Salem Academy and College Announces National Search for Next President
Winston-Salem, NC (April 15, 2025) – Salem Academy and College, the nation’s oldest educational institution for women and a pioneer in preparing leaders in health and the liberal arts, today announced a national search for its next President. Current President Summer Johnson McGee, Ph.D. will conclude her Salem presidency on June 30 following the end of this academic year. President McGee will become the 13th president of Lenoir-Rhyne University effective July 1.
The Board of Trustees expresses its profound gratitude to President McGee for her visionary leadership and commitment to Salem’s mission. Under her guidance, Salem has strengthened its unique focus on health leadership at the College and to STEAM at the Academy, expanded its academic programs, and continued its tradition of empowering women to lead with purpose and impact. Undergraduate enrollment has grown dramatically with Salem College experiencing four record-setting years of applications.
“As we mark this pivotal moment in Salem’s distinguished history, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Summer McGee for her leadership,” said Board Chair and Salem College alumna Patrice Davis. “She has championed our distinctive mission and helped position Salem Academy and College at the forefront of health leadership and STEAM education for women and girls. We are deeply grateful for her dedication to advancing our legacy while forging new paths for future generations of Salem.”
Recently ranked by Niche as the number one boarding school in North Carolina, Salem will continue to advance STEAM focus at the Academy, the only all girls college preparatory school co-located on a college campus.
The college takes pride in its recent recognition as a national leader among liberal arts colleges for student graduation rates, graduate earning performance and economic diversity and social mobility.
“I leave with deep confidence in the direction Salem is heading and a heart full of gratitude for the memories we’ve made and the milestones we’ve reached,” President McGee said. “The future for Salem is full of promise and is so very bright.”
The Board has appointed a task force that will identify the interim president in the coming weeks while launching a national search for a new president of Salem Academy and College, who will guide this historic institution into its next chapter. The Board is committed to identifying a dynamic and visionary leader who will build upon Salem’s foundation of academic excellence and leadership.
“As we usher in a new era for Salem, we are excited about the opportunity to welcome a leader who will help us write the next chapter of our extraordinary story,” added Davis. “With Salem’s deep-rooted history, unwavering mission, and bold vision for the future, we are poised to continue shaping leaders who will make an enduring impact in their communities and around the world.”
About Salem College
Salem College provides women a liberal arts education with a distinctive focus on health and leadership ensuring our graduates understand the power, importance, and complexity of health in our society. Salem College prepares students for a range of career paths to lead in making the world a better, healthier, more equitable place. Salem College is the only national liberal arts college exclusively focused on developing the health leaders of tomorrow.
News Media Contact
Meagan Coughlin, APR
(336) 721.2665
meagan.coughlin@salem.edu