SALEM ACADEMY AND COLLEGE
ANNUAL REPORT 2021–2022
A Year of Growth and Transformation
Salem Academy and College is
experiencing an exciting time of
evolution and growth. During the
last two years, Salem has embraced
unprecedented change across all
areas of the campus. Reopening the
campus after 18 months of virtual-only
instruction, Salem brought its campus
and its community back to life in
exciting and new ways.
Salem College doubled the size of
its incoming class for fall 2022. The
College has launched new campuswide events such as our annual Health
Leadership Forum, started new
academic and co-curricular programs,
and brought new leaders to our campus. Salem Academy enrollment also has grown
for the first time in years. The Academy has integrated STEAM into its curriculum,
developed a renewed focus on student wellness and mental health, and invigorated its cocurricular leadership programming.
In our 250th year, the Salem Academy and College community proudly reflected on its
rich history while boldly looking toward its future goals and opportunities. As we turn
our eyes toward the next 250 years for Salem, the opportunities are endless, and the
possibilities are powerful. Our optimism for the future is due to the remarkable work
and dedication of our current and past Board of Trustees, faculty and staff, alumnae and
students who have made Salem the vibrant, healthy and engaged community it is today.
I am very proud to say that Salem Academy and College finds itself healthier and stronger
than it has been in years. Our success is owed in large measure to the generosity and
support of the extended Salem Academy and College family—of which you are a part.
We share this report with you and invite you to celebrate with us the successes of Salem
Academy and College. We hope that you will share in our pride over what Salem has
accomplished in the last two years as we continue to dedicate ourselves to student success
and to being an institution on the rise. Yours truly,
Summer Johnson McGee, Ph.D., CPH
President
ACADEMY
Ranked #1
Private
High School
in Triad Area
[Niche.com]
Ranked #7
Private High School
in North Carolina
[Niche.com]
COLLEGE
Ranked #1
of All National
Liberal Arts Colleges
for Social Mobility
[US News and World Report]
Ranked #2
National Liberal
Arts College
in North Carolina
[US News and World Report]
Top 125
National Liberal Arts
Colleges in
the United States
[US News and World Report]
A YEAR OF GROWTH AND TRANSFORMATION
CAMPUS
ENHANCEMENTS
Six Academy classrooms in
the Fine Arts Center have
become a humanities hub.
Enrollment
ACADEMY ENROLLMENT
10% increase
58% increase
in the size of
the student body
in Academy admissions yield
Students from 10 states and 5 countries
The Academy received
experimental, ergonomic
classroom furnishings through a
partnership with VS America.
Gramley Library’s
ground floor was updated to
include access services, circulation
desk and open-concept study
spaces. All academic support
services were moved to be
together on the first floor.
The College installed innovative
furnishings for interactive learning
in three pilot classrooms in Main
Hall, the Rondthaler Science
Building and the Fine Arts Center.
Austria
Hungary
Dominica
Ukraine
Germany
Restored Academy admissions travel domestically and overseas,
to expand to new markets nationally and internationally,
specifically in Southeast Asia and Europe
COLLEGE ENROLLMENT
Most applications in
College history
The size of the new student class
doubled over fall 2021
(More than 1,300)
Average High School GPA is
The Welcome Center
admissions reception rooms
in the Single Sisters House
were refreshed with new
technology and decor.
The lobby of Clewell Hall
(College first-year residence hall)
was fully redecorated, and the
kitchen was upgraded.
3.8
26% of students
are the first in their families
to attend college
58%
19 students
are eligible for a Pell Grant
(federal financial aid)
in the new cohort of Salem
Scholars, full-tuition scholarships
and special opportunities for
aspiring health leaders
are students of color
49%
Undergraduate and graduate students from 21 states and 6 countries
The Mercantile, a new
campus store, opened in
the Single Sisters House.
Colombia
Peru
India
Sweden
Mexico
Tanzania
3
Financial Strength
Our institution is financially healthy and poised to create new
programs and initiatives that align with our strategic plan.
