Cedar Crest College is proud to announce that President Elizabeth M. Meade, Ph.D., has been elected Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania (AICUP)-a statewide leadership role that reflects her deep commitment to advancing independent, nonprofit higher education across the Commonwealth.
In this new role, Dr. Meade will represent Cedar Crest among a board comprised entirely of college and university presidents from more than 80 member institutions. Together, they advocate for policies and initiatives that promote affordability, accessibility, and the long-term sustainability of independent higher education in Pennsylvania. Her term as Vice Chair begins in July 2025.
“It’s an honor to step into this role and help advance the mission of independent colleges across the Commonwealth,” said President Meade. “Independent colleges play a powerful role in expanding opportunity, and I’m proud to support that work.”
About President Elizabeth Meade:
Dr. Meade is the fourteenth President of Cedar Crest College, leading since 2018 and serving on the faculty since 1993. She led the development and implementation of Cedar Crest’s current strategic plan, Open the Door to What’s Next, featuring signature initiatives such as a Laptops for Learners program, full funding for the College’s exclusive international experience, Sophomore Expedition, a Degree in Three accelerated path to a bachelor’s degree, and a School of Nursing public healthcare clinic.
Dr. Meade is a graduate of Bryn Mawr College and earned her Ph.D. from Boston College. She serves on the board of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU) and the Da Vinci Science Center in Allentown.
About Cedar Crest College:
Cedar Crest College has been empowering women to smash glass ceilings and achieve their educational goals since 1867. Today, the College continues to open the doors to opportunities for its diverse student body, both in the undergraduate women’s college and in the co-ed School of Adult and Graduate Education. Located in Allentown, Pa., Cedar Crest is ranked by U.S. News & World Report’s 2024-2025 Best College Rankings as #13 in Social Mobility and is among the top 100 colleges and universities in the region.
About AICUP:
The Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania (AICUP) is comprised of over 80 nonprofit member schools embedded in 60 communities across Pennsylvania.
AICUP colleges educate nearly half of all Pennsylvania college students, including a majority of low-income, adult, and minority learners. With competitive costs and a $29 billion annual economic impact, these institutions are a driving force for opportunity and growth across the Commonwealth.
Learn more about AICUP here:
https://aicup.org/communications/aicup-publications/
Learn more about President Elizabeth Meade and Cedar Crest College here:
https://www.cedarcrest.edu/office-of-the-president/