Salem Academy and College Launches Official Search for Next President, Search Firm Selected

Winston-Salem, NC (July 24, 2025) – The Salem Academy and College Board of Trustees has officially launched its search for the institution’s next president. This marks a significant step in advancing Salem’s mission and ensuring strong, visionary leadership for the future.

After a competitive national review process, the Board of Trustees selected Isaacson, Miller as Salem’s executive search partner. Isaacson, Miller is a nationally respected firm known for its success in recruiting transformational leaders in higher education. The Board chose the firm for its demonstrated commitment to its inclusive approach to leadership searches and its deep understanding of mission-driven institutions like Salem.

“The Board is committed to leading a presidential search that is thoughtful, inclusive, and reflective of our remarkable Salem community,” said Dr. John McConnell, Chair of the Salem Academy and College Board of Trustees.

 “We are confident that Isaacson, Miller’s expertise and deep understanding of higher education will guide a comprehensive process and attract exceptional candidates who share Salem’s vision, mission, and values,” he added.

The Presidential Search Committee is co-chaired by Dr. McConnell, noted healthcare leader and chief executive officer emeritus at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center and by Dr. Brandy Nelson, a Salem College alumnae, former Academy faculty member, and noted education leader and Executive Director at the College Board. The committee includes faculty, administrative staff, alumnae, and trustees—reflecting the breadth of voices across the Salem Academy and College community. The committee’s charge is to identify and evaluate qualified candidates and recommend finalists to the full Board for final selection and appointment.

“We are grateful for the continued dedication of our faculty, staff, alumnae, and broader Salem community as we take this next step together,” said Dr. McConnell. 

“The future of Salem is bright, and we look forward to identifying a president who will build on our proud legacy and lead us into the next era of excellence,” he added.

About Salem Academy 

Salem Academy is the nation’s oldest educational institution for girls in the United States exclusive to girls grades 9 -12. Educating girls since 1772, Salem Academy fosters compassionate and creative leaders, prepared for college and life, who chart their paths with character, curiosity, and courage. Nationally recognized for success with a distinctive STEAM focus, NICHE ranked Salem Academy as the No. 1 Best Boarding High School in North Carolina and as the No. 1 Best High School for STEM Education in Forsyth County.

News media contact

Mallory Forsman
Director of Marketing and Communications
Salem Academy and College
mallory.forsman@salem.edu
704.661.4686