“What’s something neat that happened to you today?” asked Lauren Feeley G’26. She was reflecting on a common conversation starter she had with fellow colleagues participating in the London Experience for Elon employees during the 2026 Winter Term. “And how much did we get rained on?!”

Feeley is a program assistant for student involvement and one of 22 participants in the most recent London Experience, a weeklong visit to England from Jan. 10-17, designed to give Elon employees who have limited international travel experience an opportunity for global engagement. Feeley said that the dreary January weather in London did not detract from a remarkable city with colleagues she now calls friends.

“This kind of experience shines a real big spotlight for every single person on the importance of being connected to other people on campus,” said Senior Vice President for Advancement and External Affairs Jim Piatt, who facilitated the program for 2026.

He added that the London Experience is a distinctive feature to working at Elon — an opportunity to support students as global citizens by offering employees a similar experience.

Jackie Allred ’94 serves as an administrative assistant for student life and was among those who traveled to London in January.

“From sun up to sun down, we never stopped,” she said. “If there was something we could be doing, we were doing it.”

Allred said she felt like she shared these experiences with good friends rather than colleagues, a connection reflected in moments like sitting in the choir loft during mass at St. Paul’s Cathedral with a small group from Elon.

Allred and Feeley both shared the importance of “having friendly faces to names” across campus and the ability to pick up the phone when their work aligns. They also both have a deepened appreciation for students when they have international experiences — from the enrichment of global and cultural engagement to things like jet lag and fatigue from a long trip in a different time zone.

“The experience has broadened and strengthened my networks here at Elon,” added Allred.

The group saw much of London and also ventured out to Cambridge. Employees saw staples like the Tower of London, the London Bridge, Westminster Abbey and Big Ben. They were given access to the war room made famous by Winston Churchill, visited the Hampton Court Palace and participated in guided tours across the city.

Dexter Chambers, a floor tech for the university, said he wouldn’t have had the same experience in London if he had traveled there on his own.

“The guide, the itinerary, everything was impressive, and that was a joy,” he said. Chambers made the most of the sites and foods that England offers and saw much of the city by foot with a small group of others, including one day that he estimates he ran four miles.

Chambers recalls calling his son and a number of his friends during his runs to share his excitement and disbelief of the places in London he was visiting. Now back at Elon, he continues this excitement when he sees participants on campus, who, he says he loves to wave to and reminisce on the shared
experience.

Feeley is finishing her Master of Arts in Higher Education degree from Elon this spring and joined the London Experience, in part, to satisfy her international study away experience.

“Because such a large population of our students here at Elon have some sort of study away experience, it’s really meaningful for me to have my own,” she said. “Elon places such an emphasis on students being global citizens that it’s important that faculty and staff model that as well.”

Jenny Gonzalez, Elon’s assistant director of interior design, said the program underscores Elon’s commitment to global education for the entire campus community, not only for students. “One of the best parts is getting to know people from across campus and build connections,” Gonzalez said.

The application for the 2027 experience will open soon and be advertised through email. “If you’re considering applying for this experience, do not hesitate, just apply and be open to the experience,” Allred said. “Do everything you possibly can during the experience.”

The program is offered to Elon employees for a fee of $350, which includes passport, airfare, lodging, certain ground transportation, admission to various attractions and occasional group meals. Previous participants have generally incurred additional expenses for souvenirs, personal meals, and a tube pass as it suited them.

�þ��� celebrated the dedication, innovation and service of its staff during Staff Appreciation Day on May 29, honoring individuals and teams whose work exemplifies the university’s mission and values.

“Each of you exemplifies the spirit of �þ��� through your passion, innovation and teamwork–all of which has created an environment for excellence in learning, growth and success,” Melissa Clodfelter, associate vice president for Human Resources and chief human resources officer, shared in her welcoming remarks to hundreds of university staff who had gathered for the celebration inside Schar Center.

The Rev. Kirstin Boswell, �þ���’s chaplain and dean of multifaith engagement and an assistant professor of religious studies, followed with the invocation, where she encouraged staff to recognize and celebrate those who were honored during the ceremony, as well as those whose contributions often go unseen.

“May we recognize the dignity in every role and the value in every contribution,” Boswell said. “And may all of us leave this gathering renewed in purpose, strengthened by community and grateful for the opportunity to contribute our gifts to something larger than ourselves.”

