The University System of Maryland Board of Regents has appointed Carolyn “Lyn” Ringer Lepre as the next president of Salisbury University.

Lepre, currently the interim president of Radford University, will begin her tenure as SU president on July 15.

Lepre, whose academic background is Mass Communications and Journalism, has served as interim president at Radford since 2021. She will succeed Charles Wight, who has led the university since July 2018.

Prior to her role as interim president, Lepre was Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Radford. As Provost, she collaborated with the academic leadership team and the student-centered faculty and staff to advance critical initiatives designed to foster the delivery of high-quality academic programs and experiences and support the Radford strategic plan.

These endeavors included the launch of the campus Academic Success Center; a distinctive new general education curriculum, which empowers students to be in control of their coursework from day one and provides an individualized path to degree completion; the establishment of a stand-alone School of Nursing; the creation of a partnership with the Appalachian School of Law that created dual-degree programs; and the development of three online Fast-Track degree programs.

Lepre joined Radford University following a tenure at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.  While at Marist, among other administrative appointments, she served as Dean of the School of Communication and the Arts and as the Director of the college-wide Honors Program.

Prior to her years at Marist College, Lepre was a faculty member at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and California State University, Chico. She also has extensive professional experience in the communication industry, having worked for various national publications and media outlets. 

“We are extremely pleased to draw a leader and scholar of Dr. Lepre’s caliber to Salisbury University,” said Board of Regents Chair Linda Gooden.  “I can think of no one more qualified to build on the outstanding work of President Wight and continue SU’s profound impact on the region and state. I greatly appreciate the work and commitment of the SU presidential search committee, chaired by Regent Robert Rauch, for finding such a fine leader among many highly regarded candidates.”

“I am thrilled to join such a prestigious, student-centered and forward-thinking university,” said Lepre. “Salisbury University’s commitment to student success, academic excellence, and focus on inclusivity and belonging aligns with my personal and professional values.

“I especially look forward to working in partnership with and celebrating our most important resource – our purpose-driven people,” she said. “Empowering students to excel as scholars, citizens and practitioners and instilling a passion for lifelong learning is an incredible responsibility and privilege.”

Lepre attended Miami University, where she earned a bachelor’s in English and Journalism. She received her master’s degree in Journalism from Ohio University and her doctorate in Mass Communication from the University of Florida.

Perman appointed the search committee in December after Wight announced two months earlier that he would step down from his position on June 30.