Why We Came to Winston-Salem for College and Stayed

Salem Academy and College

Winston-Salem, NC, is an underrated Southern gem that balances the dynamic energy of a city with the comfortable connectivity of a small town. Between the welcoming community, reliable job opportunities and active downtown area, it’s no surprise that young professionals are choosing to attend school here and launch their careers in Winston-Salem.

Finding A ‘First Home’ in the Region

While scouting for colleges, Sara Ahmed struck gold with Wake Forest University, a private higher education institution with an established psychology program and close-knit community vibe. 

“And, of course, I wanted to stay in the South because of the weather,” says Ahmed, a mental health counselor at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. 

In 2016, she made the move from Atlanta to Winston-Salem. Four years later, she graduated with her degree in psychology, but she wanted to attend Wake Forest for just a little bit longer. So, in 2020, she enrolled in a master’s program in mental health counseling, which smoothly guided her toward her current role at Atrium Health. 

“I really have enjoyed working there, and I only live about five minutes from the hospital, so I get to walk there, which is really nice,” she says. 

Over the years, Ahmed fell in love with the relaxed, midsize city of Winston-Salem and all its offerings. “It’s not overwhelming, but it still has a bit of everything, which I love. There are options downtown to go out to eat or grab drinks,” she says. “The mountains are 45 minutes away, and there are lots of clubs for adults to join. I joined a run club recently, and everyone has been so kind and welcoming.” 

The opportunities established during her time at Wake Forest helped her find her place in the region, building relationships and a love for the community. 

“On a more personal level, Winston-Salem is my first home,” she says. “I got married here, and my partner and I moved into a home together, so I’ll always feel very attached to Winston-Salem for that, as well.” 

Making Connections in Winston-Salem

Having grown up in rural Midland, North Carolina, Katie Hall Nicolas didn’t have to make a huge move to attend Salem College, the oldest women’s college in the country. 

“I picked Salem because it had a small-town, personalized approach to education, and I felt very known there,” says Nicolas, chief marketing officer and vice president of development for the Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County. 

Majoring in math, Nicolas began undergraduate school in 2010, and her time in college proved integral to her career path. 

“I got very involved with local internships,” she says. “I worked in the mayor’s office, which gave me exposure to various leaders in the community. Simultaneously, I was involved in the Rotary Club, which had me in the same room as presidents of Fortune 500 companies, city and county leadership members and presidents of local universities.” 

These community connections laid the groundwork for her career, but she wasn’t quite ready to settle down yet. In 2017, she enrolled at Wake Forest University to acquire her MBA. 

Two years after graduating, she joined the Arts Council, an advocacy organization for arts and culture in the region. 

“Every job that I’ve had in Winston-Salem has connected me with someone, and that has been a huge part of my professional journey,” she says. “People here are eager to welcome new people because that’s how we make a strong and sustainable community for generations to come.”