President Aimee Sapp Looks Back on First Year at Meredith

On July 1, 2025, Aimee Sapp reached the one-year mark since she officially began her tenure as the ninth president of Meredith College. To honor this milestone, President Sapp shared memories and moments that stood out during her first year.

Inauguration
“I’ll start with what other people might guess, which is certainly inauguration. The inauguration ceremony itself, of course, was wonderful, but I think my favorite inauguration moments were the community events surrounding it. The committee did a great job doing exactly what I asked. I wanted it to be a community-building week, and they did a wonderful job with that. I think the Community Coffee in particular sticks out to me. It was a perfect morning, the weather was beautiful, it was incredibly well attended, and when I looked out under the tent, I saw tables where there were students, faculty, and staff all sitting together. That was a beautiful thing for me, that we had that moment together in community to enjoy each other’s company. On the surface, it was so simple, but there was so much depth to it. I loved it. It was one of my favorite moments.”

Participating in Traditions
“Participating in Meredith traditions was very special. Obviously, you hear so much about them and they’re so much a part of the fiber of the institution, so I was looking forward to participating in them. None of them disappointed – they’ve all been really fun! A particular moment that stood out was the raid on the president’s house. I had heard about it, and I actually saw a video of it from a previous year, but nothing can prepare you for what that moment feels like. When you walk out and it’s dark and students are out there. It made me cry a little bit – it was a very moving thing. I really loved it, and Travis loved it too. It was kind of neat that he could be involved in that as well. Taking pictures with the students and being able to chat for a few minutes with so many of them. It was really, really fun.” 

Among these major events and traditions, Sapp found smaller moments that were also meaningful because of the way they demonstrated community connections. 

Connecting with Students
“I eat lunch in Belk a lot, it gives me a chance to see a lot of students, and the food is always good. There was a moment last spring when I walked in and there was a group of students who all said ‘Hi President Sapp!’ and they started recommending to me what I should eat. They said, ‘Oh, you’ve got to get this sandwich, it’s so good!’. It was a moment that made me feel very connected to the students. They were so comfortable just chatting with me. And I did get the sandwich, it was very good! They give very good recommendations – always eat what the students are eating! This has since happened several times, but the first time was a moment that stuck with me. Just that simple gesture meant a lot.”

One-on-One Meetings
“I’ve had a ton of one-on-one meetings over the first year with faculty, staff, and students. Meetings with some of the faculty in particular have led to some incredible, meaningful conversations. I can recall being so taken with their creativity, their spirit, and their desire to do new and different things for our students. You can tell they’re very passionate about educating students, but also guiding students into becoming the very best versions of themselves. There are a couple in particular that I remember feeling so inspired when they left the office, and it lasted for days. I kept going back to it in my mind thinking, ‘Wow, we have some faculty doing such incredible things, all in the name of what’s best for students.’ It’s so motivating and inspiring to me. I’ll always hold on to those conversations as being really special.”

Inspirational Notes
“Around Inauguration Week, I received a small gift and a card. What made this stand out to me was that the card wasn’t signed, and I believe that was intentional. I have no idea who sent this small gift and card, but the card was so encouraging and supportive. I know it was from someone in our community. I’ve gone back and I’ve read it probably a dozen times. It was a very long note, and it was incredibly supportive and inspiring. Notes like that just really remind you of why you do the things you do. It means a lot to me. At first, I was very curious about who sent it, and I suppose I still am to an extent, but I’ve come back from that a bit because it doesn’t matter. Just knowing that there are people in the community who feel that way and are cheering you on and appreciate the things that you are doing, just means so much.”

For more about President Sapp’s first year at Meredith, watch this Instagram interview with student Alina Avellaneda.