Fall 2023, Volume 48, Number 3

Meredith Welcomes New Students to Campus

Expanded Orientation Options Help Start the Year Strong

By Rocio Antelis and Gaye Hill

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Features

Faculty Member Empowers Media Efforts Through Fulbright

Associate Professor of Practice Alan Buck’s Impact on the University of Eswatini Continues

By Gaye Hill

Alan Buck, a faculty member of Meredith’s Communication Department, has returned from two stints in Eswatini, Africa, as a Fulbright Specialist. He went for two weeks in late June of 2022 and again in March 2023. Although the two-year schedule was not the original plan, Buck said it allowed him to have a meaningful impact on the Journalism and Mass Communication Department (JMC) at the University of Eswatini – and beyond.

Alan Buck smiling.
Maroon background with a title that says "40 Facts for 40 Years".

Master’s Degrees Reach Milestone at Meredith College

By Melyssa Allen

While Meredith College’s first graduating class included master’s degree candidates, the College’s modern-day master’s degree offerings were first introduced in 1983, making this academic year the 40th anniversary of the graduate program.

As we celebrate this milestone, Meredith Magazine is highlighting 40 facts about our post-baccalaureate offerings – one for each year!

The Powerful, Personal Impact of StrongPoints®

How Strengths Coaching Helps Meredith Students Prepare for a Future of Purpose

By Gaye Hill

As Meredith’s signature personal advising and coaching initiative nears its tenth anniversary, the program is thriving. But that doesn’t mean it’s business as usual.

A strongpoints counselor talks with a student with a wall of all of the strengths behind them.
An airplane wing with clouds behind it and the words "Angel Adventures" for Meredith's travel program.

Angel Adventures

Discover Portugal, Maine, and Greece

Angel Adventures allows alumnae and friends of Meredith College to travel all over the globe. Each year the College offers domestic and international trips. Explore Portugal, Maine, and Greece in 2024.

Dr. Jo Allen in teal earrings and a teal necklace.

the president’s column

A New Chapter

At the State of the College address in August, I announced my intention to retire at the end of the academic year or when the Board of Trustees identifies and welcomes the ninth president of the College.

News

Three upperclassmen smiling as they welcome students in on the main drive; the balloon arch is behind them and framing them from above.

By Rocio Antelis and Gaye Hill

On August 19, 2023, Meredith College welcomed new students to campus. Alumnae, faculty, staff, and student leaders celebrated the arrival of new students, families, and friends, who were greeted by our traditional rainbow arch and cheering students.

Students work in personal protective equipment in a lab.

By Gaye Hill

Meredith College is launching a new Master of Arts in Biomedical Sciences (MABMS) program, with students entering in the fall of 2024.

The program’s focus is two-fold. It will enhance students’ academic qualifications for admission to a health professional school. It can also help students who are pursuing careers in the healthcare industry, particularly those who require a master’s degree to advance professionally.

Quilt Project Has New Home in Sansepolcro, Italy

By Melyssa Allen

In 2023, Meredith College offered its first spring break study abroad program in Italy. Now, the quilt created by students in that class has a new home in the Palazzo Alberti, Meredith’s site in Sansepolcro.

Students in the course, “Intersections: Math, Art, and Italy,” met weekly during the semester, including 11 days of travel throughout Italy. Most of the 11 students in the class were mathematics majors. The instructors for the class were mathematics faculty members Julie Kolb and Tim Hendrix and Visual Art Professor Emerita Rebecca Bailey.

A group of students and other people involved in the quilt project stand in front of a quilt.
A full group from Voices of Change in front of the C.H.E.S.S. building waterfall.

By Melyssa Allen

During the summer of 2023, 19 students completed the Voices of Change Political Institute, a Meredith College-sponsored program for college women of color.

Dr. Allen smiling in a brown shirt and teal earrings and necklace.
Jo Allen, the eighth president and the first alumna president of Meredith College, has announced her plans to retire by the end of the 2023-24 academic year.

