Nanticoke Hall

Planning for Nanticoke Hall began in 1968, a time of transition for Salisbury State College. Longtime president Dr. Wilbur Devilbiss was due to retire at the conclusion of the 1967-1968 academic year. Dr. W. Douglas Smith would replace him. Construction of the new dormitory began in the spring of 1968 under Devilbiss, and concluded in the fall after the 1968-1969 academic year had already begun under Smith. Nanticoke Hall was the first dormitory at Salisbury State College built without state finances. The college had raised its tuition since 1966 in order to fund the construction of new residence halls. 

Nanticoke Hall was located in a quadrangular formation with Manokin, Wicomico, and Pocomoke Halls. While the three of them were built nearly identical in layout, Nanticoke differed. While also being Georgian in architectural style, the dormitory was L-shaped and could house a capacity of 150 students. It also had the distinction of offering triple and single rooms, a novelty at the time. The building also featured a reception room, private parlors, a basement lounge, kitchen, typing room, piano practice room, and several study areas.

Nanticoke Hall was named after the Nanticoke River. All of the residence halls on the campus are named after waterways on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. It would be the fourth dormitory building constructed. In 1987, the building was packed with students due to an increased demand for housing. Double rooms were converted into triples, and rooms in the lounge and basement not intended for student residence were converted into living spaces. This overcrowding was remedied with the construction of Severn Hall in 1990, but the university would continue to face a shortage of on-campus housing. More recently, Nanticoke Hall underwent a renovation in 2011, and no longer offers triple rooms.  

Nanticoke Hall continues to operate as a residence hall of Salisbury University. It is now coeducational, and houses 153 freshmen. Rooms are in a suite style, with two roommates sharing a linked bathroom with another pair of students. Single rooms are also available. It also houses a lounge, kitchen, and laundry facilities.

Bradley, Sylvia . Salisbury: From Normal School to University 1925 - 2001. Salisbury, Maryland. Salisbury University Press, 2002.

“Dr. Devilbiss Discusses Projected View of Campus.” The Holly Leaf March 3rd 1967.

“Nanticoke Hall Under Construction.” The Holly Leaf March 7th 1968.

Salisbury University. Nanticoke Hall. Salisbury University. Accessed July 1st 2020. https://www.salisbury.edu/administration/student-affairs/housing-and-residence-life/residence-halls/nanticoke.aspx.

“Student Union Building Dedicated.” The Holly Leaf December 15th 1966.