The Inauguration of Aimee Sapp, Ph.D.
缅北禁地 celebrated the inauguration of President Aimee Sapp on Friday, April 4, 2025. This special event in Meredith鈥檚 history was held at 10 a.m. in Jones Auditorium.
Sapp was introduced as Meredith鈥檚 ninth president on March 27, 2024. She took office on July 1, 2024.
An inauguration marks the formal installation of a college president. The event is traditionally held during the president鈥檚 first year in office.
President Aimee Sapp, Ph.D
To her new role at Meredith, Dr. Sapp brings more than 25 years of higher education听experience at William Woods University in Fulton, Missouri. She led the initiation听of academic reorganization, the establishment of program prioritization, and the听implementation of budgetary process reforms. Sapp previously served as a department chair, division chair, and associate dean. In addition to her administrative responsibilities at William Woods, she was a tenured full professor in communication and held doctoral faculty status.
President Sapp鈥檚 scholarly interests include leadership communication styles, interpersonal communication, and gender communication. She holds a Ph.D. in听communication from the University of Missouri, a master鈥檚 degree in speech听communication from the University of Northern Colorado, and a bachelor of science听in sociology from William Woods College.
President Sapp is married to Travis Tamerius and has three children: sons听Coleman and Clayton and daughter Carley.
Inauguration Photos
Schedule of Events
缅北禁地 held a series of events to celebrate the inauguration of Dr. Aimee Sapp as the College鈥檚 ninth president.听 All events were held on Meredith鈥檚 campus.
Ninth Night Celebration for Students鈥�
Time: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.听
(All welcome)
Johnson Hall Rotunda
Monday, March 31
Nine Influential Books with President Sapp
Time: 10 a.m.
(All welcome)
Carlyle Campbell Library
Tuesday, April 1
Student and Alumnae Movie Night
Time: 7:15 p.m.
The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement
(All welcome)
Courtyard
(Rain location: Kresge Auditorium)
Wednesday, April 2
Community Coffee
Time: 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
(All welcome)
Outside Jones Chapel
Friday, April 4
Inauguration Ceremony
Time : 10 a.m.
Jones Auditorium
(Ticketed Event — Live Stream Available)
Friday, April 4鈥�
Inauguration Celebration
Time: 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
(Ticketed Event)
Outside Jones Chapel
Nine Acts of Kindness
As part of the Inauguration celebration, the Meredith community encouraged nine Acts of Kindness in honor of President Aimee Sapp.
Day 1: Ninth Night
Wednesday, March 26
5-7 p.m.
Johnson Hall Rotunda
Acts of Kindness Launch: During our Ninth Night event at Johnson Hall Rotunda, we are excited to kick off our Acts of Kindness initiative. As part of this special evening, we encourage all attendees to capture the moment by submitting a picture of themselves at the event. This initiative is woven seamlessly into each event leading up to the inauguration, reflecting acts of kindness that resonate deeply with our values and community spirit. Each act, whether big or small, is performed in honor of President Sapp, whose leadership and vision inspire us to spread kindness throughout our community. Join us in making this inauguration memorable by participating in and documenting these acts of kindness, celebrating the positive impact we can achieve together.听
Day 2: Rock Solid Kindness
Thursday, March 27
10 -11 a.m.
Gaddy-Hamrick Art Building
Acts of Kindness Activity 2: Unwind and get your paint on at the “Rock Solid Kindness” painting session! Join us for a stress-relieving morning where we transform ordinary rocks into symbols of what Meredith means to each of us. Choose to paint daisies or hearts, or bring your unique ideas to life on these natural canvases. After the session, these hand-painted rocks will be displayed around campus as a beautiful reminder of our collective creativity and spirit.
If you can’t join at 10 a.m., feel free to drop by Gaddy-Hamrick anytime during the day. Supplies will be readily available at the entrance, allowing you to partake in this relaxing activity whenever your schedule permits.
Let’s spread positivity and reduce stress together through the artistic expression of our “Rock Solid Kindness” event. This is a perfect opportunity to take a break, engage in a creative activity, and make your mark with a painted rock that represents your connection to Meredith.
Day 3: Paws & Purpose
Friday, March 28
10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Meredith Mall/Cate Center/SMB Plaza (Rain Location: Cate Alcove)
Acts of Kindness Activity 3: As part of the Nine Days of Kindness Inauguration event series, alumna Laura Burke, 鈥�00, will bring her therapy dog, Finn, to campus. In addition to spending time with Finn, students and employees will have an opportunity to snuggle with puppies and drop off donations for , founded by alumna Molly Goldston, ’01. Saving Grace partners with animal shelters with limited space to provide dogs with a second chance for adoption. So far, Saving Grace has found forever homes for more than 50,000 dogs.听
Participants who can donate are welcome to contribute to Saving Grace at the event. We appreciate donations of canned dog food, 55-gallon trash bags, and Harris Teeter gift cards for purchasing essential items like hot dogs, cheese, and pumpkin, which assist in medication administration. Monetary contributions are also very helpful and will support crucial medical care for the dogs, including surgeries, heartworm treatments, vaccines, and preventative measures. All donations will be made in honor of President Sapp, celebrating her commitment to kindness and community support. If you are not able to donate, you’re still welcome to join us and enjoy some time with Finn and the puppies.
