When Salem College alumna Mónica Comer ’04 first stepped onto campus, she knew she had found a place where something meaningful would happen. More than two decades later, the Forsyth County Principal of the Year credits Salem with giving her something far more valuable than a career roadmap: the confidence to embrace unexpected opportunities, lead with purpose, and make a lasting impact on the lives of others. Discover how the friendships, mentorship, and transformative experiences she found at Salem continue to shape her leadership journey today.

Priyasha Karki’s journey from a small city in Nepal to Salem College is defined by courage, growth, and discovery. Now a senior double-majoring in mathematics and business with a minor in data science, she has found both her voice and a strong sense of community through close mentorship from faculty and hands-on professional experiences, including internships with Verger Capital Management and Volvo Group. At Salem, Priyasha has gained the confidence to lead, the curiosity to ask questions, and the perspective to see beyond boundaries, emerging with a deeper belief in her potential and the power to shape her future.

Designed and led by Vice President of Mission and Strategy and Chief of Staff JaNae Joyner, PhD, MHA, Salem’s RISE Leadership program equips Academy and College students to grow into confident, courageous leaders in health and beyond. Through hands-on experiences, mentorship from regional and national leaders, and intentional reflection on key dimensions of leadership, RISE bridges institutional strategy with direct student impact—strengthening Salem’s mission while preparing graduates to lead with purpose and make a meaningful difference in their communities.

Salem College alumna and Director of Alumnae Engagement Heather Zifchak C’93 chose Salem sight unseen, drawn by her love of women’s education after attending an all-girls boarding school, and quickly found a close-knit community that shaped her personally and professionally. Majoring in interior design, she thrived in Salem’s small classes, built lifelong friendships with classmates and professors, and embraced campus life as a true “Salem Sister.” Her connection to Salem came full circle when she returned years later—first as a volunteer, then as a Salem Academy parent, and eventually as a full-time staff member following her involvement in the College’s 250th anniversary celebration. Now back on campus, Heather remains deeply connected to her classmates and legacy, encouraging current students to savor their time at Salem as a uniquely formative chapter of their lives.

Senior Summer James has found inspiration and direction at Salem College as a double major in psychology and public health with a minor in health advocacy. Through Salem’s flexible, interdisciplinary curriculum, she discovered how her academic interests intersect and support her goal of becoming a mental health advocate for young children of color. Summer has led an extensive research project examining the experiences of students of color in primarily white schools, earning recognition as a top presenter at the North Carolina Honors Association Conference. Through the Salem Scholar program, close mentorship, supportive faculty, and Salem’s focus on women’s empowerment, Summer has gained confidence in her voice and purpose. After graduating in May 2026, she plans to attend graduate school and continue working toward a career in mental health advocacy.

For 35 years, Assistant Director of Grounds Brian Voss has helped shape and preserve the beauty of Salem Academy and College’s historic campus. A horticulture graduate with a passion for every plant, especially the rising sun redbud, Brian is known for his great pride in Salem’s landscape and the generations of students who pass through it. His connection to Salem runs personally as well: he and his wife were married on campus, and his daughter is an Academy alum.

As a legacy student, Salem College student Emily Vanlandingham grew up visiting the Salem campus—following in the footsteps of her great-grandmother, mother, and aunt, all proud Salem College graduates. When it came time to choose a college, she felt the pull to leave her hometown of Houston, Texas, and join the close-knit community she had known for years. This summer, Emily attended the five-week Patti and Allan Herbert Frost School of Music Program in Salzburg, Austria, where she studied opera, took daily German classes, and experienced the renowned Salzburg Festspiele. Her time at Salem provided invaluable preparation for the program’s challenging environment. “At Salem, I learned to advocate for myself through talking to the professors, and I was able to apply that skill in Austria,” Emily said.

Admissions counselor Brianna Cherry loves to connect with prospective Salem College students. Brianna graduated from Salem College in 2022 and has returned to her alma mater after briefly working at a group home for adults with mental disabilities. “My friends recommended that I work at Salem, because it’s a great environment where I can thrive. Once I started working here, I understood why they said that. I am thriving. I feel welcomed and rewarded by all the friendships I have here, new and old. There is a strong presence of unity and support here,” Brianna said of her decision to return to Salem College, this time as an employee.