President Connie Ledoux Book provided updates on several university priorities, including progress on the Slattery Center, the university’s new center for health and wellness; the Roberts Academy at �þ��� for children with dyslexia; the merger of Elon and Queens University of Charlotte; and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching classification for community and civic engagement.

Book said Staff Appreciation Day is about sharing thanks with colleagues for helping one another accomplish goals. “I really love the strength of this community,” she reflected. “Today is a day for us to pause and take a day of gratitude for us to say ‘thank you.’”

Retirees

Two retirees elected to have someone speak on their behalf as part of the ceremony. Kelly Elliston retired on December 31 as the executive assistant to the president. In a pre-recorded video, Book thanked Elliston for her friendship, commitment, excellence and partnership.

Now retired, Elliston shared that she appreciates drinking coffee on the porch to the sounds of birds singing. She recalled Elizabeth Bowman’s acceptance speech after winning the 2025 professional hourly staff member of the year award, where Bowen described Elon as a ship with captains, wheels, nuts and bolts. “I’ve been one of those nuts for a really long time!” Elliston said to friendly laughter from the audience.

Julie Myers, assistant for information technology, was recognized in a prepared video by her supervisor, Pat Donohue, deputy CIO. Donohue said Myers played a key role in budgeting, personnel management, business efficiency, bringing structural, accountability and cost awareness and was so meticulous that she would have backup plans for plans. Myers thanked several staff members in the audience for their time worked together.

Myers encouraged the audience to continue to look forward and not back as they take on new challenges. “That is why the windshield is bigger than the rearview mirror,” she shared.

Read the stories of 2025-26 Elon retirees in the Today at Elon story.

Phoenix Awards

Four Phoenix Awards are presented each year to recognize outstanding innovation, collaboration and dedication to the university’s mission. Janet Williams, vice president for finance and administration and chief financial officer, announced the award winners.

Phoenix Innovation Award

Terrance Copling was named the 2026 Phoenix Innovation Award winner. The Phoenix Innovation Award is presented to a member of the Elon staff who has displayed innovation by creating, designing, improving or implementing a new idea or program that benefits the university or the community.

In his role as senior ERP application developer, Copling was recognized for designing a solution to allow Elon Benefits Hub, powered by PlanSource, to communicate directly with Colleague, a feat that was previously thought not possible. Copling’s innovation has eliminated manual data entry, which reduces errors, improves processing time and creates a smoother and more efficient experience for Elon employees.

Copling was described as someone who consistently demonstrates an ability to translate complex challenges into thoughtful and effective solutions – which he approaches with humility, patience and a palpable desire to help others succeed.

One nominator said about Copling, “He is the person colleagues turn to when a challenge seems unsolvable because time and again, he proves that with enough creativity and persistence, nothing is out of reach.”

When accepting the award, Copling shared his gratitude for the team effort, within his team and other partners on campus. “I couldn’t do this with you,” he shared.

Phoenix Rising Award

Andrew Moffa was named the 2026 Phoenix Rising Award winner. The award is presented to one newer member of Elon’s staff who has consistently displayed excellence in pursuit of Elon’s mission with an engaged mind in inspired leadership and global citizenship.

Moffa is the assistant director of the Kernodle Center for Civic Life. He was described as the “mentor people dream of having” and someone who “creates an environment where students feel valued and empowered” in several roles he plays, including advising students in Elon 101, mentoring members of the Elon Votes! Team and supporting students who work in the office.

One nominator shared that Moffa “embodies the essence of allyship: showing up consistently, listening deeply and helping students bring their goals and ideas to life.” �þ��� said he is “an amazing support to any student he comes across” and “an open space for us.”

Moffa expressed gratitude towards the Kernodle Center and the Division of Student Life, as well the students he works with. “It comes back to the students that we work with,” he shared. “That’s why I’m here, that’s why I love showing up to work – it wouldn’t be the same without them.”

Phoenix Collaboration Award

The 2026 Phoenix Collaboration Award was presented to Elon Guided Reflection on Work Student Employment Mentoring Implementation Work Group, led by Alison Doherty, Jo-Rae Jennings, Emily Krechel, Noah Orr and Kameryn Taylor. ElonGROW is a framework designed to help students connect what they’re learning in the classroom with the skills they are developing in their campus jobs. Through brief conversations with their supervisors, students reflect on how their work supports their academic, professional and personal growth.

