Meredith College President Jo Allen has been invited to serve a one-year appointment as the senior advisor and President in Residence at the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC). 

Although CIC is located in Washington, D.C., the “residency” is remote. Allen will fulfill her obligations through the first six months while at Meredith, followed by the second six months at Allen’s home after leaving office.

The CIC appointment recognizes Allen’s years of service as an actively engaged president in national matters critical to supporting higher education, focusing both on traditions of excellence and willingness to adapt to meet new opportunities and challenges.

As CIC’s senior advisor and President in Residence, Allen will serve as an advisor to and collaborator with the CIC staff in planning and hosting the annual Presidents Institute, the largest convening of presidents serving at independent colleges and universities. The Institute brings together presidents of independent and private institutions of all types, ranging from small specialized or affiliated colleges to large research institutions.  

“I am honored to be asked to serve in a way that allows me to make greater connections among my colleagues who are doing the hard work of leading through tumultuous sociopolitical, financial, and demographic times. The opportunity to share information, strategies, and networks is truly a culminating activity for a retiring president, and I’m pleased to be serving my colleagues and my profession in this way,” said Allen. 

The CIC appointment began in January 2024 and ends in January 2025.