WINSTON-SALEM, NC (SEPTEMBER 18, 2019)—The Salem Academy and College Board of Trustees has voted to transition Dr. Sandra J. Doran from interim president to president.  Dr. Doran has spent the past 14 months as interim president and has agreed to serve an additional two-year term as Salem’s 21st president.

“Dr. Doran assumed the interim presidency of Salem Academy and College with the specific charge from the Board of Trustees to stabilize and then reinvent our institution,” said McDara P. Folan III, chair of the Board of Trustees.  “Sandy has worked tirelessly with the Board, our faculty, our students, and the Winston-Salem business and civic communities to return Salem to its rightful place of prominence in education.

“Our Board’s vote for Sandy to become president was effective immediately and demonstrates our full confidence in her,” Folan said. “Dr. Doran is an exceptional, charismatic leader who has passionately advocated for the institution and our students, and we are thrilled that she has agreed to become our 21st president.”

Folan praised Doran for the level of financial transparency that she has brought to Salem and for her success in balancing the institution’s operating budget.  He said that President Doran currently is working with representatives of the Board, alumnae, and faculty to create strategic plans that will define and guide the future of both Salem Academy and College. 

“I am truly humbled by the extraordinary support I have received from our richly diverse Salem community, our faculty, staff, students, alums, and the greater Winston-Salem community,” Dr. Doran said.  “We have successfully worked together to position Salem for a bright future.

“Salem Academy and College is a truly remarkable place, with a mission of empowering women to succeed, to articulate their dreams and pursue them vigorously, and to be change agents in their work, families, and communities,” Doran added.  “Our graduates are critical to the fabric of our local, regional, and national communities and economies.”

About Salem Academy and College

Salem Academy and College is the oldest educational institution for girls and women in the United States. With more than 18,000 alumnae who serve as entrepreneurs, physicians, researchers, artists, lawyers, teachers, community volunteers, and corporate executives, Salem Academy and Salem College continue to educate the next generation of global leaders. For more information about Salem Academy, please visit salemacademy.com. For more information about Salem College, please visit salem.edu.