The award is presented to an Elon staff team or group that has fostered cooperation, collaboration and open communication across two or more departments/offices/centers on campus.

A nominator said about the group, “The team modeled the very competencies it seeks to cultivate in students: communication, teamwork, leadership, professionalism and adaptive thinking.”

ElonGROW was designed to be the fabric of supervision and student employment university-wide. Due to the collaborative efforts, supervisors now have clearer expectations, stronger training and accessible tools to facilitate intentional developmental conversations, and student employees are more likely to recognize transferable skills, articulate growth and connect work to academics and future careers.

Emily Krechel, director of new student programs, addressed the audience with ElonGROW members standing near the podium. As chair of the workgroup, she described the team as “the most productive, efficient and collaborative people she has ever had the privilege of working with.”

Phoenix Community Engagement Award

Tammy Hill, student health insurance and immunization compliance project manager, was named the 2026 Phoenix Community Engagement Award winner. The award recognizes a member of the Elon staff who has demonstrated exemplary service to the university, local or global community through their engagement in volunteer organizations.

Hill is a leader within the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation and was described as someone who tirelessly contributes her time, expertise and energy to support cultural preservation, community engagement and organizational leadership.

Hill is profoundly dedicated to the preservation, protection and promotion of her tribal community’s history, culture and traditions. When she was 55, she pursued a degree in American history to deepen her understanding of Western expansion and the many successes of other tribes in the United States. She has served the OBSN as newsletter editor, a member of the Scholarship Committee and Tribal Secretary on the Tribal Council, and she is self-taught in the skills needed for her current role managing the tribal website, web store and trading post.

One nominator stated, “Whether supporting her tribal community, fostering cultural awareness or strengthening connections within the Elon community, she leads with humility, integrity and dedication. She demonstrates that service is not simply something she does — it is who she is.”

Hill has been at Elon for more than two decades and leaves an indelible mark on students and colleagues alike who fondly reflect on her guidance, warmth and genuine care. She was not present at the ceremony and Jana Lynn Patterson, associate vice president for Student Life/dean of Student Health & Well-Being/assistant professor, accepted on her behalf.

Blanche Garrison Memorial Award

Drema Holder was named the 2026 Blanche Garrison Memorial Award recipient. The award was established in memory of the late Blanche Garrison, an Elon Medallion awardee, who served the university with distinction as a staff member at Maynard House. This award was created through the generosity of President Emeritus Leo Lambert and Laurie Lambert and recognizes a staff member who has contributed significantly to shaping the student experience at �þ��� through their everyday commitments and actions to support, encourage and mentor Elon students.

Holder is the Moseley Center program assistant and was described as the epitome of graciousness and customer service, someone whose authentic kindheartedness, commitment and enthusiasm are vital to keeping her area of campus running effectively and making all who pass through its halls feel welcome.

One nominator shared that Holder “continually puts others before herself, uplifting students and advocating for them to receive the recognition they deserve.” Another nominator added, “If Moseley is the heart of campus, then Drema is the heart of Moseley.”

Holder shared that this is her 48th year in higher education and “all my students and all my coworkers have a special place in my heart.”

Staff Member of the Year Awards

Three Staff Member of the Year Awards are presented annually to university non-�þ��� staff – one for each of the following categories: facilities management, professional hourly staff and administrative staff. Elon President Connie Ledoux Book announced the award winners.

Staff Member of the Year – Professional Hourly

Sharon Holmes was honored as the 2026 professional hourly staff member of the year. Holmes is a program assistant in the Office of Alumni Engagement and described as someone who goes above and beyond to facilitate events, manage student workers and make alumni feel welcome.

Nominators shared that Holmes is a “mom away from home” for student workers and a valued source of support and friendship for her colleagues.” Another team member added, whatever the team needs, she will do without question and with the biggest smile you will ever see.”

She was further described as “the welcoming voice on the phone, the smiling face when alumni stop by her office and the helpful hand when students have questions.”

