Ilia Sheran is a freshman double major with dreams of becoming a surgeon, so she was particularly interested in our health leadership focus. She is studying biology with a pre-med focus, and also studying sociology with a criminology focus. Even though she’s only been at Salem for a short time, Ilia has stepped into her own as a leader. She currently represents Salem College as an Honor Guide, leading campus tours for prospective students and their families. She is also proud to announce that she will serve as a Resident Advisor in the 25-26 school year. Ilia is already on a remarkable path here at Salem and we are excited for her to keep working toward her goals!

Joy Nelson-Thomas C’12 credits her journey to serving as Founding Executive Director of LEAD (Learning Everyday Accomplishing Dreams) Girls of North Carolina to her time at Salem, especially her time working with Dr. Rosa Otero. As a transfer student, Joy was looking for a place that felt right for her, and she found that place at Salem. She was initially drawn to the strong academic programs, and the supportive faculty; but she also credits Salem’s rich history and focus on empowering women as a top reason to make Salem her home.

Tashica Bogle is a senior majoring in sociology with a concentration in criminology. She is minoring in both religious studies and creative writing. Tashica is Jamaican, and is very proud of the fact that as of graduation in May 2025, she’ll be a first generation college graduate! Tashica has taken many leadership roles on campus including President of the Off Campus Association and Vice President of the Black Student Union. Through these roles, she has found her leadership style by creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. The focus of Health Leadership at Salem has taught Tashica that there are myriad of factors that make up health leadership – socioeconomic factors, environmental factors – not just healthcare. Tashica is very grateful for all of the knowledge and relationships that she has made here at Salem.

Dr. Jason Robertson grew up on a 300-acre tobacco farm in Gretna, Virginia, and is a first generation college graduate. From the tobacco barn to teaching at Salem, Dr. Robertson is now an accomplished academic and health education expert with over 20 years of experience in higher education. He is passionate about helping students see the broader context of health, encouraging them to think critically about its connections to housing, education, access to healthcare, and daily life. Dr. Robertson’s research focuses on community-based approaches to mental health, suicide prevention, health equity for LGBTQIA+ populations, and the preparation of public health practitioners. His work aligns with Salem College’s commitment to developing leaders who are equipped to address the full spectrum of health, not just clinical care.

Ashley Halsey is a freshman majoring in Education. She fell in love with Salem while visiting her older sister, Sydney, last semester. Initially interested in Health Leadership, Ashley found through her classes and volunteer experiences that she would like to pursue education. She currently tutors with Heart Math tutoring, a program that gives young students successful experiences in math through one-on-one, volunteer-delivered tutoring during the school day. Ashley is also a member of Salem’s Campus Activity Board, and works in the library for her work study. She is pursuing education so she can help others grow confident in their education. With just one semester under her belt, Ashley is already doing Remarkable things.

Sydney Halsey is a sophomore at Salem college majoring in Business Administration with a minor in Political Science. Sydney chose Salem College not only because of the beautiful campus and location in the heart of Winston-Salem, but also for the business connections that Salem has to offer. Salem’s Lucy Rose Center for Global Leadership & Career Innovation helped Sydney land her internship with Verger Capital Management. Through this internship and other networking opportunities, she has narrowed down her focus and intends to pursue a law degree after graduation. Sydney is also part of the Campus Activity Board as the Social Correspondent, she serves as the Student Government Honor Counselor Secretary, and she also works for the IT department as an IT Student Helpdesk Associate.

Bolutife is a health sciences and music double major with a minor in public health. She believes Salem is a remarkable place because of its people and the connections she has made that will last a lifetime. Bolutife dual-enrolled in courses at Wake Forest University, which provided her a pathway into the WFU marching band, Spirit of the Old Gold and Black, where she is extremely grateful to be a part of an awesome group of talented individuals. Within this season, Bolutife was appointed as one of the drum majors and the experience has been surreal.

Scarlett Urbaez is a double-major at Salem College and taking advantage of the unique health and humanitarian systems major as well as our public health major. She advocates for others to use their voice and wants to be a humanitarian that helps people through health advocacy policy.

Cadence Durham is a sophomore at Salem College and studying health sciences while minoring in studio art. Cadence is a key part of the Salem tennis team and is part of the Salem Scholars program which has given her academic opportunities beyond her wildest imagination.

Clare Buchanan made the pilgrimage from Los Angeles to Salem College without having stepped foot in North Carolina. The journey has been everything she’s hoped for and more. She will be entering her second year in the Fall as she majors in Nonprofit Management and Environmental Studies with a History minor. Clare’s found that her time at Salem College has already been life-changing and life-affirming.

Alysa Thombs is a sophomore at Salem College and is a double-major in public health and health science with a minor in nutrition. After leaving her home life in Virginia, Alysa found a new kind of family and home at Salem College.

Isabel Scott is a senior at Salem College double-majoring in business and psychology and she has become an impactful leader during her time at Salem. She’s taken advantage of the small school atmosphere and the opportunities it creates, which has led to her serving as the President of SGA, Treasurer of Dance Company, Vice President of Rotaract and the school’s soccer captain. She plans to use the skills she gained at Salem College to be a leader in the business world after graduation.

Sarah Ravenel cherished her time at Salem Academy so much that she became a Salem College student and has dreams of obtaining her graduate degrees from Salem as well. Despite her love for Salem, she has enriched her college experience by taking advantage of our partnership with Wake Forest University and the access it gives her to a different kind of extracurricular experience.

On her first day of kindergarten, Professor Jamila Young’s father dropped her off and told her to ‘leave no stone unturned.’ Over the years, her parents encouraged her that she could be anything she wanted and she did just that. From her childhood years in Albany, Georgia until now, she discovered her love for learning and her drive for making an impact on the world. Her natural curiosity and zest for leadership led her to becoming an assistant professor of health law and policy at Salem College.

