12/23/2021
BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSITY
Salem College received its corporate charter from the State of West Virginia in December 1888 and offered its first term of instruction beginning in April 1889. Individuals in the Salem, West Virginia community founded Salem College to provide an affordable baccalaureate curriculum grounded in the liberal arts to prepare students for occupations, professions, and advanced studies as well as a Normal curriculum to prepare educators.
The institution was closely associated for many decades with the Seventh Day Baptist Church, including its Founders. While committed to helping students’ develop their spiritual lives as well
as achieving academic goals, Salem College was never sectarian in its teaching or administration.
In 2017, the institution changed its name to Salem University. This change reflects a desire by multiple constituencies, including students, alumni, and community members, to honor our West
Virginia roots, history, and heritage. However, this change shall not be interpreted as indicating any diminishment of our commitment to our mission to prepare global citizens with broad knowledge, marketable professional skills, and the ability to make decisions with integrity and an international perspective. Salem continues to serve the educational needs of an increasingly diverse, global citizenry and welcomes students from around the world to join our community of scholars, both on campus and online.
