Southwest Baptist University has reached an agreement to sell the SBU Salem Campus
to Compass Health. The sale follows a vote by the Salem Board of Aldermen to institute
a zoning change to allow Compass Health to occupy and expand its Salem operations
out of the facility.
SBU will continue to offer degree programs and courses in Salem after Compass takes over the building, as the university will lease back space for instruction. In addition to LPN and paramedic bridge programs in nursing, SBU offers associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in business, education, criminal justice, psychology, and health sciences in Salem.
“This agreement is a win-win for both SBU and Salem,” said Dr. Rick Melson, President of SBU. “The community gets expanded healthcare services, and SBU will retain efficient use of the education space for academic programs. We are proud of over thirty years of partnership and eager to continue making higher education investments in Salem for the future.”
SBU’s Board of Trustees had previously approved the selling of the Salem campus in October 2023.
Kati Clancy, interim director of the Salem Campus, said SBU’s tradition of training and equipping students in the Salem community will not be impacted.
“Salem is a special place with incredible people who want to expand their career possibilities and experience the benefits of an SBU education,” Clancy said. “I’m thrilled that we’ll continue serving this amazing community.”
Published May 14, 2025