Financial support from loyal donors and pandemic relief funds
have contributed to the strongest balance sheet Salem has had in
many years. There has been an operating surplus each of the past
three years.
The endowment and perpetual trusts have been stable over the
past 10 years, reaching the highest historic market values in 2021.
Distributions for student financial aid, general operations and
faculty development contributed over $4 million to the operating
budget in 2022.
FINANCIAL SCORES –
COMPOSITE FINANCIAL INDEX (CFI)
8.06
2020
FINANCIAL RESERVES
Primary Reserve Ratio
Quantifies how long an institution could operate if revenue was
no longer received.
4.82
5.26
2.91
3.5
2021
2022
3-Year
Average
Minimum
Advisable
NET CASH PROVIDED BY
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
An operational measure focused on cash.
$1,216,721
$1,300,000
$879,529
$975,000
$758,574
$663,291
$650,000
1.92
.89
2020
$325,000
1.16
2021
2022
1.32
3-Year
Average
0.40
Minimum
Advisable
Salem is prepared to meet unexpected challenges, thanks to its
cash position. The primary reserve ratio (above) measures these
reserves. All institutions were faced with unexpected challenges
in March 2020 with the COVID-19 pandemic. Institutions with
financial reserves are better prepared to manage the unexpected.
The minimum advisable primary reserve equates to a five-month
reserve. Salem’s primary reserve in 2022 significantly exceeds the
minimum at 14 months.
A YEAR OF GROWTH AND TRANSFORMATION
$0
2020
2021
2022
3-Year
Average
Net cash provided by operating activities has been positive over
the past three years. Replacing federal relief funding with student
driven revenues, including auxiliary enterprises, is a key strategy to
maintain positive net cash from operating activities.
As indicated by the CFI score, now is the time to invest resources
for a sustainable future. This is what is intended through Salem’s
new strategic plan and campus master planning work currently
underway.
SOURCES OF OPERATING FUNDS 2022
DEFERRED MAINTENANCE
Age of Facilities Ratio
2%
17%
31.64
28.69
2020
2022
10%
11%
26.97
2021
17%
16.15
14
Moody’s
Median
Advisable
- less than
43%
Tuition and Fees (Minus Financial Aid) $4,228,926
One of the challenges for a 250-year-old institution is
maintaining our beautiful historic campus. Age of facilities
ratio indicates our campus’s current status with deferred
maintenance. Since 2021, additional investments have
been made to improve campus facilities and that work will
continue in the coming years. Renovation projects are under
development by a team of architects and engineers to rebuild
the campus technology and network, improve accessibility in
historic buildings and other critical infrastructure investments.
ENDOWMENT DISTRIBUTIONS 2022
2%
13%
10%
Room and Board (Auxiliary Enterprises) $2,613,026
Contributions $10,862,407
Government Funds $2,932,936
Endowment and Trust Distributions $4,281,157
Other Income $580,812
TOTAL $25,499,264
USES OF OPERATING FUNDS 2022
12%
60%
15%
31%
20%
10%
27%
Scholarships & Student Awards $2,353,294
Faculty Development $587,200
Departmental Projects $381,074
Campus Facilities $76,950
General Operations $536,341
Instruction $4,334,858
Academic Support $2,164,941
Student Services $5,998,358
Facilities & Administration $6,677,746
TOTAL 3,934,859
Auxiliary Enterprises $2,529,646
Approved distribution rates based on market averages =
7% for 2022 and 5% for 2023
TOTAL $21,705,549
5
Revenue Stream Growth – Fundraising
Salem is grateful to the 3,758 donors who gave to support students, faculty,
programs and facilities in FY21 and FY22.
GROUNDBREAKING GIFTS
$3.6 MILLION
TOP 7 Corporate and Foundation Donors
Gift from Gretchen Wampler Welch C’66 Estate
Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation
The Cannon Foundation
The Armfield Foundation
The George Foundation
Flow Motors
Salemtowne Retirement Community
First Citizens Bank
The gift is unrestricted for Salem College’s use for strategic
investments including student scholarships and campus
improvements.