Upon receiving the award, Holmes shared that working at Elon is meaningful to her because she is from Alamance County. She expressed her appreciation to her team members, saying, “They are truly a pleasure to be around, to work with and to collaborate with. It’s a joy to support them.”

Staff Member of the Year – Administrative

Ross Wade was named the 2026 administrative staff member of the year. He is Elon’s interim associate vice president for the Student Professional Development Center.

Wade was recognized for steering his department through a period of critical transition with “remarkable grace transparency and intentionality.” He is described as having thoughtful, future-focused leadership and lauded for restoring a sense of direction and vigor to the team and introduced policies that have substantially improved workflow efficiency.

One nominator stated that “He leads by example — rolling up his sleeves, staying engaged and demonstrating through his own actions what dedication to this work actually looks like.”

Wade expressed the challenges of stepping into a leadership role during a time of transition for SPDC. “I stumble through it every single day with the grace and the help from the SPDC team,” he shared. “Thank you so much for your patience, kindness and ideas.”

Staff Member of the Year – Facilities Management

Carol Pulliam received the facilities management staff member of the year award. She is the custodian for Sato Commons.

Nominators used an array of sentiments to describe why Pulliam is, as they describe, one of the most important members of her building’s team: exceptionally detail-oriented, proud of her work and orderly. “She ensures every facet of the physical space reflects the excellence for which Elon is known,” a nominator said.

Pulliam was not only recognized for her immaculate work, but also her willingness to submit FixIt requests and helping students set up research posters.

Another nominator shared that her genuine warmth truly sets her apart. “Her willingness to engage people on the floor in meaningful conversations helps make our floor more connected and caring.”

Addressing her staff peers, she expressed, “thank you, God, and thank you to all the people that made this possible – I love each and every one of you.”

Patrick Murphy G’01

Assistant vice president for financial aid

Patrick Murphy joined Elon at the beginning of 1994 as bursar for Elon College to find a career that would, as he put it, add positivity to his day. Retiring at the end of the month, Murphy has served in a myriad of roles at Elon, including director of financial aid, senior associate dean and director of financial aid and assistant vice president for financial aid.

During the Faculty/Staff Awards Luncheon, Greg Zaiser, vice president for enrollment, credited Murphy with quietly and deliberately supporting Elon’s growth from a regional college to national and international distinction.

“What I know now is because of Pat’s patience, accessibility and strong desire for success,” added Zaiser.

After retirement, Murphy looks forward to spending more time with his wife and his five grandchildren, who are all under the age of six. He says his favorite memory at Elon was picking up astronaut and former senator John Glenn and his wife from the airport and guiding them across campus to multiple events.

“I will miss the people I work with,” he said. “Elon has been the only place I worked where my friends are also people I work with.”

Beth McCain

Assistant �þ��� professor of accounting

Beth McCain joined Elon in 2016 �þ��� part-time as an adjunct after �þ��� at a community college. She was hired permanently in 2021 as a lecturer and also served as the director of the Master of Science accounting program. She retired on December 31, 2025.

While at Elon, McCain led January Term study abroad courses to Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam and was the inaugural faculty member for the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business study abroad program in Singapore.

At the Faculty/Staff Awards Luncheon, Catherine Chiang, professor of accounting and chair of the department of accounting, described McCain as one of the most dedicated and student-centered educators she had the privilege of knowing. “Your decade of service has shaped careers, strengthened our programs and raised the standards for what it means to be an Elon educator,” said Chiang.

McCain returned the compliments to her department chair and gave a shoutout to Linda Poulson, who gave McCain “a chance” and also to her husband, who was in attendance.

Now retired, McCain is volunteering for Guilford County Animal Services in Greensboro and taking a French course at Elon in preparation for a three-month trip to France in the fall. Reflecting on her time at Elon, McCain said, “I will greatly miss the amazing faculty and staff that I worked with as well as relationships that I developed with my students over the years.”

Linda Niedziela

Associate professor of biology and chair of the Department of Biology

Linda Niedziela joined Elon in 2001 excited to teach courses in genetics and biotechnology. She was attracted to the university’s strengths in �þ��� education and �þ��� research. She will retire at the end of May after serving in a myriad of roles, including biology department chair, assistant professor, associate professor, director of the science branch of Elon College Fellows and the Japheth E. Rawls chair for �þ��� research in science.