“I chose Salem College because I wanted a small, close-knit community where I could build a strong relationship with professors who could mentor me closely and challenge me to grow,” Precious Wondzi said on what led her to choose Salem College. Now in her junior year, Precious is triple-majoring in chemistry, biochemistry, and biology. She hopes to pursue an MD-PhD after graduation and build a career advancing women’s health research, with the ultimate goal of contributing to a cure for reproductive cancers.

For more than five decades, Mary Ann Campbell Davis has embodied Salem Academy and College’s call to “Be Remarkable.” Inspired to attend Salem after spotting its catalog in her high school guidance office, she quickly embraced leadership as sophomore class president and credits the college for nurturing her passion for service. After earning her English degree, Mary Ann taught elementary school for 35 years, earned a master’s in mathematics, and later returned to Salem as a professor and Director of Teacher Education. Her dedication has earned numerous honors—including multiple Teacher of the Year awards and Salem’s H.A. Pfohl Award—and inspired three generations of Salem women: her daughter, also an education alumna, and now her granddaughter, a current Academy student. Through every role—student, teacher, professor, administrator, and trustee, Mary Ann celebrates the lifelong friendships and supportive community that make Salem extraordinary.

Originally from a small town in Tickfaw, La., Cassie Cunningham is a proud Salem College alumna who credits Salem for the woman she is today. While at Salem, Cassie majored in Biology with a minor in Spanish, and after graduating in 2022, she now leads Salem College’s admissions department as the Director of Admissions.

A 2024 graduate, Luz Bibiana Martinez Cruz majored in Design with a Concentration in Graphic Design at Salem College and is pursuing a degree in the Master of Architecture Program at North Carolina State University as an Eduardo Catalano Architecture Scholarship Recipient. Luz’s academic journey is a powerful story of determination, creativity, and leadership. After earning her associate degree from Forsyth Technical Community College, Luz transferred to Salem College to pursue her passion for design. At Salem, she made history as the first in her family to earn a bachelor’s degree—and now, she becomes the first to pursue a master’s.

Meet Nour El-Ibrahim, a 2025 graduate of Salem College with a Bachelor of Arts in Design and a concentration in Interior Design. At Salem, Nour explored the power of design through hands-on learning, creativity, and a global experience studying abroad in Sydney, Australia. From international experiences to deep academic exploration, Nour’s time at Salem helped shape the designer and future architect she is today.

Vavina, a 2025 graduate of Salem College with a major in Design and concentration in Interior Design, has been accepted into the Master of Architecture program at Arizona State University. Based on the strength of her design portfolio, she was admitted into the program’s two-year online track and is currently pursuing her graduate degree while working as an Architectural Drafter at Builder Plan Source in King, North Carolina.

The Wu’s have generously supported Salem College for more than thirty years. Wally’s commitment to philanthropy was inspired by his father in Hong Kong, who instilled in him the importance of giving back. Both Mona and Wally Wu share a deep belief in the transformative power of education and are passionate advocates for the arts. In line with these values, they have recently chosen to endow a professorship at Salem College. This endowment will fund the salary of an art history faculty member in the coming years. Through the creation of the Wu Faculty Chair in Art History, their enduring generosity will leave a lasting legacy, enriching the lives of Salem students for generations to come.

We are thrilled to announce the remarkable achievement of the Salem College Class of 1965, who raised and presented an extraordinary gift of $3 million to the College during their recent Reunion Weekend. This generous contribution reflects the enduring commitment of the Class of 1965 to Salem College, a place that profoundly shaped their lives.

Tina Kramer is the head of Facilities and Public Safety at Salem, which means she oversees what is, in essence, a small city within the city of Winston-Salem. She leads a team who is responsible for maintaining all institutional-owned property from roads, sidewalks, and grounds to utilities such as water, sewer, gas, waste and electricity. The campus consists of more than 50 acres of land with 25 buildings and more than 500,000 gross square feet of space. She said when she walked on this campus for the first time on a spring morning in March of 2023 to interview for her current position, she “knew in the first couple minutes that this was a special place, full of beauty and uniqueness.” She finds Salem’s students to be remarkable, as well. She says they are strong-willed, curious, creative, and forward thinking and believes these traits make them great leaders today and in the future.

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.