SU's Wight, Modlin Graduate from Leadership Maryland Program

SALISBURY, MD---Two representatives from Salisbury University recently graduated from the Leadership Maryland Class of 2019.

SU President Charles Wight and Chief of Staff Eli Modlin were among applicants from across the state chosen by committee to complete Leadership Maryland’s eight-month hands-on learning program focused on the state’s most vital social, economic and environmental issues.

“As this year’s Leadership Maryland cohort completes its program, their journey as graduates of our state’s finest organization of professionals begins,” said Dr. Memo Diriker, Leadership Maryland board chair and director of SU’s Business, Economic and Community Outreach Network (BEACON). “Over the past eight months they have learned about our state, the critical issues it faces, and above all, themselves. On behalf of the board, I congratulate each of them for completing this defining milestone and I look forward to seeing them apply these lessons to accomplish great things for our state.”

Wight became SU’s ninth president in July 2018 following five years as president at Weber State University in Ogden, UT. His priorities at both campuses have been college affordability, diversity and inclusion, campus sustainability, improving student success and community relationships.

Modlin, an SU alumnus and former U.S. Capitol intern, joined the University’s administration as deputy chief of staff and director of government and community relations in 2016. Prior to SU, he worked at the Maryland Comptroller’s Office as special liaison officer and then public affairs officer.

Founded in 1992, Leadership Maryland is an independent, educational, non-profit organization designed to inform top-level executives, from the public and private sectors, about the critical issues, challenges and opportunities facing Maryland and its regions. It is one of 34 state leadership programs nationwide and has graduated over 1,100 statewide leaders.

Additional alumni at SU include Dr. Karen Olmstead, provost and vice president of student affairs; Dr. Dane Foust, vice president of student affairs; Mary Angela Baker, director of the Center for Extended and Lifelong Learning; William Burke, executive director for economic development; Dr. Clifton Griffin, dean of graduate studies and research; and Diriker.

For more information call 410-543-6030 or visit the SU website.