Salem Academy and College partners with Novant Health to transform student health and wellness

North Carolina's Salem Academy and College’s focus on health and wellness leadership is nothing short of transformative. Today, Salem College is the nation’s only liberal arts college dedicated to advancing women in health leadership.

"At Salem Academy and College, our focus is on developing women leaders, and we believe strongly that health and wellness is foundational to becoming an effective leader. Graduates of Salem will leave understanding the importance and the impact of health on our society, on our communities, and on our world," said Salem Academy and College President Summer McGee.

Originally founded in 1772 by the Moravian Church, Salem is one of the oldest educational institutions for women and girls in the U.S., and the first school in North Carolina offering girls an education beyond primary school. Located on 47 acres in the heart of Old Salem, the school's progressive reputation for a commitment to educational equity has deep roots.

In 1793, Anna Marie Samuel, an enslaved African American, first began attending classes at the school. In 1823, the academy admitted Martha and Mary McNair, its first Cherokee students. And Sarah Childress, a Salem Academy alumna, would join James Polk in the White House in 1844 – becoming the nation's first First Lady with a formal education.

"The Moravians said everyone should have access to education, including women. That was a radical notion 252 years ago. So, we've always had that as part of our DNA," explains McGee.

In addition to being named one of the top 25 national liberal arts colleges in the U.S., Salem College was recently ranked by The New York Times Magazine as No. 2 in the nation for economic diversity. Fundamental to Salem's growth and success has been its commitment to reinventing itself to meet the evolving needs of modern students in a modern world. But McGee and team were quick to realize that when it comes to healthcare, physical and behavioral, they could not go it alone.

"As a school focused on health leadership, we need to live those values in everything we do and to offer world-class support for our students."

Bringing more than two decades of experience serving businesses similar to Salem, and as a trusted partner during the pandemic, Novant Health was the perfect fit to serve as the healthcare provider for Salem students.

"Our students come with a wide array of needs. They need a lot of support, and so, as a small institution, it's part of why we wanted to partner with Novant Health because they are a much bigger organization and have many, many more resources than what we could provide internally as a small college. Novant Health does a great job listening to the unique needs of an all-girls boarding school and a women's college and works with us to fit our needs within their care model."

Thanks to Salem's partnership with Novant Health, students can now get their medications prescribed and tests ordered right in the center of campus. Likewise, behavioral health services are also available in-person, Monday through Friday.

"There is much greater awareness about the mental health challenges that college students face today. In this post-pandemic era, there's a lot more anxiety, a lot more stress that students experience, and they need a place to go where they can talk about that," said McGee.

Of course, there's more to college than just classes (and clinics). Whether you're a participant or a fan, athletics play an important role in delivering a well-rounded college experience.

"Salem is committed to providing young women with not just a rigorous education, but also with the real-world skills and support structures critical to helping its graduates reach their full potential. And at Novant Health, we believe by delivering remarkable care on campus, we can play a contributing role in delivering those remarkable leaders of tomorrow," said Marissa Michaels, vice president of Novant Health Employer Solutions.

"We are so proud to partner with this unique and historic institution and to support the work President McGee is doing to put health leadership, diversity, and equity at the forefront of liberal arts education."

Learn more about @Salem Academy and Salem College’s partnership with Novant Health offering comprehensive mental health counseling services to its students to help them Be Remarkable.

Additionally, consider exploring the multitude of customized services we offer employers throughout our communities at Novant Health.