Niedziela said she will miss what she calls the “daily therapy sessions.” She shared that every day during the semester, whoever is able will meet for lunch on the first floor of McMichael and discuss wide-ranging topics, including �þ��� tips, research reports, personal stories about families and pets and anything else that is on the mind of lunch attendees.

She said, “I will miss the wonderful faculty and staff colleagues in the biology department who have become like family to me.”

After retirement, Niedziela and her husband, Carl, an adjunct assistant professor of biology at Elon, who will also be retiring, will travel with their dogs in an airstream travel trailer and spend time in their woodworking shop. She will also be devoting more time training and competing with her Shetland sheepdog in performance dog sports.

Anthony Hatcher

Professor of journalism and chair of the Journalism Department

Anthony Hatcher joined Elon in 2002 and has served as associate professor of journalism, full professor of journalism and the inaugural chair of the Department of Journalism.

Hatcher said he did not have a passport until he joined Elon in his early 40’s. “Since 2004, I have taken students to Hong Kong, South Africa and multiple European countries,” he reflected. Hatcher also created a religion and media course in his first year, which he taught every year since.

One of those colleagues, Harlen Makemson, professor of communication design, praised Hatcher at the Faculty/Staff Luncheon for Hatcher’s empathy and humanity during what he described as a time of upheaval in the media world, brought on by new technologies. “And while it’s true that Anthony Hatcher serves on virtually every major standing committee at Elon, it’s his humanity, his warmth and his care, that is his most impactful service to his university.”

“I will miss being with students, and I will miss seeing my colleagues – my friends – daily or weekly,” said Hatcher. During the ceremony, he added, “I hope in addition to �þ��� all those wonderful students I’ve had over the past nearly quarter century, I hope in some small way, I made their lives a little better because God knows they helped me be better.

After retirement, Hatcher looks forward to biking, hiking, travel and spending time with his granddaughter. “Writing will be part of retirement as well, since I can’t sing or paint,” he added.

Robert Moorman

Frank S. Holt, Jr. professor of business leadership and professor of organizational behavior

Robert Moorman joined Elon as the Frank Holt Jr professor of business leadership in 2011, a title he held throughout his time at Elon. Retiring in May, Moorman has also served as the department chair for the Department of Management, Entrepreneurship and International Business.

During the Faculty, Staff Awards Luncheon, Haya Ajjan, dean of the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business and professor of management information systems, shared that Moorman has a gift few others do – the ability to ask the types of questions that “make you stop walking, look around at where you actually are and suddenly see it…a question that stays with you for the rest of your life.” Ajjan offered Moorman a golf club afterwards in the spirit of his retirement.

During the ceremony, Moorman shared that education is so much more than reading books and looking at stats. “It’s really about the relationships we have,” he said. “It’s the relationships with our students and the utter joy of seeing people cycle through during this really important time of their lives, you know, touching you and stepping in and stepping out and then seeing them grow as they go.”

Moorman said his favorite memories are those involving friendships with colleagues and partnerships with students. “I have fond memories of a few colleagues congregating in my office talking about the joys and frustrations of the day,” he said.  “I also have fond memories of holding classes that just seemed to ‘work’ that day and then talking with students afterward about how they continued thinking about our discussions.”

After retiring at the end of this month, Moorman looks forward to what he calls unstructured adventure. “I am looking forward to a time of boredom that then grows into something new, unplanned and adventurous. What fun!”

Charity Johansson

Professor of physical therapy education and chair of the Doctor of Physical Therapy Department.

In 1999, Charity Johnsson joined what would become the Doctor of Physical Therapy program as one of its first faculty. She retired in December 2025 after decades of service in which she held positions of associate professor, full professor, faculty administrative fellow, interim associate department chair, interim department chair and program director, department chair and program director and university parliamentarian.

Johansson said she is already missing the “daily exchanges with colleagues whose brilliant minds and genuinely kind hearts” have shaped her over nearly three decades. Likewise, she will miss the students, and their “infectious enthusiasm, their compassion and the joy of watching them transform in ways they hadn’t even imagined possible.”

