When the Meredith College community gathered on April 4, 2025, to celebrate the inauguration of President Aimee Sapp, the College’s new leader took the opportunity to share her vision for how a strong college can become even stronger.

In her inaugural address, Sapp focused on Meredith’s “Going Strong” brand after sharing examples of strong women who have made an impact on the world.

“Strong women take up space and demand a seat at the table,” she said. “Strong women like these are the very fiber of Meredith College.” 

Sapp used Meredith’s history, traditions, and success stories to define Meredith Strong, before focusing on how to make a strong institution even stronger.

“As I begin my presidency, I am guided by one urgent question: How do we make Meredith Strong, Meredith Stronger?” Sapp said. “That question is my North Star.”

Among the areas of focus she mentioned were strengthening the College’s financial position, creating its next strategic plan, building new strategic partnerships, attracting exceptional talent, being strong stewards of the campus, and publicizing Meredith’s strengths as a women’s college.

Above all, Sapp said Meredith must provide students with the skills and foundation needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

“Our mission isn’t just to help our students navigate this complexity—it’s to empower them to thrive in it. We do this by building their confidence, developing their skills, and preparing them not just for their first job, but for the careers and challenges that don’t yet exist,” Sapp said.

In closing, Meredith’s new president sought to inspire those in attendance to join her in meeting challenges and ensuring the College’s continued success.

“There have always been challenges, and there will be others long after we’re gone,” Sapp said. “The question is: how will we face our challenges in the present moment? What will each of us contribute to the common good so that this cherished place continues to shine its light for the next 134 years and beyond?”

Installation Ceremony Brings Community Together

Sapp was officially installed as the College’s ninth president during the ceremony. Her predecessors, Jo Allen, ’80, and Maureen A. Hartford, were among the College’s supporters on hand for this historic event.

Also in attendance were public officials, higher education leaders, and the Meredith community. Mayor Janet Cowell brought with her a declaration of April 4, 2025, as Aimee Sapp Day in the city of Raleigh. Representatives of Meredith’s faculty, staff, students, and alumnae delivered greetings to President Sapp as part of the installation.

President Sapp’s family also participated in the ceremony. Her husband, Rev. Travis Tamerius, offered a prayer, and her father, Dr. Thomas Walker, professor emeritus at Emory University, spoke before her investiture. Both of them, and Sapp’s children, Coleman, Clayton, and Carley, were on hand when she took the oath of office. 

Nine Days of Celebration

In addition to the installation ceremony, presided over by the Board of Trustees, the College held nine days of events in celebration of President Sapp.

From a “Ninth Night” kickoff celebration featuring performing arts to a showcase of nine influential books chosen by President Sapp and a college-wide community coffee, these events gave students, employees, and alumnae opportunities to participate.

The Office of Alumnae Relations provided a “Flat Aimee” as a way for alumnae to participate in the celebration. Alumnae shared photos of “Flat Aimee” in a variety of locations, from as near as downtown Raleigh to as far away as Italy, France, and the United Kingdom, showing Meredith College’s reach around the world.

Visit meredith.edu/inauguration for more coverage.