ӣƵ

Navigation

Immortal Ten

ӣƵhas experienced plenty of change since the College began educating the South’s brightest women more than 130 years ago. Our enduring commitment to innovation and fresh perspectives over the years has allowed us to confidently grow and adapt our programs – and keeps us going strong.

1835

North Carolina Baptist State Convention appoints a committee “to consider the establishment of a female seminary of high order.”

1838

Thomas Meredith, founder of the Biblical Recorder, calls for an institution to provide “a first-rate course of female education.”

1889

After a delay because of the Civil War and Reconstruction as well as the general lack of interest in women’s education, Leonidas Polk introduces a resolution to the Convention for a Baptist female college. His resolution is adopted unanimously.

1891

The state legislature grants a charter for the Baptist Female University.

1893

To raise money for the school, Oliver Larkin Stringfield begins traveling across the state and Fannie E. S. Heck organizes the Woman’s Executive Committee of the Baptist Female University. Economic conditions in the 1890s make fundraising difficult and donations often are small, many one dollar or less.

1895

Construction begins at the corner of Edenton and Blount streets in downtown Raleigh. Adolphus Bauer, who designed the governor’s mansion, is the architect.

1899

Baptist Female University opens in September with 19 faculty/staff members and more than 200 students. James C. Blasingame is president. A college year is three terms of three months each. Room and board costs $36 per term, and tuition is $17.50, with additional fees for music and art.

1900

President Blasingame resigns after one year and Richard Tilman Vann is chosen to lead the University. Vann was a respected pastor and teacher.

1902

The first ten students graduate in May. These women are referred to as “The Immortal Ten” (pictured above).

1904

Trustees change name from Baptist Female University to Baptist University for Women.

Students publish the first yearbook, Oak Leaves.

1905

Student government, one of the first in the South, is initiated.

1906

The tradition of the hiding of the Crook begins.

1907

In 1900, there had been a debt of $43,000, but by 1907, the University has an endowment of $37,000 and has grown to include six buildings and a library of 2,000 volumes.

Students publish a literary magazine, The Acorn.

1909

To honor Thomas Meredith, trustees change the name to ӣƵCollege.

The College observes and celebrates Founder’s Day for the first time.

1915

After 15 years, President Vann (who wrote the words and music to Meredith’s “Alma Mater”) retires. During his presidency, enrollment increased to almost 400 and the endowment to $127,000.

Charles Edward Brewer, professor of chemistry at Wake Forest College, is selected as the third president.

1915 also is the first year of Stunt.

1919

Student handbook contains a welcome letter to “Little Sis Class.”

1921

ӣƵis admitted to Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

The Twig, the student newspaper, is published. It is renamed ӣƵHerald in 1986.

1923

Kappa Nu Sigma, scholastic honor society, is organized on campus by Dr. Helen Hull Law, professor of Latin and Greek.

1924

Graduates become eligible for membership in the American Association of University Women.

The faculty presents the inaugural Alice in Wonderland to entertain their students, a tradition on campus that takes place once every four years.

Construction of a new campus begins on Hillsborough Street.

1926

In January, students return from winter break to the new campus, which features six Georgian-style buildings that form a quadrangle: an administration building, a cafeteria, and four residence halls.

1928

Association of American Universities places ӣƵon its list of approved colleges.

1939

President Brewer retires. He oversaw the construction of and move to the new campus and increased enrollment to almost 600 students.

Dr. Carlyle Campbell is named the fourth president.

1944

Baptist State Convention rejects proposals to merge ӣƵand Wake Forest College.

1945

The first Cornhuskin’ is held at Meredith.

1947

ճHonor Code is adopted.

1949

Jones Auditorium is dedicated.

1953

Grimmer Alumnae House is built. The house was relocated from its original location on campus to accommodate the construction of the Science and Math Building.

1956

Joyner Hall for liberal arts is completed. In 2022, ӣƵCollege announced a plan to change the building’s name. It is currently called Lux Hall.

1959

Hunter Hall opens for science classes. The building is renovated and renamed Martin Hall in 2004, in honor of Margaret C. Martin, ’30.

Elizabeth James Dotterer is the first alumna to act as president of the board of trustees.

1960

Brewer House is built for home economics students. Today it is used as an infant care teaching lab.

1962

Carroll Health Center and Poteat Residence Hall are completed.

ӣƵbegins admitting students without regard to race or the color of their skin.

