Meredith College names its next president. Here’s who will lead the Raleigh school
Aimee Sapp will be Meredith College’s ninth president, succeeding outgoing president and alumna Jo Allen.
Sapp was announced as the Raleigh college’s next president during a Wednesday ceremony in Jones Auditorium on the 225-acre campus. She is the provost and chief academic officer of William Woods University, a private, liberal arts university in Fulton, Missouri. She was selected from among 95 candidates.
Speaking before Meredith students, professors, staff and the board of trustees, Sapp said her ideal position as a president would be a liberal arts women’s college.
“That’s where I need to be,” she said. “I’ve always known that. But my rational mind would take over, as I reflected on the fact that there are far too few women’s institutions in our country. What would be the odds that I would find that?”
The private women’s college has nearly 1,500 women in its undergraduate studies and about 300 men and women in its graduate programs. Tuition is $45,630.
Meredith’s programs, values and traditions aligned with her own values and experiences, she said. But it was the Meredith students who solidified her decision.
“But what did I find in you?” she said. “I found whimsy and curiosity, and intelligence, and fearlessness. What I really found was our new home.”
Aimee Sapp starts July 1
Sapp’s tenure begins July 1. 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.
William Woods College was an all-women’s college when Sapp attended as an undergraduate.
“It was in that space that I really found my voice and my passion,” she said. “I found that learning in an academic environment where I did not have to compete with men taught me that I could compete with anyone. That I could take a seat at the table, and speak my voice and be a leader.”
Allen announced her retirement last fall, saying she’d stay on through the academic year.
A native of North Carolina, Allen served in the role since July 2011 and was the first alumna to become president of the Raleigh college, The News & Observer previously reported.
“The Meredith College legacy is strong, and I am confident that the next president, buoyed by the support of all of you, will carry this legacy forward with honor, innovation and an enduring commitment to our core values,” Allen said Wednesday. “Meredith College holds a special place in my heart, and I will forever cherish the memories, friendships and lessons that have shaped my tenure and my life.”
Sapp is committed to keeping Meredith an all-female undergraduate college, said Charles Royal, chair of the Board of Trustees.
“Our next president is experienced building community, working collaboratively, launching new academic programs, managing enrollment and building strong donor relationships,” he said. “As you will see, she is high-energy and engaging and a very likeable person.”
This story was originally published March 27, 2024 at 4:39 PM.
