Fall 2023, Volume 48, Number 3
Meredith Welcomes New Students to Campus
Expanded Orientation Options Help Start the Year StrongBy Rocio Antelis and Gaye Hill
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Features
Faculty Member Empowers Media Efforts Through Fulbright
Associate Professor of Practice Alan Buck’s Impact on the University of Eswatini Continues
By Gaye Hill
Alan Buck, a faculty member of Meredith’s Communication Department, has returned from two stints in Eswatini, Africa, as a Fulbright Specialist. He went for two weeks in late June of 2022 and again in March 2023. Although the two-year schedule was not the original plan, Buck said it allowed him to have a meaningful impact on the Journalism and Mass Communication Department (JMC) at the University of Eswatini – and beyond.


Master’s Degrees Reach Milestone at Meredith College
By Melyssa Allen
While Meredith College’s first graduating class included master’s degree candidates, the College’s modern-day master’s degree offerings were first introduced in 1983, making this academic year the 40th anniversary of the graduate program.
As we celebrate this milestone, Meredith Magazine is highlighting 40 facts about our post-baccalaureate offerings – one for each year!
The Powerful, Personal Impact of StrongPoints®
How Strengths Coaching Helps Meredith Students Prepare for a Future of Purpose
By Gaye Hill
As Meredith’s signature personal advising and coaching initiative nears its tenth anniversary, the program is thriving. But that doesn’t mean it’s business as usual.


the president’s column
A New Chapter
News
By Rocio Antelis and Gaye Hill
On August 19, 2023, Meredith College welcomed new students to campus. Alumnae, faculty, staff, and student leaders celebrated the arrival of new students, families, and friends, who were greeted by our traditional rainbow arch and cheering students.
By Gaye Hill
Meredith College is launching a new Master of Arts in Biomedical Sciences (MABMS) program, with students entering in the fall of 2024.
The program’s focus is two-fold. It will enhance students’ academic qualifications for admission to a health professional school. It can also help students who are pursuing careers in the healthcare industry, particularly those who require a master’s degree to advance professionally.
Quilt Project Has New Home in Sansepolcro, Italy
By Melyssa Allen
In 2023, Meredith College offered its first spring break study abroad program in Italy. Now, the quilt created by students in that class has a new home in the Palazzo Alberti, Meredith’s site in Sansepolcro.
Students in the course, “Intersections: Math, Art, and Italy,” met weekly during the semester, including 11 days of travel throughout Italy. Most of the 11 students in the class were mathematics majors. The instructors for the class were mathematics faculty members Julie Kolb and Tim Hendrix and Visual Art Professor Emerita Rebecca Bailey.