Lora Evalena Epps Brooker (Lena Epps Brooker), ’62, is the first Native-American student to graduate from Meredith.

1964

Dr. Norma Rose is the speaker at the first Faculty Distinguished Lecture.

The newly completed McIver Amphitheater is used for Class Day.

1966

Dr. Campbell steps down. During his 27-year tenure, enrollment increased to nearly 1,000 students.

Dr. Bruce Heilman becomes Meredith’s fifth president.

1967

Dr. Anna Arnold Hedgeman is one of the first mentions of a Black woman to serve as a guest lecturer on campus. She spoke on Black Power and the misconceptions of the movement, sparking important conversations among students as they work towards integration.

1968

Gwendolyn Matthews Hilliard, ’71, and Rosetta Berry Inmon are the first two Black students to enroll as full-time students at Meredith.

1969

The library moves from Johnson Hall to the new  and a sixth residence hall, Heilman, is added.

1970

Weatherspoon Physical Education Building opens.

The first African American professors are hired, James Z. Alexander and Charles L. Coleman. They both taught for the department of religion and philosophy.

1971

Dr. Heilman resigns as president. He is credited with continuing high academic standards, increasing faculty compensation and the number of faculty with doctorates, and expanding the student body by 44%.

Mildred Mallette is hired as the first African American full-time administrative staff member in  the library. Prior to her hiring, Black staff members had been  hired to work only in housekeeping and facilities services roles.

Gwendolyn Matthews Hilliard becomes the first Black student to graduate from Meredith. Her degree was in English.

1972

The Black Voices in Unity (BVU) organization is formed (originally called Black Student Unity). Initially, it was only open to African American students, but later was open to others.

Dr. John E. Weems becomes Meredith’s sixth president. During his tenure, he initiated the honors program, graduate program, and internship program. He was vocal about his support for the Equal Rights Amendment and was applauded for his support of women’s rights.

Two new buildings are added to campus including Massey House President’s Residence and Barefoot Residence Hall.

The Continuing Education Program begins.

1973

President Weems announces that Sydney Abbott, a prominent LGTBQ+ activist and writer, will speak on Meredith’s campus.

The Black Voices in Unity organization holds its first event on campus, Black Awareness Week (later called Black Emphasis Week.) The purpose of the event was to promote the ӣƵcommunity’s learning and awareness of Black culture and history. Founding officers who helped organize the event include Renee Lindsey, Chairman; Joyce Martin, Chairman; Denise Jemison, Communicator; Marilyn Bledsoe, Secretary; Equillo Mingo, Treasurer; and Carolyn Wiggins, Chairman of Cultural Fairs. BVU later renamed Association for Black Awareness.

BVU Chairman, Joyce Martin, becomes the first Black columnist for The Twig, Meredith’s student newspaper at the time. Her column, titled Joyce Martin’s Black Perspectives, was added to the publication to ensure that Black voices were heard on campus.

President Weems formally endorses the Equal Rights Amendment.

1974

The Cate Student Center is dedicated.

ӣƵnames first female vice-president, Dr. Sandra Thomas.

ӣƵbegins to offer summer study abroad programs.

1975

ղٲ program is launched.

1977

Wainwright Music Building is dedicated.

1978

Sir Harold Wilson, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, is the speaker at the first Lillian Parker Wallace Lecture. The lecture series continues to bring notable speakers to campus, which have included Nobel Laureate and Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, and Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court Sandra Day O’Connor.

1979

ճParalegal Program𲵾Բ.

1982

Jones Chapel and Harris Building are completed.

ӣƵCollege becomes a full member of NCAA Division III.

1983

ӣƵbegins offering master’s degrees in business, education, and music.

1984

ճHonors Program𲵾Բ.

1985

First graduates from MBA program.

1986

Dr. Alex Haley, author of Roots, lectures at ӣƵduring Black Emphasis Week.

1987

Gaddy-Hamrick Art Center opens.

1988

ӣƵis chosen to participate in the North Carolina Teaching Fellows Program. When funding for the state program ends in 2012, ӣƵlaunches its own program, the ӣƵTeaching Fellows.

The Graduate Program is named the John E. Weems Graduate School after Meredith’s sixth president. The school offers advanced degrees and certificates for men and women.

1989

Meredith’s infirmary is officially named Carroll Health Center, expanding its services to support women’s reproductive health.

1991

ӣƵcelebrates its centennial anniversary.

