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Salem State stands at the threshold of a transformative journey. Through SSU BOLD, the university is reshaping the landscape of higher education on the North Shore by addressing some of our long-term infrastructure needs. The project is not merely about buildings or renovations; it’s about community.
Behind SSU BOLD is a strategy to unify the campus, both physically and holistically. In modernizing facilities, Salem State is enhancing the academic experience for students by fostering innovation and providing critical resources.
CAMPUS UNIFICATION
SSU BOLD is not simply a capital project—it’s a vision that brings new life to Salem State. Over the years, South Campus has presented challenges for students who’ve felt isolated from the rest of the campus community. The sale of South Campus allows the university to focus on a smaller footprint, alleviating some operational costs associated with deferred maintenance and outdated facilities.
MEIER HALL ADDITION
A well-loved building, the plans for Meier include an addition that will house modern, flexible, high-intensity teaching labs for Salem State’s science programs—programs that have long outgrown the outdated facilities of the 1960s-era building.
The modernization of Meier increases the capacity for science programs at the university and will more accurately mirror the lab experiences graduates will encounter in the workforce. An upgraded space not only benefits the students, it also enhances research opportunities for faculty and ensures that Salem State is on the forefront of innovation.
THE RENAISSANCE OF HORACE MANN
By focusing on the North Campus, SSU BOLD will breathe new life into the Horace Mann building by transforming it into a state-of-the-art facility for nursing, healthcare studies, occupational therapy, and criminal justice programs.
The original home of the historic Horace Mann Laboratory School, the building has been vacant since 2018, and the prime piece of real estate is set for a significant overhaul that will reflect a 21st-century education.
LAUNCHING THE NEXT CHAPTER IN THE UNIVERSITY’S HISTORY
SSU BOLD is a game-changing initiative that redefines the future of Salem State. It’s propelling ideas, empowering voices, creating leaders, building community—all in an environment that helps Vikings thrive.
“Facilities and resources gained through SSU BOLD will increase efficiency, allowing me to spend even more time guiding my students and preparing them for their careers.” —Assistant Professor Laura Laranjo, PhD, biology department
THE IMPACT OF SSU BOLD
The Meier Hall addition and renovated healthcare SIM labs will increase Salem State’s ability to provide students with academic and technical preparation that is directly comparable to the lab environments where they are likely to work, while also permitting the expansion of graduate-level offerings in these areas. The new labs enable Salem State to further partner with regional industries to provide employee training and certification programs, providing the hands-on clinical experiences students require on campus.
Additionally, the consolidation of South Campus will create a 10-minute walking radius between campuses, promoting a stronger sense of community and making it easier for all students to access the university’s resources.
Learn more about SSU BOLD's groundbreaking.
Pictured above: Salem State leaders and project partners broke ground on SSU BOLD on April 23, 2025. L to R: Vice President Karen House; Justin MacEachern (VP, Gilbane); Commissioner Adam Baacke (DCAMM); President John Keenan; Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll ’89, ’23H; Provost David Silva; Vice President Chris Macdonald-Dennis; and Peter Vieira (Principal, Payette).
