Jo Allen, Ph.D., Meredith College Class of 1980, was named the eighth president of the College on April 18, 2011. Dr. Allen, who began her work on July 1st, and was inaugurated on March 22 the following year, is the first Meredith College alumna to assume the leadership of the institution. Allen previously served as Senior Vice President and Provost, as well as Professor of English, at Widener University. A North Carolina native, Allen majored in English at Meredith, then earned her Master’s degree from East Carolina University and her doctorate from Oklahoma State University, both in English Literature, with an emphasis in Technical and Professional Communication.
In her 13th years as president, Allen led the College through significant growth in fundraising. In addition, Allen guided the College through extensive capital projects, including the addition of the new Elizabeth Triplett Beam Fountain Plaza, the Dickson Community Garden, the Lowery Fitness Center, and the CHESS (Communication and Health, Exercise, & Sport Sciences) academic building. Extensive renovations included those to Belk Dining Hall, Jones Auditorium, Carlyle Campbell Library, Jones Chapel, Johnson Hall, Mae Grimmer House, Moore Drive House, the residence halls, the Nifong Nutrition Lab, Jones Auditorium, Weatherspoon Gym, and the Meredith Lake provided state-of-the-art and accessible spaces. In process is a new sports complex for tennis and softball.
In addition, Dr. Allen served in various leadership roles in higher education organizations including the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (board chair), the North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (Board chair), the USA South athletic conference (chair of the President’s Council), Middle States Commission on Higher Education (Commissioner), SACSCOC (Board of Directors), Cooperating Raleigh Colleges (chair of the President’s Council), and more. A well-published scholar and award-winning writer in her field, Allen has also served in her discipline’s various organizations, as well as on editorial boards and accreditation teams.
On August 14, 2023, President Allen announced that she would retire after the 2023-24 academic year. At the time, Dr. Allen reflected, “Being president of my alma mater—a college that so enriched my life by helping me identify my life’s goals and build my confidence, my sense of purpose, and my network of friends and supporters—has been an honor and privilege. Few people have the opportunity to live full circle with the closing of a career at the very place that career began to take shape. I am grateful beyond measure for all those who have helped prepare and sustain me all these years.”
**Information about Dr. Allen's accomplishments came directly from the August 2023 Campus Connections newsletter.
Newly named president Jo Allen is introduced to the Meredith College community by trustee Sam Ewell and current college president Maureen Hartford. Jo Allen (Class of 1980) is the first Meredith College alumna to serve as president.
During the inauguration of President Jo Allen on March 22, 2012, the Chair of the Board of Trustees placed a medallion with the seal of the college around Jo Allen's shoulders. Also in attendance at the ceremony were former presidents Bruce Heilman (1966-1971), John Weems (1972-1999) and Maureen Hartford (1999-2011.)
President Jo Allen poses with fellow members of the Class of 1980 following her inauguration in 2012.
President Jo Allen and two students at Cornhuskin' in 2011.
President Allen guest coaches for the MC volleyball team in the 2012 match against Peace College.
President Allen at the groundbreaking for the new CHESS Building in 2021.
On September 23, 2019, President Jo Allen introduced Ruth Bader Ginsburg for the Lillian Parker Wallace Lecture event and presented her with Merdith College's “Woman of Achievement” award.
“As a women’s college, Meredith has been breaking down barriers for women since the College was established 128 years ago,” said Allen. “Tonight’s honoree has dedicated her extraordinary career to doing the same and I can think of no one better suited to receive this award.”
On October 17, 2024, Dr. Allen returned to campus, and along with the college community, celebrated a new statue in the shape of the Onyx placed there in her honor.
Dr. Allen, in her remarks at the ceremony reflected on her feelings about the iconic class ring to Meredith College:
This ring has been special to me for a long time. I actually have two rings – one that my mother and sister gave me and the second from the Board of Trustees. That ring has 1980 on one side and 2011, when I became President, on the other,” said Allen. “Both are incredibly special to me because they symbolize what a special place this is and how important it has been in my life.
[The Onyx] represents a shared experience, a shared commitment, a shared sense of gratitude for a place that helped us build our confidence, helped us build our wings, and find our way in the world. So we move from the current students looking forward to getting that ring,…but also to what it means as a representation of a commitment to education, learning, and each other. I think that is the beauty of the Onyx. I do not know of another institution that has a distinctive ring with more symbolism and affection than the Meredith Onyx so I am truly honored to be remembered in this way.
Carlyle Campbell Library
Meredith College
3800 Hillsborough St.
Raleigh, NC 27607
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