CAMPUS GROWTH
at Meredith College
Meredith College has seen numerous facility improvements on campus through the years. These changes enable students, faculty, and staff to learn, conduct research, and stay physically active.
Building new construction, renovating existing spaces, and making refurbishments are an integral part of the strategic plan of the College. The goals of the plan are fundamental to the well-being of the College, and they build on the strengths Meredith already possesses: educational excellence and relevance, a reputation for quality, a collaborative and supportive environment, a beautiful campus and culture that supports learning, and the power to endure.
A number of spaces have been renovated because alumnae and friends gave to areas that hold a special meaning to them.
New Facilities
Meredith College broke ground in spring 2023 on a new athletic center that will include athletic training space for softball, tennis, and golf, along with a student lounge. Lights have already been installed at the tennis courts and resurfacing of the tennis courts will take place as well. The softball center will have two large indoor batting cages that will double as indoor golf driving ranges, and locker rooms. There will also be a new LED wireless scoreboard.
Chris Speight Brown, ʼ76, along with her siblings, gave a $1 million lead gift that will name the Estes-Speight Family Athletic Center in memory of their mother Mary Estes Speight, ‘53, and their father Bobby Speight.
We need your support to fast-track phase one of the construction and start phase two, which will include other amenities for the complex. Designate your gift to the “2023 Athletic Center” on the giving form. Meredith’s athletic program has had continued success with 10 athletic teams and keeping facilities up-to-date will support Meredith’s enrollment of student-athletes. Meredith student-athletes and coaches appreciate the support they receive from alumnae, friends, and the campus community.
A new academic facility was constructed near the Weatherspoon Gymnasium/Lowery Fitness Center providing new, cutting-edge instructional space for Meredith’s growing communication and health, exercise, & sport sciences programs. The building opened in August 2022.
The Health and Human Performance Lab is located in Meredith’s newly built Communication and Health, Exercise and Sport Sciences Building (CHESS), featuring cutting-edge equipment to prepare students for employment and graduate programs. The lab also helps support community members in their health and wellness goals.
Renovations
Meredith College began a renovation of Jones Auditorium in the summer of 2023. A lead gift from Lisa Robie Poole, ʼ86, and her husband, Ven Poole, allowed the College to complete phase one of the project, which includes new seating, new carpet, lighting, sound, a new elevator for accessibility, and general upgrades.
The Library and Learning Center underwent refurbishments during the 2022-23 academic year. The highlights were new furniture, new lighting, freshly painted walls along with a bathroom converted to being fully ADA-compliant.
The iconic Meredith Lake, that has been enjoyed by students, faculty, staff, alumnae, and visitors for decades, had a complete renovation in 2021 thanks to the generosity of our alumnae and friends at Meredith College.
Jones Chapel was built in 1982 and has undergone several improvement projects since 2020. The sanctuary, bridal suite, corridors, conference room, kitchen, and common room have been refurbished along with outside maintenance. A gift from the estate of Jeannette Scott, ’54, will provided these renovations to the Chapel.
A new turf field was installed on the Meredith Athletic Field and Track Complex in June 2019. This athletic enhancement improved safety for all Avenging Angels teams.
Weatherspoon Physical Education Building was completed in September 1970. The Parents and Families Fund started raising funds for a new fitness center in 2016. In 2017 the Oscar A. Keller, Jr. family gave a six-figure gift to support the renovations and name the dance studio the Oscar A. Keller, Jr. and Elderlene R. Keller Dance Studio. In 2017, a $1 million gift from Ann Lowery, ’74, named the new fitness center for her parents, Herman and Ruth Lowery. The expansion increased the size of the fitness center by 5,400 square feet and allowed for more group fitness opportunities, personalized training, new equipment, more dedicated staff, and longer operating hours.
Johnson Hall, our most iconic building, welcomes students, visitors, and alumnae to the College each day. Gifts from two generous donors allowed the College to make needed renovations in 2015-16. The enhancements to Johnson Hall created a better experience for prospective and current students and their families – giving them a clear directions to Admissions, Financial Assistance, the Registrar, and the Business Office.
StrengthsLab is a dedicated space that offers a variety of resources related to StrongPoints. In 2014, Wells Fargo Foundation donated $100,000; this gift, along with other donor gifts, were used to create this space for Meredith students.
In 2013, Belk Dining Hall went through extensive renovations on the upper and lower level thanks to a gift from Aramark and the Parents Council. These enhancements allow for a better dining experience and allow for more flexible spaces for events.