The Class of 1992 begins the Ring Dinner tradition.

1993

ղٲ program is launched.

1994

Ledford Hall is dedicated.

1995

ӣƵAutism Program𲵾Բ.

1996

Park Center opens.

1997

ӣƵand Baptist State Convention formally redefine their relationship.

1999

Dr. Weems’ presidency ends after 27 years in service. During these years, the size of both the student body and the faculty nearly double.

Dr. Maureen A. Hartford is chosen as Meredith’s seventh president and becomes the College’s first female president.

ճPark Center Mural is completed. This project, financed by the Class of 1997 and honoring the achievements of 100 alumnae, celebrates Meredith’s powerful heritage.

2000

Spectrum, a gay/lesbian/bisexual/straight/transgender alliance on campus, is founded. Lyn Tucker serves as president, Kat Bailey as vice president, Lindsey McAdams as secretary, and Frid Rupp as website designer.

2001

Through the leadership of Elizabeth Triplett Beam, ’72, and Ione Kemp Knight, ’43, the Alumnae Legacy Steering Committee begins work on establishing Meredith’s first full-ride merit scholarship.

ӣƵis the first women’s college in the nation to become a campus-based site for the LeaderShape® Institute.

ӣƵTechnology Initiative begins, providing laptop computers for students.

2002

Four men graduate from the MBA program, becoming the first men in the College’s history to earn degrees.

2003

Science and Mathematics Building opens, and President Hartford introduces four initiatives: Science and Mathematics, Undergraduate Research opportunities, ӣƵTechnology, and Service Learning and Leadership.

ӣƵremains the Southeast’s largest private college for women.

2004

The Campaign for Meredith, the College’s largest fundraising initiative, enters its public phase with a goal of raising $33.5 million.

Diversity Council established, made up of eleven students, faculty, staff and alumnae.

2005

 is added to the College’s athletic offerings.

2007

The Campaign for Meredith concludes, raising more than $41.5 million. The campaign exceeded its goal by over $8 million.

The Alumnae Legacy Steering Committee awards the first ӣƵLegacy Scholarships to Sarah Beth Phelps, ’11, and Erin Huber, ’11.

 join the USA South Conference.

2009

ӣƵopens a permanent international site in Sansepolcro, Italy.

The largest first-year class in the College’s history enrolls.

The newly constructed LEED-certified apartments, The Oaks, and athletic field and track complex open on campus.

2010

The School of Business earns Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation. ӣƵis only one of two women’s colleges in the world accredited by AACSB International.

2011

President Maureen Hartford retires, ending her 12-year tenure. During these years, Hartford led efforts to strengthen academic offerings, expand and enhance campus facilities, improve the diversity of the student body, and increase the College’s endowment.

Dr. Jo Allen becomes Meredith’s eighth president on July 1, 2011. President Allen is the first ӣƵalumna to hold the office.

2012

The Board of Trustees approves ӣƵForever, the College’s three-year rolling strategic plan.

 is added to the College’s athletic offerings.

2013

The first TEDx ӣƵCollege is held on campus.

ӣƵlaunches the ӣƵCollege | Going Strong brand initiative.

2014

The College announces ٰDzԲʴǾԳٲ®, a defining element of the ӣƵCollege educational experience.

ӣƵCollege begins offering an undergraduate degree in Public Health.

ѱ徱ٳMBA adds a concentration in human resources management.

2015

ӣƵCollege receives the largest gift until that time in the history of the College. A $3.5 million gift from the Jud Ammons family renovates Johnson Hall and adds a new welcome center.

A $1 million gift from Bobbitt Clay Williams and her husband Bill Williams supports renovations to Johnson Hall,  and in honor of the gift, a suite of offices was named the Bobbitt Clay Williams Executive Suite.

As diversity around the state increases, so does diversity at Meredith. People from multicultural backgrounds make up 25% of all ӣƵCollege students.

The Black Student Union is reinstated.

2016

The public phase of the Beyond Strong Campaign begins with a goal of $75 million.

ӣƵholds its first annual Giving Day raising $283,052.

The Johnson Hall renovations are complete and the Jo Ellen Ammons Welcome Center is dedicated.

2017

The new Lowery Fitness Center in the Weatherspoon Athletic Center opens. A $1 million gift from Ann Lowery, ’74, named the fitness center for her parents.