During the Faculty/Staff Awards Luncheon, Crystal Ramsey praised Johansson as a “cornerstone of the Elon academic community, whose legacy is defined not just by the position she has held, but by the enduring way she has nurtured the hearts, minds and professional identities of future healthcare providers.” Ramsey is an associate professor of physical therapy education and a former student of Johansson’s.

At the ceremony, Johansson reflected on the retirement of Gerry Francis, who served as professor emeritus of mathematics and provost emeritus.

“Gerry Francis told me he doesn’t miss the work, but he really misses the people – and I get that,” she said.

She also said it was a privilege working with so many in the Elon community who have encouraged her, challenged her and made her laugh to help her be a better a human. “Fred Rubeck, you’re among those,” Johansson added, honoring the late professor of performing arts and chair of the Department of Performing Arts.

Now retired, Johansson said she is enjoying time outdoors with family and close friends, planning travel and trying new ventures, including fiction writing.

Marcia Dodson

Program assistant for the Station at Mill Point Neighborhood

Marcia Dodson joined Elon in 2015 and is the proud mother of three sons who graduated from Elon. She will be retiring at the end of May and has served as a service desk analyst for facilities management, program assistant in the Danieley Neighborhood and Station at Mill Point.

A favorite memory of Dodson’s while at Elon is joining the London Experience for staff, where she built relationships with colleagues she had not yet had the opportunity to meet while working at Elon. “What an awesome experience!” she reflected.

After retirement, Dodson looks forward to being a traveling grandparent with her husband.

Rosemary Haskell

Professor of English

Rosemary Haskell joined Elon in 1985 and will be retiring in August. She has held the roles of temporary instructor and assistant, associate and later, full professor of English.

Haskell said she will most miss her kind and interesting colleagues, as well as the “energizing power of the new class of bright-eyed and bushy-tailed first-years each August.”

One of Haskell’s favorite memories at Elon is during the transition of the Fighting Christians to the Phoenix. She enjoyed the papier-mache birds and eggs in trees around campus that offered a clue to the new mascot.

After retirement, Haskell said she plans to spend time with her family and do some home improvement work.

Cheryl Riley

Custodian

Cheryl Riley joined Elon in 2013 as a custodian and will retire at the end of May. “I will miss the people I work with,” she said. “And I look forward to spending time with my grandkids.”

Linda Dunn

Adjunct assistant professor of Peace and Conflict Studies

Linda Dunn joined Elon in 1998 as the director of the Alamance County Dispute Settlement Center, where she trained a group of students and returned to train several faculty members in mediation skills, who later became volunteer mediators for the center. Dunn’s official start date on record is 2001, when she taught a two-credit mediation and conflict resolution skills course as part of a new minor called Nonviolent Studies. She retired at the end of December, 2025.

Federico Pous spoke on behalf of Dunn during the Faculty/Staff Awards luncheon, praising Dunn’s ability to teach hands-on peaceful conflict resolution skills and strategies across different social backgrounds.

“Linda’s way of �þ��� and interacting with students, staff and professors, makes you feel that you are equal to her in the same community space,” he shared.

“I will miss the students and their passion the things I teach,” said Dunn. Two of her students attended the luncheon.

After retirement, she plans to attend cultural events on campus and potentially assist in future facilitated discussions on campus. She will also continue to volunteer as a mediator at the Alamance County District court, continue restorative circle skills and mediation and training skills with Restorative Justice Durham and the Orange County District County District court.

“I will continue to be an activist for restorative justice and peacemaking organizations as we navigate the chaos and violence in our world,” she added.

Elizabeth Bailey

Assistant �þ��� professor of exercise science

Elizabeth Bailey began her career at Elon in 2004 and, enjoying the vibe of the community, wanted to be “part of it all.” She started as a lecturer for the required wellness course, lectured for the School of Education before joining Exercise Science.

Retiring at the end of Spring semester, Bailey said she will most miss her colleagues and all the “friends among the faculty and staff” she has made while at Elon.

“I will also miss the opportunities to continue to learn that are available at Elon, whether it be through taking classes or participating in workshops or going abroad,” she added. She said, while at Elon, he has learned a lot.

Bailey said her retirement plans continue to evolve, and she still intends to exercise classes and do some research on the side.

