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.

How did you decide that Salem College was right for you?

Salem was right for me because of its small teacher-to-student ratio which gave me the opportunity to work one-on-one with my professors and build meaningful relationships with them.

Where was your favorite place on campus?

My favorite place on Salem’s Campus is the walkway that leads up to Main Hall in the center of campus. The gorgeous azaleas bloom along this walkway in the spring, which makes it one of the most beautiful spots on campus.

How did Salem College help prepare you for pursuing a career in dentistry?

Salem College helped prepare me for dental school by giving me the best undergraduate education possible and equipping me with the foundational knowledge needed in a fast pace dental school curriculum. Salem also gave me the confidence to pursue professional school and gave me the skills necessary to excel beyond the classroom.

How does Salem’s health leadership focus prepare students for postgraduate study and careers?

I think the College’s health leadership focus is an incredible opportunity for women looking to pursue a health related career. The reality of pursuing a career in health, is that students must properly prepare themselves and have knowledge around the matters that are affecting their field of interest early to be the best applicant you can be for graduate school or a job. You also must possess the skills and confidence necessary to excel at the next level. Getting involved with health leadership early prepares you to be successful in all aspects of post-graduate endeavors and Salem allows you to gain this experience.

Why do you think Health Leadership focus is important for the future of Salem College?

I think Health Leadership is important for the future of Salem College because it will allow Salem to evolve and keep up with the ever-changing field of health, as well as, give Salem the unique ability to specifically focus on preparing women to enter into and be leaders within the health field.

Do you maintain friendships with students you knew while at Salem College?

I still talk to many of my Salem friends daily as they are friends for life! I went to our first class reunion in 2023 and plan to go to the next one this year.

What’s your favorite memory of Salem College outside of the classroom?

My favorite memories at Salem College include being on Team 250 and being involved in the celebrations of Salem’s 250^th year, being a Quest Tutor, and being able to plan and be a part of big events on Salem’s campus. Specifically, my favorite memory at Salem was attending the 2022 Alumni Party at the 250^th Reunion Weekend and getting to meet, talk, and dance with so many of our great alums!