Alumnae Business Directory

Are you a Meredith alumna who owns a business? The Office of Alumnae Relations is seeking to provide the Meredith community with a list of STRONG alumnae business owners from all over the country in a wide variety of industries. 

A graphic of Johnson Hall with "Alumnae Owned Business" over the bottom edge.
A Meredith graduate smiles while working on her laptop at her job.

By Gaye Hill

Internships are an important way students gain experience for their future careers. This summer, Meredith students completed internships at a variety of organizations, including the Wake County Public Defender’s Office, Marbles Kids Museum, Wildlife Law Enforcement, and the N.C. Department of Transportation. Students shared what they learned during these career-focused experiences.

Professor Tim Hendrix looking sharp in a blue suit and tie.

By Melyssa Allen

Meredith College mourns the loss of Professor of Mathematics Tim Hendrix who passed away on July 16, 2023. He is remembered as a gifted educator who was much loved by his students.

The new Human Computers historical marker plaque outside of the science museum in Raleigh.

By Melyssa Allen

A new historical marker in downtown Raleigh commemorating the women who worked as “human computers” for the U.S. space program and military was unveiled on September 22 at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.

A white rabbit cutout from Alice in Wonderland that says "Mad for Meredith".

Save the Date
Alice in Wonderland

Thursday, February 8, 2024

Additional details about the alumnae tea party and performance will be announced this fall.

Meredith IME Becas Grant seniors with the award and members of the senior council and president of meredith.

By Rocio Antelis

Five Meredith College seniors recently received a grant of $5,000 from the IME Becas (Institute for Mexicans Abroad) to help continue their education. Since 2013, Meredith College and IME Becas have collaborated to award $200,500 of grant money to 159 students of Mexican origin.

Zach Lingy teaching a summer bridge course.

By Gaye Hill

For the second year, Meredith College offered a Summer Bridge Program to help new students thrive in college.

More than 80 students signed up for a two-week course that began online on August 7. The classes were then held in person from August 16-18. Participants earned two hours of general elective credit, and all courses were offered on a pass/fail basis.

The 2023 pewter ornament showing a column with meredith college on it and Alice and the White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland.

2023 Pewter Christmas Ornament

Only $25 | Available Now

The ornament celebrates the 100th year of Alice in Wonderland at Meredith College. This unique performance by faculty and staff for students started in 1924 and still today is one of the most beloved Meredith traditions.

Meredith Experts in the news

Meredith College experts have recently been featured in media outlets including Marketplace, Newsweek, and WRAL Techwire.

Professor of History Gregory Vitarbo, a specialist in Russian military history, was interviewed about the march to Moscow by Yevgeny Prigozhin and the mercenary group Wagner in the ongoing Russian war against Ukraine for a Newsweek article titled “Was the Prigozhin Mutiny Staged by Putin? What We Know.” The story was published in July 2023.

Professor of Economics Anne York was interviewed by Marketplace and was included in their national broadcast on June 21, 2023. York provided comments about the impact of childcare issues on women’s labor market outcomes in a story titled “Global gender gap is closing, but parity is more than 100 years away, report says.” Marketplace coverage of business and economics news is broadcast on more than 800 public radio stations nationwide, including WUNC radio.

Assistant Professor of Human Resource Management Darren Masier was interviewed by WRAL TechWire for their July 2023 article “Getting employees back in the office: Employers wield both carrots and sticks.” Masier gave his advice on how to address the flexible work needs of millennials and how HR professionals can respond to the requests.

Strong Stories

Emma Bailey

Maximizing Experiential Learning Opportunities

Writer: Melyssa Allen| Videographer: Kaylin Tsukayama

With support from Meredith faculty and staff, Emma Bailey made the most of experiential learning opportunities including study abroad and an impressive internship. A business administration major, she worked as a social media marketing intern at Liberare, an adaptive clothing brand with a global presence. Along the way, she also established a blog focused on disability lifestyle and travel.

