Meredith symbol

Stephens- College Timeline

  • The Idea was Born

    The Idea was Born
    Tomas Meredith- the college's namesake- conceived the idea for a university for women.
  • Here We Go

    The state legislature grants a charter for the Baptist Female University.
  • Building Our Future

    Construction begins at the corner of Edenton and Blount streets in downtown Raleigh.
  • Grand Opening

    Baptist Female University opens in September with 19 faculty/staff members and more than 200 students. James C. Blasingame is president. A college year is three terms of three months each. Room and board costs $36 per term, and tuition is $17.50, with additional fees for music and art.
  • The Immortal Ten

    The Immortal Ten
    The first ten students graduate in May.
  • The Move

    The Move
    Construction of a new campus begins on Hillsborough Street.
  • Centennial Celebration

    Centennial Celebration
    Meredith celebrates its centennial anniversary.
  • Going Strong

    Going Strong
    Alexis Stephens begins her journey with Meredith College.