Meredith College, founded in 1891, is a private women's liberal arts college located in Raleigh, North Carolina. Originally established as the Baptist Female University, it was renamed Meredith College in 1909 in honor of Thomas Meredith, a founder of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina. The college has a long-standing tradition of fostering a supportive and empowering environment for women, while embracing its motto, "Lux," which means "light" in Latin. Situated in the heart of North Carolina’s capital, the college offers students the advantage of a vibrant city setting combined with a close-knit campus community.
What sets Meredith College apart is its commitment to developing strong, well-rounded women leaders. The college emphasizes personal growth, leadership development, and community engagement, supported by its strong Honor Code and traditions like Cornhuskin', an annual celebration of sisterhood and college spirit. Meredith has a remarkable reputation for producing graduates who excel in their fields, largely due to its focus on individualized education and the encouragement of internships and global experiences. The college’s location in Raleigh offers students numerous opportunities for networking and career development in a city known for its thriving industries and cultural scene.
Academically, Meredith College is known for its rigorous programs and dedicated faculty. The college offers more than 90 majors, minors, and academic programs, with particularly strong programs in psychology, business, and education. Meredith’s School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a prestigious recognition held by less than 5% of business schools worldwide. The college also excels in its music program, offering students opportunities for performance and study with accomplished faculty. Meredith’s academic environment is characterized by small class sizes, fostering close relationships between students and professors, and enabling personalized attention.
While Meredith College has much to offer, it faces certain challenges. The college's relatively small size means fewer extracurricular activities when compared to larger institutions, which might limit options for students seeking a wide variety of clubs or sports. Additionally, while the campus is beautiful and historic, some facilities are in need of updates to match the modern needs of students. The college has been working on improvements, but progress can be slow due to budget and resource constraints. Despite these challenges, Meredith College continues to strive for excellence and remains a strong choice for students seeking a supportive and empowering women's college experience.