Emma Bailey in her wheelchair, smiling.

Show Your Pride with a Meredith License Plate

It is a great way for North Carolina drivers to show their Meredith pride wherever they drive and to promote the College to future angels!

A Meredith College license plate.

Making an Impact.

Alumnae Connection

Jazmin Mendoza Sosa smiling.
By Rocio Antelis

Jazmin Mendoza-Sosa, ’16, is a first-generation college graduate who is passionate about improving education for underprivileged students.

2022-2023 Honor Roll
of Donors

Kelsey Riner smiling.
By Rocio Antelis

Kelsey Riner, ’12, grew up dancing but she never thought it could be part of her career path – until she came to Meredith College.

Giving Day 2024 graphic with the date February 27, 2024.

Giving Day | 2.27.24

Make it Count for Meredith

24 HOUR GIVING CHALLENGE
Our Goal: $1.1 Million

Mark your calendar to make a gift to support all students on February 27. When you make a gift you can honor a strong woman in your life. Who will you honor?

Learn more

Four students standing in front of a Meredith ad wall.

Share Meredith College with Future Students

As a Meredith alumna, you know the power of a STRONG education. We encourage you to share these upcoming dates with strong college-age women you know. These visitation days throughout the academic year allow prospective students to learn about the Meredith experience. With your recommendation, we will waive the fee for students applying to Meredith.

Learn more

Meredith Magazine

Volume 48, Number 3
Fall 2023
Kristi Eaves-McLennan, '14, MBA

Kristi Eaves-McLennan, '14, MBA

Executive Editor

Melyssa Allen

Melyssa Allen

Managing Editor

Gaye Hill

Gaye Hill

Assistant Editor

Emily Parker

Emily Parker

Writer

Vanessa Harris

Vanessa Harris

Art Director

Katie Bryant, '07

Katie Bryant, '07

Senior Graphic Designer

Charlotte Claypoole McKinney

Charlotte Claypoole McKinney

Videographer and Photographer

Kaylin Tsukayama

Kaylin Tsukayama

Videographer and Photographer

Liza Bunce

Liza Bunce

Web Designer and Developer

Rocio Antelis

Rocio Antelis

Writer

Hilary Allen, '01

Hilary Allen, '01

Alumnae Connection Editor

Homepage Photographs by:

Christopher Ferrer
Flyboy Photo & Media
Matthew Lester Photography
Marissa De La Cruz, ’21
Vi McDonald Media
Charlotte Claypoole McKinney
Kaylin Tsukayama
Meredith College Students, Faculty & Staff

Kristi Eaves McLennan smiling at the camera

Kristi Eaves-McLennan, ’14, MBA

Executive Editor

Melyssa Allen smiling at the camera

Melyssa Allen

Managing Editor

Gaye Hill smiling at the camera

Gaye Hill

Assistant Editor

Emily Parker smiling at the camera

Emily Parker

Writer

Hilary Allen smiling at the camera

Hilary Allen, ’01

Alumni Connection Editor

Vanessa Harris smiling at the camera

Vanessa Harris

Art Director

Charlotte McKinney smiling at the camera

Charlotte Claypoole McKinney

Videographer and Photographer

Katie Bryant smiling at the camera

Katie Bryant, ’07

Senior Graphic Designer

Liza Bunce smiling at the camera

Liza Bunce

Web Designer and Developer

Kaylin Tsukayama smiling at the camera

Kaylin Tsukayama

Videographer and Photographer

Rocio Antelis.

Rocio Antelis

Writer

Homepage Photographs by:

Christopher Ferrer
Flyboy Photo & Media
Matthew Lester Photography
Marissa De La Cruz, ’21
Vi McDonald Media
Charlotte Claypoole McKinney
Kaylin Tsukayama
Meredith College Students, Faculty & Staff