ÌÇÐÄVlog

Women’s colleges produce leaders. That’s why so many graduates of women’s colleges are the ones to break barriers. And Meredith is no exception to that rule. In fact, many of our alumnae are out in the world, cracking the glass ceiling.

Some of Meredith’s firsts include Betsy Lane Cochrane, ’58, who became the first woman to serve in a leadership role in the North Carolina House and Senate. C.C. Wiggins, ’76, was the first woman and first African-American officer to hold command roles in the Chaplain Corps of the U.S. Navy. The first female U.S. Attorney in North Carolina? That would be Margaret Currin, ’72. First woman to be ordained in a Southern Baptist Church? Our very own Addie E. Davis, ’42. First woman certified by American Board of Prosthodontics? Patricia Smathers Moulton ’53.

And beyond the firsts, Meredith alumnae assume leadership positions at major corporations, colleges, and universities. They win awards – from Emmy to Tony to Teacher of the Year. They’re inducted into halls of fame and earn prestigious scholarships. They build companies, shape policy, and conduct research.

So why it is that Meredith alumnae are so accomplished? Studies show that the educational experience at women’s colleges develops in students traits that are typically associated with success and leadership. The learning environment of women’s colleges allows students to interact more frequently with faculty, participate more actively in class, and attain greater gains in self-understanding – including learning effectively on their own and working collaboratively with others – than their counterparts at coed institutions.

Through the skills they develop during their education, Meredith women are poised to achieve. And because of their confidence and leadership, they keep their families, companies, and communities going strong.