Salisbury, MD – When Salisbury University President Carolyn Ringer Lepre took the helm of the institution in 2022, she pledged to uphold and strengthen the University’s commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment where every person feels valued, empowered and welcomed.
As part of those ongoing efforts, she has announced Zebadiah Hall, an academic and student affairs professional with more than 15 years of higher education experience, as SU’s inaugural vice president of inclusion, access and belonging. He is expected to begin in the position on Monday, July 15.
“SU’s core values include diversity and inclusion because we recognize the considerable educational benefits gained from engaging with people and ideas from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences,” said Lepre. “We are committed to providing our campus with the resources needed to ensure we are a welcoming and inclusive environment that prepares students to excel in global communities.
“We have long attracted and recruited exceptional and diverse faculty, staff, and students from across Maryland, the United States and around the world. Zebadiah will build on our existing practices to develop new programs and initiatives in order to ensure every person on our campus – from students and employees, to visitors and guests – feel supported, welcomed, and included at SU.”
Hall comes to SU from the University of Wyoming, where he has served as vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion. Previous positions include director of student disability services at Cornell University, where he transformed the department from a medical model to a civil rights for social justice model; director of Valparaiso University’s Access and Accommodations Resource Center; and director of disability support services at Calumet College of St. Joseph.
At SU, he will oversee the Disability Resource Center, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI), the Office of Institutional Equity, and the Charles A. Wight Multicultural Center for Equity, Justice and Inclusion. He also will chair the University’s newly formed Inclusion, Access and Belonging Working Group.
Additionally, he will continue ongoing initiatives, such as the Powerful Connections orientation program, the Disability Resource Center Student Transition, Access, Retention and Success (STARS) program, the ODI Faculty and Student Fellows programs, and the First-Generation Sea Gull Scholars program. As a member of the President’s Cabinet, he also will serve as an advisor on matters of inclusion and diversity, providing guidance and support to help navigate complex challenges.
“I am excited about working with the leaders in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Disability Resource Center and Office of Institutional Equity, and their teams. Together, we will collaborate to co-create Inclusion, Access and Belonging to make tomorrow better for all community members. I am invigorated to work alongside the President’s cabinet to advance the Salisbury Seven,” said Hall, referencing Lepre’s seven-point mission for the University, which includes the continual commitment to inclusion, diversity, opportunity and equity, and the cultivation of a sense of belonging.
“Universal Design for Learning, restorative justice and data-rich storytelling will be critical as we engage students, staff, faculty and constituents in ways that allow all Sea Gulls to spread their wings and participate in creating spaces for all to thrive,” he added.
Hall has been recognized for outstanding leadership and dedication with honors including the Association on Higher Education and Disability’s Duraese Hall Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award, and being named an ACT College and Career Readiness Champion.
He earned his M.B.A. in applied management from Indiana Wesleyan University and a bachelor’s degree in business management from Calumet College of St. Joseph. He currently is pursuing a Ph.D. in higher education administration at the University of Wyoming.
Learn more about SU and opportunities to Make Tomorrow Yours at www.salisbury.edu.
