Welcome to January! For me, this month began with acronyms. I have spent time at virtual meetings of CIC and NCAIS. The first, the Council of Independent Colleges, met early in January and brought together presidents from across the nation and, indeed, the world. We talked about moral leadership, enrollment and marketing, the meaning of diversity and inclusion, COVID-19, and more. The second, where I was joined by the Academy Head of School Kris Sorrells, Vice President Ken Buchanan, and multiple trustees, brought together a wide array of leaders from independent schools across North Carolina. We learned from one another about strategic planning, retention, the role of parents, and more.
In both instances, I was reminded of the reality that the landscape of educational institutions is a diverse one, and though we “compete” with one another, we also learn from one another in significant ways. Our connections with our peers matter.
So too does what is happening at Salem itself. Yes, much is happening on campus as well—both our virtual campus and the physical campus we treasure so much. As the Academy moves through an exciting Jan Term and toward spring semester, the College continues its work to develop health leadership initiatives and to teach and learn together. Faculty and staff are at the heart of all we do to ensure every student’s success.
As is always the case, while many are focused on the students of today, the admissions teams at the College and Academy are focused on tomorrow’s Salem students. I have been lucky enough to welcome new adult students to our Fleer Center and new traditional age students to the College. Like their Academy peers who I saw recently at a Jan Term event, our students are inspiring. Indeed, our multigenerational campus reminds me every day of the value of lifelong learning.
So too do you—our alumnae. Your questions and advice, your ambassador work for admissions, and much more helps to ensure that Salem is, indeed, strong.
I look forward to 2021 together—staying in touch and enduring student success together.
With gratitude,
Susan Henking
Interim President