By Melyssa Allen
During the summer of 2023, 19 students completed the Voices of Change Political Institute, a Meredith College-sponsored program for college women of color.
Alumnae Business Directory
Are you a Meredith alumna who owns a business? The Office of Alumnae Relations is seeking to provide the Meredith community with a list of STRONG alumnae business owners from all over the country in a wide variety of industries.
By Gaye Hill
Internships are an important way students gain experience for their future careers. This summer, Meredith students completed internships at a variety of organizations, including the Wake County Public Defender’s Office, Marbles Kids Museum, Wildlife Law Enforcement, and the N.C. Department of Transportation. Students shared what they learned during these career-focused experiences.
By Melyssa Allen
Meredith College mourns the loss of Professor of Mathematics Tim Hendrix who passed away on July 16, 2023. He is remembered as a gifted educator who was much loved by his students.
By Melyssa Allen
A new historical marker in downtown Raleigh commemorating the women who worked as “human computers” for the U.S. space program and military was unveiled on September 22 at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.
Save the Date
Alice in Wonderland
Thursday, February 8, 2024
Additional details about the alumnae tea party and performance will be announced this fall.
By Rocio Antelis
Five Meredith College seniors recently received a grant of $5,000 from the IME Becas (Institute for Mexicans Abroad) to help continue their education. Since 2013, Meredith College and IME Becas have collaborated to award $200,500 of grant money to 159 students of Mexican origin.
By Gaye Hill
For the second year, Meredith College offered a Summer Bridge Program to help new students thrive in college.
More than 80 students signed up for a two-week course that began online on August 7. The classes were then held in person from August 16-18. Participants earned two hours of general elective credit, and all courses were offered on a pass/fail basis.
2023 Pewter Christmas Ornament
Only $25 | Available Now
The ornament celebrates the 100th year of Alice in Wonderland at Meredith College. This unique performance by faculty and staff for students started in 1924 and still today is one of the most beloved Meredith traditions.
Meredith Experts in the news
Meredith College experts have recently been featured in media outlets including Marketplace, Newsweek, and WRAL Techwire.
Professor of History Gregory Vitarbo, a specialist in Russian military history, was interviewed about the march to Moscow by Yevgeny Prigozhin and the mercenary group Wagner in the ongoing Russian war against Ukraine for a Newsweek article titled “Was the Prigozhin Mutiny Staged by Putin? What We Know.” The story was published in July 2023.
Professor of Economics Anne York was interviewed by Marketplace and was included in their national broadcast on June 21, 2023. York provided comments about the impact of childcare issues on women’s labor market outcomes in a story titled “Global gender gap is closing, but parity is more than 100 years away, report says.” Marketplace coverage of business and economics news is broadcast on more than 800 public radio stations nationwide, including WUNC radio.
Assistant Professor of Human Resource Management Darren Masier was interviewed by WRAL TechWire for their July 2023 article “Getting employees back in the office: Employers wield both carrots and sticks.” Masier gave his advice on how to address the flexible work needs of millennials and how HR professionals can respond to the requests.
Strong Stories
Emma Bailey
Maximizing Experiential Learning Opportunities
Writer: Melyssa Allen| Videographer: Kaylin Tsukayama
With support from Meredith faculty and staff, Emma Bailey made the most of experiential learning opportunities including study abroad and an impressive internship. A business administration major, she worked as a social media marketing intern at Liberare, an adaptive clothing brand with a global presence. Along the way, she also established a blog focused on disability lifestyle and travel.
Making an Impact.
Alumnae Connection
By Rocio Antelis
Jazmin Mendoza-Sosa, ’16, is a first-generation college graduate who is passionate about improving education for underprivileged students.
2022-2023 Honor Roll
of Donors
By Rocio Antelis
Kelsey Riner, ’12, grew up dancing but she never thought it could be part of her career path – until she came to Meredith College.
Giving Day | 2.27.24
Make it Count for Meredith
24 HOUR GIVING CHALLENGE
Our Goal: $1.1 Million
Mark your calendar to make a gift to support all students on February 27. When you make a gift you can honor a strong woman in your life. Who will you honor?
Share Meredith College with Future Students
Meredith Magazine
Volume 48, Number 3
Fall 2023

Kristi Eaves-McLennan, '14, MBA
Executive Editor

Melyssa Allen
Managing Editor

Gaye Hill
Assistant Editor

Emily Parker
Writer

Vanessa Harris
Art Director

Katie Bryant, '07
Senior Graphic Designer

Charlotte Claypoole McKinney
Videographer and Photographer

Kaylin Tsukayama
Videographer and Photographer

Liza Bunce
Web Designer and Developer

Rocio Antelis
Writer

Hilary Allen, '01
Alumnae Connection Editor
Homepage Photographs by:
Christopher Ferrer
Flyboy Photo & Media
Matthew Lester Photography
Marissa De La Cruz, ’21
Vi McDonald Media
Charlotte Claypoole McKinney
Kaylin Tsukayama
Meredith College Students, Faculty & Staff
Kristi Eaves-McLennan, ’14, MBA
Executive Editor
Melyssa Allen
Managing Editor
Gaye Hill
Assistant Editor
Emily Parker
Writer
Hilary Allen, ’01
Alumni Connection Editor
Vanessa Harris
Art Director
Charlotte Claypoole McKinney
Videographer and Photographer
Katie Bryant, ’07
Senior Graphic Designer
Liza Bunce
Web Designer and Developer
Kaylin Tsukayama
Videographer and Photographer
Rocio Antelis
Writer
Homepage Photographs by:
Christopher Ferrer
Flyboy Photo & Media
Matthew Lester Photography
Marissa De La Cruz, ’21
Vi McDonald Media
Charlotte Claypoole McKinney
Kaylin Tsukayama
Meredith College Students, Faculty & Staff