President’s Message: Building Name Update

The message below was sent on behalf of Meredith College Board Chair Yvette Brown, ’90, and President Jo Allen, ’80.

Dear Meredith Community,

As part of the Campuswide Anti-Racism Initiative launched in the summer of 2020, the Meredith College Board of Trustees has been engaged in a thorough and thoughtful review of building names. The goal of this process is to understand, acknowledge, and confront the realities of our history.

As previously announced, this process resulted in a permanent name change to one of our academic buildings and a reaffirmation of the Meredith College name.

Today, we announce another decision in this ongoing process. As part of its regularly scheduled March 2023 meeting, the Board of Trustees voted to remove the name Carroll Hall.

The decision acknowledges that Delia Dixon Carroll, the former staff member for whom the building is named, engaged in racist and harmful practices that outweighed her contributions to the college.

The building will be referred to as the Student Health and Wellness Center. The signage will be updated in the coming months.

We know some may disagree with the Board’s decision. We also understand the decision outlined in this announcement may evoke strong emotions. We encourage you to use your Meredith support systems over the coming days as you process this decision. These support systems include the Counseling Center and the dean of students, DEI Coordinator, the Chaplain, and the HR office.

Unearthing and addressing our history is an ongoing process that requires thoroughness of research and fact-checking. The Board continues this work and will provide further updates as decisions are made.

Thank you for your ongoing support of Meredith College.

Sincerely,

Dr. Yvette Brown, ’90, Chair, Meredith College Board of Trustees
Dr. Jo Allen, ’80, Meredith College President