SU Alumna Named Maryland Assistant Principal of the Year

SALISBURY, MD---Salisbury University alumna Patricia Adkins (M.Ed. 1994) became interested in becoming an educator as early as age 12 after assisting her mother, a counselor at an Easter Seals Society summer camp. Recently, the Maryland Association for Secondary School Principals recognized her for her dedication as a former Wicomico County teacher and James M. Bennett High School assistant principal, selecting her as Maryland’s 2004 Assistant Principal of the Year. “She has a genuine concern for the individual students, including their academic achievement and personal well being,” said Bennett High Principal Henry Wagner. Whether assisting students, attending school events or working with teachers on complying with No Child Left Behind legislation, Adkins said she enjoys her job. “It’s wonderful to work in the county I grew up in and make it a better place,” she said. Prior to coming to Bennett this year, she served four years as assistant principal at Wicomico Senior High School and five years teaching in the school system. Former Wicomico High principal Ruth Malone, who nominated Adkins for the honor, said the assistant principal’s dedication to Wicomico County Public Schools made her a perfect candidate for Assistant Principal of the Year. “She gave tireless energy to the students and staff of Wi-Hi,” Malone said. “She committed her efforts to making the school the best it could be.” Dr. Dorsey Hammond, chair of SU’s Education Department, said Adkins’ achievement reflected well on the program: "We are proud of the many accomplishments of our graduates of SU and certainly for Patti who is taking a strong leadership role in education." As Assistant Principal of the Year, Adkins receives a 14-karat gold ring, a trip to Florida for the Association for Secondary School Principals’ national conference and opportunities to attend other conferences. She lives in Eden, MD, with her husband, Hunter, and daughter, Lauren, 4 months. Adkins’ honor marks the latest in a series of accomplishments by SU education alumni this year. In October, Aaron Deal (B.A. 1993), a computer and science teacher at Salisbury Middle School, was named Maryland’s 2004 Teacher of the Year. In December, Larry Cassell (B.S. 1969), principal at Ballenger Creek Elementary School in Ballenger Creek, MD, received the 2003 Washington Post Distinguished Educational Leadership Award in Frederick County. For more information call 410-543-6030 or visit the SU Web site at www.salisbury.edu.