Salem University: A Legacy of Notable Alumni
Salem University, a private for-profit institution in Salem, West Virginia, boasts a rich history and a diverse group of alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields. From athletics and politics to journalism and entertainment, Salem University graduates have left their mark on the world. This article explores the lives and achievements of some of the university's most notable alumni.
A Brief History of Salem University
Founded in 1888 by the Eastern Seventh Day Baptist Association, the institution initially began as Salem Academy. In 1890, it transitioned into Salem College, offering both high school and college-level courses. Throughout the 20th century, Salem maintained its affiliation with the Seventh Day Baptists while remaining non-sectarian in its teaching and administration. The college experienced significant growth during the 1960s, coinciding with the Baby Boom generation entering college age.
In 1989, Salem formed an alliance with Teikyo University in Tokyo, Japan, becoming Salem-Teikyo University. This partnership aimed to educate international students and provide them with American college degrees. The alliance ended in 2000, leading to the acquisition of the school by investors from Singapore and the subsequent name change to Salem International University. In 2017, the institution was renamed Salem University.
Today, Salem University offers undergraduate and graduate programs, delivered in a monthly format. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and continues to provide educational opportunities to students from around the world.
Notable Alumni
EduRank ranks Salem University 2194th in the world, 756th in North America, and 712th in the United States based on aggregated alumni prominence. Here are some of the university's most notable alumni:
Read also: Financial Aid Options at SSU
Athletics
Jimbo Fisher: A prominent figure in American college football, John James "Jimbo" Fisher Jr. has made a name for himself as both a player and a coach. He most recently served as the head football coach at Texas A&M from 2018 until 2023. Prior to that, he led Florida State to a BCS National Championship victory in 2014.
Rich Rodriguez: Richard Alan Rodriguez, also known as Rich Rod, is an American college football coach and former player. He is the current head football coach at West Virginia University, his second stint with his alma mater. Rodriguez previously was the head football coach at Salem University, Glenville State College, the University of Michigan, the University of Arizona, and Jacksonville State University. In 2011, Rodriguez worked as an analyst for CBS Sports.
Orson Mobley: Orson Odell Mobley is an American former professional football player who was a tight end for five seasons with the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). He was selected in the sixth round of the 1986 NFL draft. Mobley played in three Super Bowls (XXI, XXII, XXIV), and started in two of them.
Mike Carey: Michael Alan Carey is the former head coach of the West Virginia University women's basketball team. He had previously served as head basketball coach for the Salem International University men's basketball team.
Dave Ewart: David Ewart is the assistant head coach for the Jacksonville Sharks of the National Arena League (NAL).
Read also: A Century of Tradition
Politics and Public Service
Jennings Randolph: Jennings Randolph was an American politician from West Virginia. A Democrat, he was most notable for his service in the United States House of Representatives from 1933 to 1947 and the United States Senate from 1958 to 1985. He was the last living member of the United States Congress to have served during the first 100 days of Franklin D. Roosevelt's administration. Randolph retired in 1985, and was succeeded by Jay Rockefeller.
Cecil H. Underwood: Cecil Harland Underwood was an American Republican Party politician from West Virginia, known for the length of his career.
Matthew M. Neely: Matthew Mansfield Neely was an American Democratic politician from West Virginia. He is the only West Virginian to serve in both houses of the United States Congress and as the 21st governor of West Virginia. He is also the only person to have held a full term in both Senate seats from the state.
Rush Holt Sr: Rush Dew Holt Sr. was an American politician who was a United States Senator from West Virginia (1935-1941) and a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates (1931-1935, 1942-1950, 1954-1955).
Joseph Rosier: Joseph Rosier was a United States senator from West Virginia. Born in Wilsonburg, West Virginia, he attended the public schools and graduated from Salem College in 1895. He also had a distinguished career in education, including serving as president of Fairmont State College.
Angel Donahue-Rodriguez: Angel Donahue-Rodriguez, a graduate of Salem State University, has been dedicated to improving public services throughout his career. He currently serves as the Assistant General Manager for External Affairs of the MBTA.
Journalism and Media
Hugh Aynesworth: Hugh Grant Aynesworth was an American journalist, investigative reporter, author, and teacher. Aynesworth was reported to have witnessed the assassination of John F. Kennedy in Dealey Plaza, the capture and arrest of Lee Harvey Oswald at the Texas Theatre, and the shooting of Oswald by Jack Ruby in the basement of the Dallas Police Headquarters.
Fritz Coleman: Fritz Coleman is a retired weathercaster, who worked for NBC Channel 4 (KNBC) in Los Angeles, California from 1982 until 2020. He began hosting Media Path Podcast with Louise Palanker in 2020.
Arts and Entertainment
- Sharon Robinson: Sharon Robinson is an American singer, keyboardist, songwriter, and record producer. She is best known for frequent writing and collaborating with Leonard Cohen, although she has written songs for a number of other artists including The Pointer Sisters, Aaron Neville, Brenda Russell, Diana Ross, Don Henley, Michael Bolton, Randy Crawford, Patti LaBelle, Roberta Flack, The Temptations, Bettye LaVette, and others.
Other Notable Alumni
Michael B. Surbaugh: Michael B. Surbaugh was the 13th Chief Scout Executive of the Boy Scouts of America, having succeeded the retiring Wayne Brock.
Molly Abrahams: Molly Abrahams, a 2016 BS - Psychology graduate, is the Director of Residential Life at the University of St. Joseph.
Ellen Acheampong: Ellen Acheampong, a 2019 BS - Biology graduate, is a graduate student at UMass Chan Medical School, where she studies how CD8 T cells mediate immune protection during TB disease.
Mirlesna Azor-Sterlin: Mirlesna Azor-Sterlin, a 2013 GMEd - HESA graduate, is an Academic Coordinator at Gillings School of Global Public Health Student Affairs UNC Chapel Hill and Co-Founder & Chair of Haitians Of The Triangle (HOTT).
Brandi Brook: Brandi Brook, a 2017 BA - Political Science graduate, is an Attorney.
Michael Corley: Michael Corley, a 2023 BS - Media and Communications graduate, is a Constituent Services Specialist, Projects Assistant & LGBTQIA+ Liaison in the Mayor's Office, City of Salem.
Lauren DiCredico: Lauren DiCredico, a 2014 BS - Psychology graduate, is a Business Owner and Performance Psychology and Business Optimization Consultant.
Renee DuShane: Renee DuShane, a 2016 BS - Nursing graduate, is the Manager of Residential Nursing Services.
Madison Estes: Madison Estes, a 2017 BS - Business Administration graduate, is a Business Education Teacher.
Lataya Ferguson-Jean: Lataya Ferguson-Jean, a 2016 BA - Communication graduate, is the Senior Assistant Director at Bentley University.
Samantha Giffen: Samantha Giffen, a 2022 GMEd- HESA graduate, is the Communications Manager for the Town of Amherst.
Laura Sides Watson: Laura Sides Watson, an accomplished student athlete at both the Academy and College, has channeled her lifelong love of sport into marathon running and raising thousands of dollars for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Alumni Council and Engagement
Salem University's Alumni Council serves as a vital link between the institution and its graduates. The council helps to strengthen relationships, engage alumni in university activities, and promote the welfare of Salem University. The university also encourages current students to connect with the alumni network for mentorship and internship opportunities.
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