"As a Meredith graduate, I know firsthand the value of a women's college education, and Meredith College is committed to remaining a women's college," said President Jo Allen, '80.

Allen, who began her tenure as Meredith's first alumna president on July 1, 2011, said Meredith College's enrollment and resources are strong. Meredith has more than 2,100 students, in 2010-11 raised more than $1 million in annual giving, and the College's endowment is valued at more than $81 million.

"Building on our heritage, Meredith is entering a new strategic planning process and it is our intention to become an even stronger women's college," said Allen. "In the 21st century, the role of women in business, non-profits, healthcare, schools, and communities and families remains not only relevant but imperative. Meredith proudly educates women to lead in these critical regional, national and global contexts. We will continue to recruit strong women who want a high quality undergraduate women's education."

Meredith College Board of Trustees Chair Nancy Cheek, '63, also reaffirmed Meredith's status as a women's college.

"Meredith College is committed to continuing its 120-year tradition as an academically vibrant women's college. Meredith offers women the opportunity to study in a challenging and nurturing educational environment where the students are at the heart of all we do. Teaching is valued and students participate side-by-side with their professors in meaningful research. Grounded in the liberal arts and prepared for professional work, Meredith graduates provide leadership and service to this local community and communities all over the world. We have an outstanding freshman class joining the current students and are excited about making even greater strides under the leadership of our new president, Dr. Jo Allen."

Research has shown that attending a women's college provides many benefits that surpass those found at co-educational schools. According to a study by The Women's College Coalition:

•Women’s colleges do a better job of preparing women to be effective leaders and communicators;

•Alumnae of women's colleges develop stronger critical thinking, presentation and writing skills;

•Women's college alumnae benefited from things like small classes, personal interaction with faculty, and were most likely to graduate in four years or less;

•Women's college alumnae felt better prepared for their first jobs as well as career advancement and were more likely than any other alumnae to complete a graduate degree.

For more information on the benefits of women's colleges, click here. For information on admissions at Meredith, visit www.meredith.edu/admissions.

Date Submitted: 2011-07-21