The Elizabeth Triplett Beam Fountain Plaza in front of Johnson Hall is dedicated. A $1 million gift from Elizabeth Beam named the fountain that was renovated in 2016.

A new track was added to the M.S. in Nutrition. Students can now choose from the dietetics track and the new food and nutrition studies track.

ճMBA program begins offering a concentration in Entrepreneurship and Family Business.

2018

Beyond Strong │The Campaign for Meredith, the largest fundraising campaign in the history of ӣƵCollege, raises more than $90 million, surpassing the $75 million goal by more than $15 million.

Kresge Auditorium opens after renovations.

A new graduate program, M.A. in Psychology: I/O concentration, enrolls the first students.

The ѱ徱ٳSchool of Business began an interdisciplinary minor in entrepreneurship for undergraduates.

The new Accelerated MBA𲵾Բ. This 4+1 program allows undergraduates to earn a graduate degree in just one additional year.

Accelerated Law Degree Program is established with Campbell Law.

2019

A new academic program in Hospitality Management enrolls the first students.

The new $20,000 Academic Merit Scholarship is announced. The merit scholarship guarantee is designed to help more qualified undergraduate women afford a high quality college education.

ӣƵannounces new academic building that will house growing Exercise and Sports ScienceԻCommunicationǰ.

 is added to the College’s athletic offerings.

ճӣƵAlumnae Association and the Office of  launch an online mentoring program called ӣƵMentors.

Accelerated Law Degree Program is established with Elon University.

2020

The Master of Arts in Criminal Justice, Meredith’s first fully online program, welcomes its first class.

ӣƵresponds to COVID-19 pandemic in March by moving most students off-campus and classes online.

The I/O Psychology program celebrates its first class of graduates in May.

A College-wide Initiative on Anti-Racism is launched in response to recent racial events and to demonstrate Meredith’s desire to play its part in the Black Lives Matter movement.

Field hockey becomes the tenth varsity sport to be added to Meredith’s athletic offerings, with the first season to commence in 2021.

ӣƵassumes ownership of the campus store after being previously run by Follett, an educational products company.

2021

The Avenging Angels return to competition for the first time since March 2020.

ӣƵbegins construction on the new academic building housing the communication and exercise & sports science majors after being paused in 2020 because of the pandemic.

ӣƵadds a Bachelor of Music in Performance to the College’s degree offerings.

It’s announced that a post-baccalaureate licensure in the arts will be offered beginning in fall 2021.

The Princeton Review names ӣƵas one of the best schools in the Southeast.

The renovation of the iconic ӣƵlake is completed thanks to the generosity of 1,400 alumnae and friends of ӣƵCollege.

Meredith’s first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Coordinator, Liliana Madrid, is hired.

2022

The Seventh Annual Make It Count for ӣƵGiving Day surpasses $1 million.

ӣƵrenames the academic building Joyner Hall to Lux Hall as part of the College-wide Initiative on Anti-Racism. 

The Master of Arts in Criminal Justice program celebrates its first class of graduates.

The new Communication and Health, Exercise & Sport Sciences (CHESS) building officially opens. The building houses instructional space for the growing communication and health, exercise & sport sciences programs, and ӣƵathletic offices.

Wings, Meredith’s adult education program, celebrates its 50th anniversary.

2023

The Master of Arts in Industrial-Organizational Psychology program celebrates five years.

ӣƵfinalizes an articulation agreement with NC State University that provides priority admission into Meredith’s Master of Science in Nutrition-Accelerated Dietitian Nutritionist Track (MS-ADNT) to up to four qualified NC State nutrition science undergraduate students. 

Phase I of the Jones Auditorium renovation, which includes new seating, new carpet, lighting, sound, a new elevator for accessibility, and more is completed. 

ӣƵCollege announces a new agreement with West Virginia University (WVU). Under this agreement, qualified ӣƵstudents will be guaranteed an interview with WVU School of Medicine. 

The Eighth Annual Make It Count for ӣƵGiving Day raises $1,349,106, exceeding the goal of $1,000,000.

The Master of Science in Nutrition – Accelerated Dietitian Nutritionist Track program enrolls its first cohort of students. 

The groundbreaking of the Estes-Speight Family Athletic Complex is held. The new complex will include training space for softball, tennis, and golf.

2024

Dr. Aimee Sapp becomes the ninth president of ӣƵCollege on July 1, 2024.

Going Strong

See how ӣƵstudents are going strong.

See how ӣƵstudents are going strong.

