Class of 2023: Sarah Meade

Major switch was a turning point for UA graduate

Sarah Meade will be the student speaker at the Spring 2023 Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 6, at 9 a.m. in the James A. Rhodes Arena. Meade is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in History and a minor in classical studies. She will return to UA this fall to pursue a master’s degree and has a goal of eventually earning a doctorate in history.

Q: Why did you want to go to UA?

A: I started as an accounting major and chose UA because of the accounting program, as well as the fact that UA has a law school. I thought I wanted to be a corporate lawyer. I also loved how close UA is to home. I'm really glad I chose UA even though I ended up changing my major, because the history department here is the best I ever could have asked for.

Q: What campus activities were you involved in?

A: I am currently a member of the Phi Alpha Theta historical honors society. I was also an Emerging Leader and served as the Leadership & Mentorship Director on the Residence Hall Council. Prior to becoming a history major, I participated in Women in Business and served as the organization’s secretary, and I was also a member of the Economics Club.

Q: What campus honors or awards have you received?

A: : I achieved the President’s List four times. I received the Robert F. Harris and Lucille S. Harris Scholarship in History, as well as the Dorothy Garrett Martin Memorial Scholarship in History. Additionally, I was granted a full-tuition scholarship to attend graduate school at the University of Akron, beginning this fall. I will be graduating with honors, and I am a member of the Williams Honors College.

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

A: I will be returning to UA this fall to begin my master’s degree in applied history with a certificate in public humanities. My long-term goal is to pursue a doctorate in ancient history to eventually become a history professor.

Q: What is your favorite memory of UA?

A: I can’t pick a single favorite moment, but if I had to narrow it down I’d choose the weekly Phi Alpha Theta meetings. They were such a fun way to get to know other history students and make friends.

Q: What unique things should we know about you?

A: My favorite piece of literature is the Iliad. I'm pretty sure I'm the only one who feels this way, so I think that makes me unique. Additionally, I've been writing for more than a decade. My biggest inspirations are ancient mythology and Alexander of Macedon, whom I have studied since I was twelve.