and finance major, of Newark, DE, and Tuck, a junior marketing major, of Chesapeake Beach, MD, have been at the forefront of advocating for disability rights, access and inclusion at SU and beyond, demonstrated a strong commitment to disability-related advocacy/awareness and made outstanding contributions to students with disabilities and to the DRC.

Modlin, SU chief of staff and vice president of public affairs and strategic initiatives, Morrison, modern languages adjunct faculty, and Prichard, SU Libraries diversity and inclusion coordinator, and research and instructional services librarian, were recognized for their significant contributions to and support of the DRC staff and students. Recipients of this award are “Ally Champions” who have gone above and beyond to promote access, equity and inclusion in ways that surpass their traditional roles on campus. 

For more information call 410-543-6087 or visit the DRC webpage.

Learn more about SU and opportunities to Make Tomorrow Yours at the SU website.