Contact Information
3800 Hillsborough Street
Raleigh, NC 27607-5298
Phone: (919) 760-8600
Fax: (919) 760-8330
1-800-MEREDITH

Immortal Ten

ӣƵhas experienced plenty of change since the College began educating the South’s brightest women more than 128 years ago. Our enduring commitment to innovation and fresh perspectives over the years has allowed us to confidently grow and adapt our programs – and keeps us going strong.

1835
1835

North Carolina Baptist State Convention appoints a committee “to consider the establishment of a female seminary of high order.”

1838
1838

Thomas Meredith, founder of the Biblical Recorder, calls for an institution to provide “a first-rate course of female education.”

1889
1889

After a delay because of the Civil War and Reconstruction as well as the general lack of interest in women’s education, Leonidas Polk introduces a resolution to the Convention for a Baptist female college. His resolution is adopted unanimously.

1891
1891

The state legislature grants a charter for the Baptist Female University.

1893
1893

To raise money for the school, Oliver Larkin Stringfield begins traveling across the state and Fannie E. S. Heck organizes the Woman’s Executive Committee of the Baptist Female University. Economic conditions in the 1890s make fundraising difficult and donations often are small, many one dollar or less.

1895
1895

Construction begins at the corner of Edenton and Blount streets in downtown Raleigh. Adolphus Bauer, who designed the governor’s mansion, is the architect.

1899
1899

Baptist Female University opens in September with 19 faculty/staff members and more than 200 students. James C. Blasingame is president. A college year is three terms of three months each. Room and board costs $36 per term, and tuition is $17.50, with additional fees for music and art.

1900
1900

President Blasingame resigns after one year and Richard Tilman Vann is chosen to lead the University. Vann was a respected pastor and teacher.

1902
1902

The first ten students graduate in May. These women are referred to as “The Immortal Ten” (pictured above).

1904
1904

Trustees change name from Baptist Female University to Baptist University for Women.

1905
1905

Student government, one of the first in the South, is initiated.

1906
1906

The tradition of the hiding of the Crook begins.

1907
1907

In 1900, there had been a debt of $43,000, but by 1907, the University has an endowment of $37,000 and has grown to include six buildings and a library of 2,000 volumes.

Students publish a literary magazine, The Acorn.

1909
1909

To honor Thomas Meredith, trustees change the name to ӣƵCollege.

The College observes and celebrates Founder’s Day for the first time.

Students publish a literary magazine, The Acorn.

1915
1915

After 15 years, President Vann (who wrote the words and music to Meredith’s “Alma Mater”) retires. During his presidency, enrollment increased to almost 400 and the endowment to $127,000.

Charles Edward Brewer, professor of chemistry at Wake Forest College, is selected as the third president.

1915 also is the first year of Stunt.

1919
1919

Student handbook contains a welcome letter to “Little Sis Class.”

1921
1921

ӣƵis admitted to Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

The Twig, the student newspaper, is published. It is renamed ӣƵHerald in 1986.

1923
1923

Kappa Nu Sigma, scholastic honor society, is organized on campus by Dr. Helen Hull Law, professor of Latin and Greek.

The Twig, the student newspaper, is published. It is renamed ӣƵHerald in 1986.

1924
1924

Graduates become eligible for membership in the American Association of University Women.

The faculty presents the inaugural Alice in Wonderland to entertain their students, a tradition on campus that takes place once every four years.

Construction of a new campus begins on Hillsborough Street.

1926
1926

In January, students return from winter break to the new campus, which features six Georgian-style buildings that form a quadrangle: an administration building, a cafeteria, and four residence halls.

1928
1928

Association of American Universities places ӣƵon its list of approved colleges.

1939
1939

President Brewer retires. He oversaw the construction of and move to the new campus and increased enrollment to almost 600 students.

Dr. Carlyle Campbell is named the fourth president.

1944
1944

Baptist State Convention rejects proposals to merge ӣƵand Wake Forest College.

1945
1945

The first Cornhuskin’ is held at Meredith.

1947
1947

ճHonor Code is adopted.

1949
1949

Jones Auditorium is dedicated.

1953
1953

Grimmer Alumnae House is built. The house was relocated from its original location on campus to accommodate the construction of the Science and Math Building.

1956
1956

Lux Hall for liberal arts is completed.

1959
1959

Hunter Hall opens for science classes. The building is renovated and renamed Martin Hall in 2004, in honor of Margaret C. Martin, ’30.