“I contribute to Salem Academy and College
because I am passionate about its mission to
provide an excellent education to girls and
women. I believe it is institutions like ours that
will develop the leaders of the future.”
– Anonymous donor pledge of $2.5 MILLION in celebration
of Salem’s 250th
250th Anniversary Scholarship Fund: $666,690
There were two lead gifts from College alumnae who are also
sisters. Faye Lee Lampe C’53 made her generous gift to the
College’s 250th Scholarship Fund giving where she felt her gift
would make the greatest impact on Salem students. Ella Ann
Lee Holding C’56 said she made her 250th Anniversary gift “to
encourage every Salem alumna to make a transformative gift and
to make Salem a priority in this special year.”
A YEAR OF GROWTH AND TRANSFORMATION
$5 MILLION Health Leadership Gift
This historic, anonymous gift has had had a transformative
impact:
• Salem Scholars program offers full-tuition scholarships
to 20 high-achieving students interested in health fields
• 10 new faculty and staff
• Annual Health Leadership Forum
• Health Leader in Residence position
• RISE Leadership Development Program
• Health Leadership multi-purpose laboratory
• Study Abroad/Away programming
250th Anniversary Campaign
GOAL: $12.5 Million | ACHIEVEMENT: $15.5 Million
ACADEMY FUNDRAISING TOTALS
$1,600,000
COLLEGE FUNDRAISING TOTALS
$9,000,000
$634,124
$34,817
$1,400,000
$8,000,000
$372,108
$7,000,000
$5,000
$1,200,000
$6,000,000
$735,752
$1,000,000
$5,000,000
$768,789
$5,639,365
$41,780
$255,000
$4,000,000
$800,000
$215,542
$2,211,038
$3,000,000
$400,000
$241,374
$2,000,000
$223,683
$169,850
$1,982,213
$2,069,954
$505,898
$200,000
$1,000,000
$207,668
$0
$0
Total Gifts FY21
Total Gifts FY22
Total Gifts FY21
Total Gifts FY22
$1,222,831
$1,492,009
$4,713,714
$8,885,401
College Restricted Current Use
Academy Endowment
College Endowment
Academy Fund Unrestricted Current Use
College Fund Unrestricted Current Use
Academy Restricted Current Use
250th Anniversary College Scholarship
250th Anniversary Academy Scholarship
250th Anniversary Other Support
7
Salem Academy Transformation – STEAM
Salem Academy’s mission statement guides the way it supports,
encourages and mentors the next generation of female leaders.
Mission Statement: Educating girls
since 1772, Salem Academy fosters
compassionate and creative leaders,
prepared for college and life, who chart
their path with character, curiosity and
courage.
With an intentional focus on STEAM, the Academy has
transformed its students’ education through the holistic
integration of academic and co-curricular experiences.
A YEAR OF GROWTH AND TRANSFORMATION
LEARNING
IGNITING
CURIOSITY
INCREASING
COMPASSION
E
AT NS
V
I
T TIO
S
C
QU UL
E
E
YZ
AL EAS
AN
ID
Addressing the changing landscape of
adolescent needs, a 7-day rotating schedule
provides more flexibility for students and faculty offering:
• A variety of class period lengths, with AP
and advanced classes having more time
• Built-in time for College classes, daily study halls,
community service and club activities
CHARACTER
• Wellness opportunities
ST
F O MU
M
CO
ER
NI
TY
G
O N
NS
• Common office hours
SI
DE UTI
L
SO
INSPIRING
COURAGE
INFUSING
CREATIVITY
• A later start time to the school day
(backed by research on adolescent learning)
WELLNESS
The mental health challenges of today’s
adolescents are at an all-time high.
TRANSFORMATION
During Innovation Days, students practice
the courage to experience new opportunities,
working with professionals in STEAM fields
through a variety of special activities.
Partners include:
ChristianaCare Gene Editing Institute, WSMiXXer
Makerspace, ArtAboutNC, The Robot Dreams,
Triad Voice, Ember Studios, Collins Aerospace
The Academy has created a
wellness program to assist students
with personal struggles, learning to re-engage
with the in-person world, and use their
challenges to strengthen how they lead others.