Day 4: Gratitude Station
Saturday, March 29
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Cate Center Lobby
Acts of Kindness Activity 4:
Join us at the Gratitude Station, a vibrant space designed to fuel your creativity, spread positivity, and gather inspiration. Start by refueling with an assortment of snacks, from healthy treats to sweet indulgences, there鈥檚 something to satisfy every craving as you relax and mingle with peers. Dive into the spirit of kindness at our Compliment Exchange Wall by leaving a compliment and taking another; each sticky note is a chance to boost someone鈥檚 confidence or brighten their day. At our Thank You Card Station, you have the option to create a personalized card or take one that鈥檚 already crafted to express your gratitude to someone who has made a difference in your life鈥攖his simple act can have a profound impact. Additionally, contribute to our Inspirational Quote Collection by submitting your favorite sayings at the event or online.听
Day 5: Presidential Scavenger Hunt Start Date
Sunday, March 30 (Ends April 3)
Located in nine academic buildings across campus and online
Acts of Kindness Activity #5:
Join us for an engaging and educational scavenger hunt from March 30 to April 3, as we explore the rich history of our campus and learn more about President Sapp and her family. The hunt will take you through nine academic buildings, each offering unique insights into our president’s life.
Scavenger Hunt Kickoff:听The scavenger hunt begins on March 30 with two components. The in-person event starts with participants finding a lawn sign outside of the first building built on campus, which provides the clue to their first destination.
Online Component:听In addition to the physical hunt, an online scavenger hunt will also be available starting March 30, where participants can submit historical information about each building.
Day 6: Nine Influential Books with President Sapp
Monday, March 31
10-11 a.m.
Library
Acts of Kindness Activity #6: Join us at the library event that offers a unique glimpse into the literary tastes of President Sapp. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about her nine favorite books.
As part of our Acts of Kindness initiative, participants will receive specially designed bookmarks that they can color during or after the event. These bookmarks are inspired by themes and symbols relevant to President Sapp’s life. You are invited to color a bookmark for yourself and take an extra to give to a fellow book lover or someone who appreciates a handcrafted gesture.
This event is a perfect blend of reflection and creativity set against the backdrop of our cherished library. It’s an opportunity to connect with our campus community, delve into the literary world that influences our president, and carry away a piece of art that reminds us of our shared experiences and inspirations.
Day 7: Student & Alumnae Movie Night
Tuesday, April 1
7:15 p.m.
Courtyard
Acts of Kindness Activity #7: Cap off a perfect evening with the Movie Night event, featuring the movie Princess Diaries 2. As we enjoy this enchanting sequel under the open sky, attendees will also have the opportunity to engage in a meaningful act of kindness by creating friendship bracelets.
This dual-themed night is designed not just for entertainment but also to foster connections among our community. Before the movie, a limited number of colorful friendship bracelets kits will be available. These bracelets symbolize the bonds and support within our Meredith family. Make one for yourself and another to share with a new friend or someone who makes a positive impact on your daily campus life.
Day 8: Community Coffee
Wednesday, April 2
10 a.m.
Outside Jones Chapel
Act of Kindness #8: As part of our ongoing kindness initiatives, we encourage you to invite someone new to join you for coffee. Whether it鈥檚 a fellow student, a professor, a colleague from another department, or a campus staff member you鈥檇 like to connect with, this small gesture can foster meaningful conversations and strengthen our campus community.
Day 9: A Celebration of Community
Thursday, April 3
10 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Cate Center
Act of Kindness #9: As we wrap up our Nine Days of Kindness, join us at the Cate Center for a special culmination event celebrating the collective impact of our campus community. This gathering is a time to reflect on the kindness shared throughout the week while enjoying activities that bring us together. The Scavenger Hunt officially comes to a close, and we’ll revisit many of the week’s meaningful moments. The Compliment Wall, Card-Making Station, Friendship Bracelet Table, and Bookmark Coloring Area will be available for one final chance to participate and spread positivity. This is a perfect opportunity to reflect, connect, and celebrate the many acts of kindness that have brought our campus community closer together.
About the Inauguration
An inauguration, which marks the formal installation of a college president, is traditionally held within the president鈥檚 first year in office. The installation ceremony features academic regalia and other symbols traditional to higher education.
Elements of a Presidential Installation
Platform Party
The platform party consists of 缅北禁地 officials and dignitaries who will speak during the ceremony. Guests and Meredith representatives will bring greetings.
Academic Procession
Delegates from colleges, universities, and learned societies from across the United States will join 缅北禁地 faculty, staff, and alumnae in an academic procession. Procession participants will be wearing academic regalia symbolizing the academic degrees they hold and the institution from which they received their highest degree.
College Mace
A symbol of authority and order in pageantry, the ceremonial Mace was used by Cambridge University as early as the thirteenth century. Traditionally, the marshal who leads the academic procession carries the Mace. The 缅北禁地 Mace will be carried by the faculty marshal, Carol Finley.
Presidential Investiture
President Aimee Sapp, Meredith鈥檚 ninth president, will take the oath of office during the installation. She will also deliver an inaugural address.
Inauguration Address
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Inauguration Program
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