Elizabeth James Dotterer is the first alumna to act as president of the board of trustees.

1960
1960

Brewer House is built for home economics students. Today it is used as an infant care teaching lab.

Elizabeth James Dotterer is the first alumna to act as president of the board of trustees.

1962
1962

Carroll Health Center and Poteat Residence Hall are completed.

ӣƵbegins admitting students without regard to race or the color of their skin.

Lora Evalena Epps Brooker (Lena Epps Brooker), ’62, is the first Native-American student to graduate from Meredith.

1964
1964

Dr. Norma Rose is the speaker at the first Faculty Distinguished Lecture.

The newly completed McIver Amphitheater is used for Class Day.

1966
1966

Dr. Campbell steps down. During his 27-year tenure, enrollment increased to nearly 1,000 students.

Dr. Bruce Heilman becomes Meredith’s fifth president.

1967
1967

Dr. Anna Arnold Hedgeman is one of the first mentions of a Black woman to serve as a guest lecturer on campus. She spoke on Black Power and the misconceptions of the movement, sparking important conversations among students as they work towards integration.

1968
1968

Gwendolyn Matthews Hilliard, ’71, and Rosetta Berry Inmon are the first two Black students to enroll as full-time students at Meredith.

1968
1968

The library moves from Johnson Hall to the new  and a sixth residence hall, Heilman, is added.

1970
1970

Weatherspoon Physical Education Building opens.

The first African American professors are hired, James Z. Alexander and Charles L. Coleman. They both taught for the department of religion and philosophy.

1970
1970

Weatherspoon Physical Education Building opens.

The first African American professors are hired, James Z. Alexander and Charles L. Coleman. They both taught for the department of religion and philosophy.

1971
1971

Dr. Heilman resigns as president. He is credited with continuing high academic standards, increasing faculty compensation and the number of faculty with doctorates, and expanding the student body by 44%.

Mildred Mallette is hired as the first African American full-time administrative staff member in  the library. Prior to her hiring, Black staff members had been  hired to work only in housekeeping and facilities services roles.

Gwendolyn Matthews Hilliard becomes the first Black student to graduate from Meredith. Her degree was in English.

The first African American professors are hired, James Z. Alexander and Charles L. Coleman. They both taught for the department of religion and philosophy.

1971
1971

Dr. Heilman resigns as president. He is credited with continuing high academic standards, increasing faculty compensation and the number of faculty with doctorates, and expanding the student body by 44%.

Mildred Mallette is hired as the first African American full-time administrative staff member in  the library. Prior to her hiring, Black staff members had been  hired to work only in housekeeping and facilities services roles.

Gwendolyn Matthews Hilliard becomes the first Black student to graduate from Meredith. Her degree was in English.

The first African American professors are hired, James Z. Alexander and Charles L. Coleman. They both taught for the department of religion and philosophy.

1972
1972

The Black Voices in Unity (BVU) organization is formed (originally called Black Student Unity). Initially, it was only open to African American students, but later was open to others.

Dr. John E. Weems becomes Meredith’s sixth president. During his tenure, he initiated the honors program, graduate program, and internship program. He was vocal about his support for the Equal Rights Amendment and was applauded for his support of women’s rights.

Two new buildings are added to campus including Massey House President’s Residence and Barefoot Residence Hall.

The Continuing Education Program begins.

1972
1972

The Black Voices in Unity (BVU) organization is formed (originally called Black Student Unity). Initially, it was only open to African American students, but later was open to others.

Dr. John E. Weems becomes Meredith’s sixth president. During his tenure, he initiated the honors program, graduate program, and internship program. He was vocal about his support for the Equal Rights Amendment and was applauded for his support of women’s rights.

Two new buildings are added to campus including Massey House President’s Residence and Barefoot Residence Hall.

The Continuing Education Program begins.

1973
1973

President Weems announces that Sydney Abbott, a prominent LGTBQ+ activist and writer, will speak on Meredith’s campus.

The Black Voices in Unity organization holds its first event on campus, Black Awareness Week (later called Black Emphasis Week.) The purpose of the event was to promote the ӣƵcommunity’s learning and awareness of Black culture and history. Founding officers who helped organize the event include Renee Lindsey, Chairman; Joyce Martin, Chairman; Denise Jemison, Communicator; Marilyn Bledsoe, Secretary; Equillo Mingo, Treasurer; and Carolyn Wiggins, Chairman of Cultural Fairs. BVU later renamed Association for Black Awareness.

