Whether in law or medicine, business or the arts, journalism or education, in a social service agency or an executive suite, Salem graduates succeed in their chosen professions. The Academy has a 100% acceptance rate at many of the country's outstanding colleges and universities. Many graduates go on to work in interesting and exciting careers.
Here a just a few notable past students from Salem's history:
- Sarah Childress Polk, the first formally educated First Lady in U.S. history, wife of President James K. Polk and philanthropist/political advisor.
- Elizabeth Pfohl Campbell, '19, founded WETA, Washington, D.C's first public television station.
- Tillie Kidd Fowler, '60, served four terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, retiring in 2000 as the highest-ranking woman in the House.
- The Honorable Anne Workman, '65, was a superior court judge in DeKalb County, Georgia.
- Marshall Chapman, '67, is a critically acclaimed singer-songwriter whose songs have been recorded by Emmylou Harris, Joe Cocker and Jimmy Buffett.
- Mary Davis Holt, '68, was executive vice president and COO at Time Life, Inc. and chaired the Salem Academy and College Board of Trustees.
- Kathryn Harrold, '68, is a television actress who played Dr. Karen Wilder on Chicago Hope and has guest starred recently on CSI: New York and Desperate Housewives.
- Vonda Kimble Delawie, '75, is a foreign service officer in the U.S. Department of State who has served in Croatia, Turkey, Ireland, Italy and Mexico.
- Rolonda Watts, '77, hosted the syndicated television talk shows Rolonda and Lie Detector, and has appeared on The West Wing, 7th Heaven and The Bold and the Beautiful.
- Leslie Kendrick, '94, earned a prestigious Rhodes Scholarship to Oxford University in Great Britain.
Whether they are in the boardroom or volunteering in their community, Salem graduates are making an impact all over the world.
