Strategic Plan Year One Update

As 2013 comes to a close, the Meredith College community can be proud of what has been accomplished in the first year of the Meredith Forever strategic plan. Many of these accomplishments were included in a presentation by President Jo Allen on November 19.

The strategic plan consists of six pillars: Educational Excellence, Enrollment, Financial Strength, Facilities and IT, Visibility and Quality of Life.

This report includes highlights of the many significant accomplishments made in year one through the work of the entire Meredith community.

The Meredith Forever strategic plan is a rolling, three year plan. The process for discussing the plan’s evolution and determining the next set of action items will begin with a half-day discussion on January 17 from 8:30 a.m. until noon in Belk Dining Hall West. Mark your calendars for this important part of Meredith’s strategic planning process.

Pillar 1| Educational Excellence

Developed innovative StrongPoints advising model

Established new undergraduate major in public health

Approved new certificate in health informatics – MBA

Launched Campus Kitchens – a new outreach program for after school programs

Established Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Pre-Health

Added lacrosse to the College’s NCAA athletic offerings

Enhanced academic quality of incoming class

Sharpened strategic focus on retention

Pillar 2| Enrollment

Graduated largest 4-year class in history

Expanded recruitment territory

Enhanced alumnae engagement in recruiting

Strengthened retention rates

Established Enrollment pathways for transfer students

Created Impact Raleigh program

Expanded global diversity to 42 countries

Continued Meredith Teaching Fellows program

Exceeded enrollment targets for freshman class

Enhanced academic profile of entering class

4-year graduation rates surpass national averages

Pillar 3: Financial Strength

Launched largest campaign in Meredith history, Beyond Strong

Managed with greater budget efficiencies

Increased annual fundraising total by 27% in 2013

Increased annual giving donors by 68%

50% of faculty/staff gave to annual fund

Leveraged financial resources for capital improvements

Earned highest possible financial responsibility score from U.S. Department of Education

Enhanced percentage of alumnae giving

Enhanced growth of endowment value by 12% over 2012

Pillar 4: Facilities and IT

Renovated and enhanced spaces across campus, including Belk Dining Hall, the Ellen Rumley gazebo and gardens, Cate Center, seating nooks in Johnson Hall, Carswell lobby

Re-landscaped Lux, Martin and the Oaks

Restored historic Heck Fountain

Moved and enlarged Meredith Community Garden

Upgraded technology infrastructure, including enhanced cabling for reliability and security of IT network

Invested in energy savings and sustainability plan

Resurfaced tennis courts and improved gymnasium/stadium equipment

Pillar 5 Visibility

Launched new branding campaign, Meredith College | Going Strong

Launched new website – responsive design provides optimal viewing experience across a range of devices

Extended advertising on web, television, newspapers, magazines and billboards

Increased website traffic, with 75% more unique visitors during the first two months following website launch

Enhanced sports teams’ visibility

Released Status of Girls report

Increased positive media coverage, with approximately 1,800 media hits in the 2012-13 academic year

Enhanced visibility of faculty and staff media experts in outlets including CNN, U.S. News and World Report, The Christian Science Monitor, The Huffington Post, and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Increased social media engagement by 11% during the two months following brand launch (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube)

Hosted new program, Honoring Women Veterans

Pillar 6 Quality of Life

Enhanced benefits and salaries of faculty and staff

Commenced study on work schedule flexibility

Emphasis on health and wellness for faculty, staff and students

Continued modified summer and holiday schedules

Enhanced commitment to sustainability with realized energy savings

Promoted professional and student development through StrengthsQuest

Strengthened community relations and celebrations

Learn more about the Meredith Forever Strategic Plan