BVU Chairman, Joyce Martin, becomes the first Black columnist for The Twig, Meredith’s student newspaper at the time. Her column, titled Joyce Martin’s Black Perspectives, was added to the publication to ensure that Black voices were heard on campus.

President Weems formally endorses the Equal Rights Amendment.

1974
1974

The Cate Student Center is dedicated.

ӣƵnames first female vice-president, Dr. Sandra Thomas.

ӣƵbegins to offer summer study abroad programs.

1975
1975

ղٲ program is launched.

1977
1977

Wainwright Music Building is dedicated.

1978
1978

Sir Harold Wilson, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, is the speaker at the first Lillian Parker Wallace Lecture. The lecture series continues to bring notable speakers to campus, which have included Nobel Laureate and Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, and Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court Sandra Day O’Connor.

1979
1979

1982
1982

Jones Chapel and Harris Building are completed.

ӣƵCollege becomes a full member of NCAA Division III.

1983
1983

ӣƵbegins offering master’s degrees in business, education, and music.

1984
1984

1985
1985

First graduates from MBA program.

1986
1986

Dr. Alex Haley, author of Roots, lectures at ӣƵduring Black Emphasis Week.

1987
1987

Gaddy-Hamrick Art Center opens.

1988
1988

ӣƵis chosen to participate in the North Carolina Teaching Fellows Program. When funding for the state program ends in 2012, ӣƵlaunches its own program, the ӣƵTeaching Fellows.

The Graduate Program is named the John E. Weems Graduate School after Meredith’s sixth president. The school offers advanced degrees and certificates for men and women.

1989
1989

Meredith’s infirmary is officially named Carroll Health Center, expanding its services to support women’s reproductive health.

The Graduate Program is named the John E. Weems Graduate School after Meredith’s sixth president. The school offers advanced degrees and certificates for men and women.

1991
1991

ӣƵcelebrates its centennial anniversary.

The Class of 1992 begins the Ring Dinner tradition.

1993
1993

ղٲ program is launched.

1994
1994

Ledford Hall is dedicated.

1995
1995

1996
1996

Park Center opens.

1997
1997

ӣƵand Baptist State Convention formally redefine their relationship.

1999
1999

Dr. Weems’ presidency ends after 27 years in service. During these years, the size of both the student body and the faculty nearly double.

Dr. Maureen A. Hartford is chosen as Meredith’s seventh president and becomes the College’s first female president.

ճPark Center Mural is completed. This project, financed by the Class of 1997 and honoring the achievements of 100 alumnae, celebrates Meredith’s powerful heritage.

2000
2000

Spectrum, a gay/lesbian/bisexual/straight/transgender alliance on campus, is founded. Lyn Tucker serves as president, Kat Bailey as vice president, Lindsey McAdams as secretary, and Frid Rupp as website designer.

2001
2001

Through the leadership of Elizabeth Triplett Beam, ’72, and Ione Kemp Knight, ’43, the Alumnae Legacy Steering Committee begins work on establishing Meredith’s first full-tuition merit scholarship.

ӣƵis the first women’s college in the nation to become a campus-based site for the LeaderShape® Institute.

ӣƵTechnology Initiative begins, providing laptop computers for students.

2002
2002

Four men graduate from the MBA program, becoming the first men in the College’s history to earn degrees.

2003
2003

Science and Mathematics Building opens, and President Hartford introduces four initiatives: Science and Mathematics, Undergraduate Research opportunities, ӣƵTechnology, and Service Learning and Leadership.

ӣƵremains the Southeast’s largest private college for women.

2004
2004

The Campaign for Meredith, the College’s largest fundraising initiative, enters its public phase with a goal of raising $33.5 million.

Diversity Council established, made up of eleven students, faculty, staff and alumnae.

ӣƵremains the Southeast’s largest private college for women.

2005
2005

 is added to the College’s athletic offerings.

2007
2007

The Campaign for Meredith concludes, raising more than $41.5 million. The campaign exceeded its goal by over $8 million.

The Alumnae Legacy Steering Committee awards the first ӣƵLegacy Scholarships to Sarah Beth Phelps, ’11, and Erin Huber, ’11.

 join the USA South Conference.

2009
2009

ӣƵopens a permanent international site in Sansepolcro, Italy.

