Woman of Achievement 2024

On Thursday, Jan. 11, President Jo Allen announced in an email that Alice was named the Meredith College 2024 Woman of Achievement in anticipation for Meredith’s 100th year since the first “Alice in Wonderland” adaptation. 

Alice being announced as the 2024 Woman of Achievement has significance to both Dr. Jean Jackson, ’75, the Vice President of College Programs, as well as Dean Gleason, the Dean of Students and Deputy Title IX Coordinator. Dr. Jackson shared that, to her, Alice is a “representative of Meredith's emphasis on strengths and StrongPoints,” considering the “strengths and resilience” Alice uses to navigate her adventures in Wonderland. Dean Gleason shared that this achievement “recognizes and celebrates the significance of the role that “Alice in Wonderland” productions have served in Meredith College’s history and in a student’s Meredith experience.” 

  Dean Gleason shared that, for those who have yet to experience Alice, she encourages individuals to be open to the experience, just as Alice was during her adventures in Wonderland. Dean Gleason believes that the audience will “be amazed by [staff and faculty] talents, willingness to be silly and laugh at themselves,” as well as the fun she believes the audience will have with friends and other attendees. 

When asked about their favorite attributes of Alice, Dr. Jackson shared that she admires Alice’s resilience, while Dean Gleason shared that she admires “her willingness to be open to adventure, her curiosity to learn new things about her surroundings and new characters she passes along the way, and herself.” Dean Gleason also added that, while it was challenging to narrow it down to one character, she is intrigued by the Cheshire Cat, “with his mischievous grin and his ability to appear or disappear at will,” and is eager to see “the cat mischief up close” after having just adopted two cats herself. 

Students also shared their thoughts on the Alice production. Katherine Erb, ‘24, shared that “it is really nice that [the seniors] get to be part of this, because so many of the class specific traditions have been canceled or modified, and it feels like a meaningful way to end the Meredith chapter.” 

In addition to announcing Alice as the Woman of Achievement, President Allen also announced that Dr. Jean Jackson would be hosting a “behind the scenes” event on Thursday, Jan. 11, in Jones auditorium. Both Dr. Jackson and Dean Gleason have been involved in Alice in different capacities over the years. Dr. Jackson first attended as a freshman and has also directed the production since 1992. This year will mark Dean Gleason’s 7th experience with the production. 

This “behind the scenes” event featured an introduction to Dr. Jean Jackson from President Allen. Upon being welcomed to the stage, Dr. Jean Jackson addressed the audience, discussing Meredith’s adaptations of “Alice” throughout the years. While Dr. Jackson could not reveal any behind- the- scenes information on this year’s production, she did share the growth of the production and added that nearly 150 members would be involved in the project. By the end of the lecture, Dr. Jackson was greeted with a standing ovation from the audience before taking on questions. Finally, before ending the event for cake in the Jones rotunda, President Allen announced a second Woman of Achievement, Dr. Jackson herself. The crowd once again rose in ovation for the college’s Vice President of College Programs. Dean Gleason shared that she is “so pleased that Dr. Jackson was honored this way for all of her many contributions to Meredith College as a student, alumna, faculty member, vice president, and supporter of the College.” Dean Gleason believes that Dr. Jackson is a “truly a remarkable alumna” and is glad that she “received this great honor.” 

At the very end of this event, it was announced that, in anticipation of the significance of this year’s performance, a link to ticket reservations would be shared at 10 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 26. 

By Shae-Lynn Henderson, Editor in Chief