Faculty/Staff Accomplishments and News Briefs 11/5/25

In this issue, we celebrate the accomplishments of faculty and staff in the Meredith Autism Program, Research, Planning & Assessment, and Psychology. We also share news about gazebo renovations that are underway.

Dr. Joseph Mazzola, Professor and MA Director, I-O Psychology, has a chapter on Qualitative Research that he co-authored with Dr. Irvin Schonfeld being published in the upcoming book, How to Get Published in the Best Industrial-Organizational Psychology Journals. The chapter provides best practices and positive/negative experiences from the authors’ own experiences trying to publish qualitative research in an overwhelmingly quantitative field. 

Dilnavaz Mirza Sharma, Assistant Director of Assessment in the Office of Research, Planning and Assessment, was accepted via a competitive application process as a founding member of a nationwide “Generative AI Community of Practice” formed by the Assessment Institute of Indianapolis, Indiana University, Indianapolis. Community of Practice (CoP) members will develop learning opportunities, create AI-based assessment resources for sharing, and establish training practices for use by the broader community of assessment professionals. Participation in the CoP involves online and in-person conference attendance, training workshops, as well as an initial online instructional bootcamp to be completed this fall. Opportunities for engagement with the community started this October and will continue through to the fall of 2026.

The Meredith Autism Program (MAP) has been recognized in the Raleigh’s Best competition. MAP was named the #1 GOLD winner in the best Educational Services/Tutoring category. The award was announced on October 26. The News & Observer produces the Raleigh’s Best competition, and winners are selected based on public votes. Learn more at votedraleighsbest.com.

Gazebo Renovations Underway

Institutional Advancement is pleased to announce that the gazebo adjacent to the Chapel and Alumnae House is being renovated thanks to a generous memorial gift from the Poulos family to honor their daughter, Caroline Tobi Cole. The donor-funded project will also include landscaping. In addition, the Class of 1979 is raising funds to enhance the space, creating a venue for weddings and events in front of the Chapel gazebo, as part of their 50th reunion class gift. 

The Meredith Lake gazebo, also known as the Rumley Gazebo, is being renovated by the Class of 1977 as their 50th reunion class gift will fully cover the cost of the refurbished gazebo and landscaping. The Lake Gazebo was their Senior Class Gift in honor of their classmate Ellen Rumley.

Launched in 2016, the 50th Reunion Gift Program invites each milestone class to come together in support of a meaningful gift—one that leaves a lasting legacy at Meredith and reflects the enduring strength of their class bond.