Because Salem Bible Institute was not part of any denomination, it lacked substantial financial support. By the fall of 1972, the college was in serious financial need and turned to the Allegheny Wesleyan Methodist Connection to become its denominational sponsor. Most of the faculty and student body were already Wesleyan Methodists. In June of 1973, the conference voted at its annual conference and Rev. James Beers was appointed president. Salem Bible Institute had now become Allegheny Wesleyan College.