Meredith Leaders Participate in Raleigh Chamber Event for Executives

Meredith College was well-represented at the Raleigh Chamber’s C-Suite Perspectives event held on August 22, 2025, which featured a fireside chat with Brian Fork, Chief Executive Officer for the Carolina Hurricanes. The series is designed to provide attendees with firsthand leadership insights from area executives.

Senior Vice President and Provost Anita Thomas provided series sponsor remarks to the crowd of 122 attendees, emphasizing the unique ways Meredith prepares students “to understand contexts and systems in which they will live and serve” through StrongPoints®. 

StrongPoints, a personal advising and coaching program found only at Meredith, has four components: academic, experiential, financial literacy, and career development.

Thomas also highlighted Meredith’s strengths as an institution, including “its strengths in student outcomes, alumnae achievement, and loyalty.” 

These outcomes include high graduation and alumnae satisfaction rates. Ninety-six percent of recent alumnae said they were well prepared professionally as a result of their Meredith education. 

She closed by referencing the College’s plans for growth and its desire to increase partnerships with area businesses. 

“We are looking forward to our future and being Meredith Stronger, and hope to partner with many of you for opportunities for our students and alumnae,” she told the room of representatives from organizations such as First Citizens Bank, Cooperating Raleigh Colleges, Dean Dorton, and the Carolina Hurricanes.

As one step toward strengthening those connections, the College held a drawing for a complimentary “Designed to Thrive” lunch and learn facilitated by Molly McKinley, Meredith’s entrepreneur in residence, and co-sponsored by Meredith Dining Services.

Shawna Lynch-Watkins, senior associate director of graduate admissions and lifelong learning, and John Saparilas, director of graduate admissions, attended the event, along with Meredith’s executive leadership team. Lynch-Watkins and Saparilas staffed Meredith’s sponsorship table, allowing them to make connections with many of the attendees.

Lynch-Watkins said she appreciated the opportunity to represent Meredith, support Provost Thomas, and “connect with local leaders and hear how they’re fostering innovation and resilience in their organizations.”

Lynch-Watkins said the event was beneficial for many reasons, leaving her with several ideas and connections that will enhance Meredith’s efforts to increase graduate and adult enrollment. 

“The keynote offered a valuable lens into how senior leaders are navigating complex challenges from talent development to strategic communication,” she said. “I especially appreciated the emphasis on mentorship and influence, which directly align with our work to empower adult learners and graduate students.”

Lynch-Watkins noted that she’s glad to be a part of the institution’s efforts to re-engage in the local business community.

“Meredith’s voice belongs in these rooms, and I’m grateful we’re showing up with purpose.”