Alisa Alexander is a health sciences major entering her final semester at Salem College before she begins optometry school. She credits her time at Salem with helping her find her new career path and to be ready to pursue it. Alisa reflects on her time at Salem and the professors who helped her along the way.

Meet Erica Shepperd-Debnam, whose journey from Salem to her current role as an Ambulatory Clinical Pharmacist at Children’s National Hospital in D.C. is a testament to Salem’s transformative power.

As Salem College’s orientation and first-year engagement coordinator, Sydney Bowen understands that first impressions last a lifetime. In her role, Sydney ensures first-year college students experience a smooth transition into college life, a critical initiative to students’ longtime success.

A current student at Salem College majoring in sociology with a concentration in criminology, Sarah Limbach dreams of becoming the next President of the United States. She has found a home at Salem College where she feels empowered by her friends and enriched by the opportunities that a place like Salem has given her. Sarah’s aspirations to attend law school will pave a path for her to become a politician and serve in the country’s highest offices. Her Salem experience will shape her journey into politics due to the unforgettable experiences and bonds she has formed here.

Wendy Hawkins is more than just the operations sustainability coordinator at Salem College, she is also a 2022 graduate with a BA in environmental studies with a concentration in conservation and ecology. Wendy is on a mission at Salem to bring sustainability to life and educate campus about the wonders and complexities about how human interactions affect the environment.

For Alex Byers, Salem is a way of life. From growing up in Winston-Salem to attending both Salem Academy and College, Salem’s impact on Byers’s life is one she’ll always remember. Since 2016, she has embarked on an incredible journey at Salem that’s taught her to think critically, be a fearless leader, and build lasting friendships that will endure the test of time. 

Before coming to Salem, Dr. Totten worked as a formulation chemist in the food product industry and was a faculty member within the NC Community College System for many years. Her career has taken many interesting twists and turns, leading her eventually to her current position here at Salem.

Meet Haley McDonough, a North Carolina native and a 2022 graduate of Salem College with double degrees in biochemistry and religious studies. After McDonough graduated from Salem, she enrolled in dental school at the University of North Carolina’s Adams School of Dentistry with plans to graduate in 2027. After she completes dental school, she dreams of pursuing a residency in periodontics. There’s no doubt in her mind that Salem College prepared her for this next big chapter in her life.

Sawyer is enthusiastic about Salem’s Health Leadership focus and said her undergraduate experience prepared her well for dental school. “The inclusiveness of all your classes and the relationships you build with your professors and classmates at Salem really has an impact on your learning. I’d have to say this had the largest impact on me for learning while an undergraduate and preparing for post-grad. I did not feel unprepared at all when I arrived at dental school, if anything, I felt well above average for sure. Coming from Salem College, an all-women’s private college, does stand out on a resume!”

Logan Rost, ND, MPH, CHES^® (C’13), was born in rural middle Tennessee. Recruited by Salem College’s soccer team and awarded the prestigious Lucy Hanes Chatham full-tuition academic scholarship, Logan initially had questions about attending a small college. Although Logan was at first hesitant to attend a small college, Salem’s size ended up being one of the things she valued most about her college experience. Today, Logan is a Naturopathic Doctor and Public Health Professional in Pateros, Washington and appreciates the science faculty at Salem for her undergraduate study. She also is a proponent of Salem College’s Health Leadership focus.

Dr. Janice Jett, assistant professor and program director at Salem College, is a beacon of inspiration! Her journey from a gifted student to leading Salem’s Master of Educational Leadership program is truly remarkable. With a passion for education and a commitment to developing outstanding leaders, Dr. Jett’s impact reaches far and wide.

Salem College and REACH Women’s Network joined forces for an inspiring mentoring program, connecting Salem’s students with REACH’s diverse mentors. Led by REACH co-presidents Iris Cole and Julia Townsend, the program focuses on honing skills, networking, and fostering career clarity. Mentees participate in engaging events, including goal-setting, strengths assessment, and speed networking.

Juyoung Shin C’16 was born and grew up in a small port city called Gunsan in Korea until her family moved to the United States when Juyoung was in middle school. For most of her life in America, Juyoung lived in the Triangle area of North Carolina. After attending a large high school, Juyoung knew that she wanted to go to a smaller college where she could get to know everyone and become a vital part of the community.

Rynne Ambrose Hankins A’08, C’12 is a Salem supporter through and through, having gone to both the Academy and College before earning her Ph.D. in chemistry from Wake Forest University. She cherishes her time at both Salem institutions, truly valuing the unique experiences they afforded her.

Thanks to a remarkable partnership, Salem College’s counseling services and health services are both operated by Novant Health. This joint venture has created an opportunity for Amber Kelley, Director of Counseling Services, and Emily Brown Smingler, Advanced Practice Provider, to care for students’ physical and mental health while utilizing the resources of Novant Health, one of the leading healthcare providers in the country. This truly remarkable collaboration benefits the current and future health of our Salem College students.

Monique Farrell (C ’01) was born in Trinidad, West Indies and lived there until she was seven when her family moved to Miami. She remained in Miami until August 1997 when Monique, at 18, began her undergraduate education at a remarkable place: Salem College.

Sky is a sophomore at Salem College majoring in biology with a minor in public health. You can also find her on the Salem soccer field during the season!

Chais is a health science major and double minor in nutrition and public health. Chais believes Salem is truly remarkable because of its strong sense of community. Here, everyone knows they can depend on one another, whether through small connections or deep bonds. It’s a place where everyone engages with each other making it feel like a true home away from home.