Cedar Crest College’s President Elizabeth M. Meade, Ph.D., has been honored as an influential changemaker in Lehigh Valley Business’s 2024 Power List for Higher Education. This yearly list recognizes individuals that shape their communities and influence people’s quality of life through education, marking them as prominent advocates for higher education in the Lehigh Valley. Each of the twenty-five honorees were meticulously selected, asked to speak about their role, and share a personal takeaway.
Speaking to Lehigh Valley Business, President Meade said, “I strive to foster a culture of collaboration and inclusivity, ensuring clarity on the vision, empowering everyone in their roles, and encouraging bold efforts, even in the face of uncertainty.”
Meade is the fourteenth President of the over 150-year-old institution. She has dedicated more than 30 years to the College, beginning as a faculty member in 1993 before advancing through academic leadership roles and assuming the presidency in 2018. The institutional knowledge she brings to the role has proven invaluable and allowed the college to persist through some of the most challenging times in higher education. In her six years as President, she has led the development and implementation of the College’s current strategic plan, Open the Door to What’s Next. This vision includes transformative initiatives such as the Laptops for Learners program, the building of a turf softball field, a Degree in Three accelerated path to a bachelor’s degree, and the launch of a public healthcare clinic through the School of Nursing.
When reflecting on Cedar Crest’s notable achievements of the last year, she said, “We launched the Harmon Center for Leadership in Technology, reinforcing our role in serving the workforce needs of the Lehigh Valley and the next generation of women in STEM.”
“I am honored to be recognized among my esteemed Lehigh Valley colleagues,” says Meade. “Together, we play a vital role in keeping the Valley vibrant—both as leading employers and champions of access to quality education for all.”
The entire Power List for Higher Education can be viewed here.