OUTCOMES
The many incredible institutions that
welcome Academy graduates include:
Students curious to explore future career
options can take classes at Salem College
or can create their own semester-long
internship or independent study.
80%
take one or more
college classes
students can
graduate with
36–45 college
credit hours
Students have hands-on experiences giving
back to the community. This includes designing
and leading their own compassion
projects with local non-profit organizations,
including:
Love Out Loud, Kaleideum
9
Salem College Transformation – Health Leadership
Salem College provides a liberal arts education with a distinctive
focus on health across the curriculum and co-curriculum,
preparing students for a range of career paths and graduate
programs. Salem’s graduates understand the power, importance
and complexity of health in our society. Through intentional
leadership development and engagement in building healthy
communities locally and globally, students are prepared
to make the world a better, healthier and
more equitable place.
As part of this transformation, Salem has built new academic
programs, sharpened the focus of existing programs and
expanded student opportunities for internships, study abroad,
graduate programs and more.
A YEAR OF GROWTH AND TRANSFORMATION
NEW ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
NEW HEALTH LEADERSHIP FACULTY AND STAFF
Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences
Bachelor of Arts in Health Humanities
Bachelor of Arts in Health Communication
Bachelor of Arts in Health Advocacy
Bachelor of Science in Public Health
Master of Healthcare Administration
Concentration and Minor in Art Therapy
Minor in Nutrition
Jason Robertson
Associate Professor
of Public Health
Dale Sanders
Professor of Health
Administration
and Business
Administration
Christian Simon
Associate Professor
of Bioethics
A revised general education curriculum
that maintains our commitment to the
liberal arts while embedding leadership
and health in its learning outcomes.
More than 75 new courses
with a focus on Health Leadership
Leadership at Salem College:
Faculty and student affairs staff are building
a comprehensive approach to leadership at
Salem. When completed, it will include cocurricular and curricular components, and lead
to a certification for the most involved students.
Emily Smith
Director – Internships
and Pre-Professional
Advising
Charlotte Vail
Assistant Professor
of Leadership
and Leadership
Program Director
Examples of graduate school
acceptances for the Class of 2022
The College’s approach to leadership is based
on a simple assumption: that health is the basis of
leadership. Therefore, Salem is piloting leadership
programming in the 22–23 academic year
that explores how health and wellness prepare
students to lead on campus and in the world.
Sample internship partners for the Class of 2022
Pathways to Graduate Programs:
New pathways to graduate school include
partnerships in business, law, occupational therapy,
physical therapy and the health sciences.
United Way of Forsyth County
11
601 S Church Street
Winston Salem, NC 27101
RISE TOGETHER STRATEGIC PLAN
The RISE TOGETHER strategic plan was developed over a six
month period of community engagement and strategic visioning
with the overarching goal of ensuring financial strength through
sustained enrollment growth at Salem Academy and College.
TOG E T H E R
To learn more about the RISE TOGETHER
strategic plan scan the QR code or visit
strategicplan.salem.edu.
Athletics
#1 Turnaround in USA South
Salem College Volleyball had the largest season
turnaround in program and league history—going
from one win last year to 21 wins in 2022.
Seven swimmers qualified for
the state championship meet
Both Robotics teams competed
in the state championship
A fencing athlete is
nationally ranked
in her home country (Hungary)
The number of College student athletes
increased by 40% in fall 2022.
DID YOU KNOW? Spirits 2022 Athletics Stats
Soccer 6-10-22 (2-5-2 USA South)
Rookie of the Year – Darilyn Nieto (Soccer)
All-Sportsmanship Team – Alyson Gammons (Soccer)
Volleyball 21-10 (12-6 USA South)
Coach of the Year – Barry Rymer (Volleyball)
Second Team All-Conference – Aspen Bradley (Volleyball)
Honorable Mention All-Conference – Valeria Rosa Lopez (Volleyball)
All-Sportsmanship Team – Ashlyn Wood (Volleyball)