Cedar Crest College announced 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 — a statewide leadership role that reflects her deep commitment to advancing independent, nonprofit higher education across the commonwealth.

In this new role, 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.

“It’s an honor to step into this role and help advance the mission of independent colleges across the commonwealth,” Meade said. “Independent colleges play a powerful role in expanding opportunity, and I’m proud to support that work.

Meade is the 14th president of Cedar Crest College, leading since 2018 and serving on the faculty since 1993.