The largest first-year class in the College’s history enrolls.

The newly constructed LEED-certified apartments, The Oaks, and athletic field and track complex open on campus.

2010
2010

The School of Business earns Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation. ӣƵis only one of two women’s colleges in the world accredited by AACSB International.

2011
2011

President Maureen Hartford retires, ending her 12-year tenure. During these years, Hartford led efforts to strengthen academic offerings, expand and enhance campus facilities, improve the diversity of the student body, and increase the College’s endowment.

Dr. Jo Allen becomes Meredith’s eighth president on July 1, 2011. President Allen is the first ӣƵalumna to hold the office.

2012
2012

The Board of Trustees approves ӣƵForever, the College’s three-year rolling strategic plan.

 is added to the College’s athletic offerings.

2013
2013

The first TEDx ӣƵCollege is held on campus.

ӣƵlaunches the ӣƵCollege | Going Strong brand initiative.

2014
2014

The College announces ٰDzԲʴǾԳٲ®, a defining element of the ӣƵCollege educational experience.

ӣƵCollege begins offering an undergraduate degree in Public Health.

ѱ徱ٳMBA adds a concentration in human resources management.

2015
2015

ӣƵCollege receives the largest gift until that time in the history of the College. A $3.5 million gift from the Jud Ammons family renovates Johnson Hall and adds a new welcome center.

A $1 million gift from Bobbitt Clay Williams and her husband Bill Williams supports renovations to Johnson Hall,  and in honor of the gift, a suite of offices was named the Bobbitt Clay Williams Executive Suite.

As diversity around the state increases, so does diversity at Meredith. People from multicultural backgrounds make up 25% of all ӣƵCollege students.

The Black Student Union is reinstated.

2016
2016

The public phase of the Beyond Strong Campaign begins with a goal of $75 million.

ӣƵholds its first annual Giving Day raising $283,052.

The Johnson Hall renovations are complete and the Jo Ellen Ammons Welcome Center is dedicated.

A $1 million gift from Bobbitt Clay Williams and her husband Bill Williams supports renovations to Johnson Hall,  and in honor of the gift, a suite of offices was named the Bobbitt Clay Williams Executive Suite.

As diversity around the state increases, so does diversity at Meredith. People from multicultural backgrounds make up 25% of all ӣƵCollege students.

The Black Student Union is reinstated.

2017
2017

The new Lowery Fitness Center in the Weatherspoon Athletic Center opens. A $1 million gift from Ann Lowery, ’74, named the fitness center for her parents.

The Elizabeth Triplett Beam Fountain Plaza in front of Johnson Hall is dedicated. A $1 million gift from Elizabeth Beam named the fountain that was renovated in 2016.

A new track was added to the M.S. in Nutrition. Students can now choose from the dietetics track and the new food and nutrition studies track.

ճMBA program begins offering a concentration in Entrepreneurship and Family Business.

2018
2018

Beyond Strong │The Campaign for Meredith, the largest fundraising campaign in the history of ӣƵCollege, raises more than $90 million, surpassing the $75 million goal by more than $15 million.

Kresge Auditorium opens after renovations.

A new graduate program, M.A. in Psychology: I/O concentration, enrolls the first students.

The ѱ徱ٳSchool of Business began an interdisciplinary minor in entrepreneurship for undergraduates.

The new Accelerated MBA𲵾Բ. This 4+1 program allows undergraduates to earn a graduate degree in just one additional year.

Accelerated Law Degree Program is established with Campbell Law.

2019
2019

A new academic program in Hospitality Management enrolls the first students.

The new $20,000 Impact Scholarship is announced. The merit scholarship guarantee is designed to help more qualified undergraduate women afford a high quality college education.

ӣƵannounces new academic building that will house growing Exercise and Sports ScienceԻCommunicationǰ.

 is added to the College’s athletic offerings.

ճӣƵAlumnae Association and the Office of  launch an online mentoring program called ӣƵMentors.

Accelerated Law Degree Program is established with Elon University.

2020
2020

The Master of Arts in Criminal Justice opens for enrollment, Meredith’s first fully online program.

ӣƵresponds to COVID-19 pandemic in March by moving most students off-campus and most classes online.

ӣƵlaunches a Collegewide Initiative on Race and Action.

Field Hockey becomes the tenth varsity sport to be added to Meredith’s athletic offerings, with the first season to commence in 2021.

ӣƵassumes ownership of the campus store.