Celebrating the Inauguration of Meredith’s Ninth President

The Meredith College community gathered in Jones Auditorium on April 4 to celebrate the inauguration of President Aimee Sapp.

Sapp was officially installed as the College’s ninth president during the 10 a.m. ceremony. Her predecessors, Jo Allen, ’80, and Maureen A. Hartford, were among the College’s supporters on hand for this historic event. Also in attendance were public officials, higher education leaders, alumnae, students, faculty, staff, and community members.

In her inaugural address, Sapp recalled the African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child,” acknowledging all the individuals who have been a part of her personal and professional success.

“Today, I am keenly aware that it also takes a village to shape a leader, nurture a scholar, and cultivate a thriving institution. I stand before you not as an individual, but as the beneficiary of a community of mentors, family, friends, and colleagues who have guided me on this journey,” Sapp said. “… To all of you in this village, thank you. Growth, I have learned, is a lifelong process, and I am blessed beyond measure to have such a strong community walking this path with me.”

President Sapp’s family participated in the ceremony. Her husband, Rev. Travis Tamerius, offered a prayer, and her father, Dr. Thomas Walker, professor emeritus at Emory University, spoke before her investiture. Both of them, and Sapp’s children, Coleman, Clayton, and Carley, were on hand when she took the oath of office. 

Making a Strong College Even Stronger
After sharing examples of strong women who have made an impact on the world, Sapp drew focus to Meredith’s “Going Strong” brand.

“Strong women take up space and demand a seat at the table,” she said. “Strong women like these are the very fiber of Meredith College.” 

Sapp went on to use Meredith’s history, traditions, and success stories to define Meredith Strong, before focusing on how to make a strong institution even stronger.

“As I begin my presidency, I am guided by one urgent question: How do we make Meredith Strong, Meredith Stronger?” Sapp said. “That question is my North Star.”

Among the areas of focus mentioned by Sapp were strengthening the College’s financial position, creating its next strategic plan, building new strategic partnerships, attracting exceptional talent, being strong stewards of the campus, and publicizing Meredith’s strengths as a women’s college.

Above all, Sapp said Meredith must provide students with the skills and foundation needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

“Our mission isn’t just to help our students navigate this complexity—it’s to empower them to thrive in it. We do this by building their confidence, developing their skills, and preparing them not just for their first job, but for the careers and challenges that don’t yet exist,” Sapp said.

In closing, Meredith’s new president sought to inspire those in attendance to join her in meeting challenges and ensuring the College’s continued success.

“There have always been challenges, and there will be others long after we’re gone,” Sapp said. “The question is: how will we face our challenges in the present moment? What will each of us contribute to the common good so that this cherished place continues to shine its light for the next 134 years and beyond?”

Nine Days of Celebration
In addition to the installation ceremony, presided over by the Board of Trustees, the College held nine days of events in celebration of President Sapp. From a “Ninth Night” kickoff celebration featuring performing arts to a showcase of nine influential books chosen by President Sapp, to a college-wide community coffee, these events provided students, employees, and alumnae with opportunities to participate. Learn more at meredith.edu/inauguration

About President Aimee Sapp
Aimee Sapp was named Meredith College’s ninth president in March 2024 before taking office officially on July 1. To her current role at Meredith, Sapp brings more than 25 years of higher education experience at William Woods University in Fulton, Missouri. There, she led the initiation of academic reorganization, the establishment of program prioritization, and the implementation of budgetary process reforms. Sapp previously served as a department chair, division chair, and associate dean. In addition to her administrative responsibilities at William Woods, she was a tenured full professor in communication and held doctoral faculty status.

Sapp’s scholarly interests include leadership communication styles, interpersonal communication, and gender communication. She holds a Ph.D. in communication from the University of Missouri, a master’s degree in speech communication from the University of Northern Colorado, and a bachelor of science in sociology from William Woods College.