Graduated Salem College in 2020 with Biology Degree

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (JULY 28, 2022)—Shelley Wallace grew up in Winston-Salem and, at first planned to move away from her hometown. She finalized her college search by touring the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina State University and Wake Forest University.

However, Shelley had an aunt who attended Salem College and loved it. The aunt passed by the time of Shelley’s college search, but her grandmother—wisely and lovingly thinking about what the aunt would say—urged Shelley to take a look at Salem College. She did, and it was proverbial love at first sight.

“I grew up just five minutes away from Salem, and I just wasn’t sure at age 18 if I wanted to go to college so close to my home,” Shelley said. “But it was the campus that I fell in love with. I applied to Salem and was accepted. I said ‘yes’ to Salem and never looked back.”

At Salem College, Shelley received a degree in biology with a minor in Spanish. After graduation in 2020, she attended Duke University, where she received a master’s degree in biomedical science in 2021. Today, Shelley lives in Greenville, South Carolina and intends to continue study to become a physician’s assistant. She’s been accepted to Methodist University’s PA Program.

“While I was at Duke, I realized that Salem College had given me such confidence in myself and prepared me for success in the health field,” Shelley said. “I still keep in touch with several professors in Salem’s biology department, including Rebecca Dunn, Ph.D. who wrote a letter of recommendation for me for PA School.”

“Salem College inspired me to pursue a career in women’s health, and I’ll forever be grateful,” she said. “Thank you, Salem!”

About Salem Academy and College

Salem Academy and College, celebrating 250 years and built upon a foundation of empowering and preparing girls and women from all around the world to effect change, shatter expectations and lead. Exclusively focused on developing tomorrow’s health leaders and change agents in STEAM fields, liberal arts and beyond.

Salem Academy and College is located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, a vibrant college town known for arts and innovation. For more information about Salem Academy, please visit SalemAcademy.com. For more information about Salem College, please visit Salem.edu.