Kim Giles, ’11 G’16

Associate director of communications for the Student Professional Development Center

Since her first role in 1995, Kim Giles has served in various roles at the university, including data entry in admissions and accounting, budget clerk in the physical plant, program assistant for Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Studies, Engineering, Chemistry, and Physics, and assistant director of communications in the Student Professional Development Center.

Giles retired during the summer of 2025. She said she cherishes the opportunity to earn an MBA at Elon along with her daughter. She said about the experience, “what an unforgettable experience that was in crossing the stage along with my daughter to get our MBA’s together – it was quite surreal.”

Giles also reflected on traveling with peers and faculty to Vietnam and Singapore, the many evolutions of Staff Appreciation Day, and being honored as the staff member of the year – an experience she said she will cherish forever.

Since retiring, Giles has taken nine cruises and has done kayaking, camping and gardening. She looks forward to continuing to spend time with family.

Sharon Moss LaRocco

University accompanist and instructor in music

Sharon Moss LaRocco was recognized at the Faculty/Staff Awards Luncheon by Hallie Hogan, associate professor of music. LaRocco joined the Elon Music Department in 1988 as a pianist for musical theater productions, music ensembles and student recitals.

Hogan shared, “Although she kept a very low profile, there was never any doubt about this, because she never missed a beat, much less a note, and maintained high quality for every performance she gave,” Hogan said.

She shared that students developed a strong admiration for LaRocco’s talent and a deep love for her kind and understanding nature.

Beyond Elon, Sharon has devoted herself to advocating for people with autism, through her work as a leader in the Office of Society of North Carolina, notably promoting autism awareness for the Native American communities of Western North Carolina.

At the awards ceremony, LaRocco shared that one of her favorite memories was the construction of Rhodes Stadium, which signaled to her the emergence of a marching band.

“Who doesn’t love a marching band?” asked LaRocco to the audience. “And the spirit and the energy it creates walking through the campus, en route to the games.”

Jana Lynn Patterson

Associate vice president for Student Life/dean of student health & well-being/assistant professor

During the Faculty/Staff Awards Luncheon, Jon Dooley, vice president for Student Life and associate professor of education, described Patterson as someone who is consistent in how she shows up for others, patient when a young leader makes a mistake, honest with students and colleagues even when it is hard and someone who not only believes in others, and one who helps others believe in themselves.

“She supported students in college through tragedy, advised student organizations, and celebrated their success,” said Dooley. “She has created spaces of welcome and belonging, and met the students in their darkest hours, helping them piece together on plans to move forward.”

Patterson was also recognized for her 40 years of service and held back tears while addressing the audience. A first-generation student from Hope Mills, North Carolina, Patterson said her parents could have never dreamed where she is today.

“To my staff and colleagues, you are the A-Team,” she shared. “But to everyone in this community, I want you to know that every day has been an honor and a pleasure to be a part of this community and to have worked with you.”

Also retiring

Retiring staff members will be recognized on May 29 as part of Staff Appreciation Day.

• Joan Barnatt
• Mona DeVries
• Chris Dockrill, head women’s golf coach
• Sharon Hodge
• John Chinnici, community service officer
• David “DD” Donohue, painter
• Kelly Elliston
• Gloria Graves, custodian
• William “Tom” Hall, telecommunications technician
• Rhonda Kosusko, associate director of career services, education and Elon
• Katherine Rodriguez, assistant director for application processing
• Michelle Stephens, custodian
• Ed Williams, service desk analyst
• Donna Wood , electronic services/ acquisitions librarian

Elon faculty and staff members gathered in Alumni Gym for the event, which also included recognition of employees for years-of-service milestones and special recognitions of faculty and staff members who are retiring this academic year. Thirty-one employees who were recognized for 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45 years of service have served a collective 2,810 years at Elon.

Elon President Connie Ledoux Book opened the ceremony with highlights and successes from the 2025-26 academic year and encouraged the audience to pause and take pride in their work.

“Thank you for the work you’ve done to strengthen our community and our mission and thank you for all you do to ensure that students succeed when they choose Elon,” said Book.

During the ceremony, Book also announced the appointment of Katy Rouse, professor of economics, as the trustee chair for excellence in �þ��� �þ��� for 2026-2029. This three-year chair was developed by the Board of Trustees in 2023 to honor a faculty member who exemplifies Elon’s teacher-scholar-mentor model and contributes to the broader scholarship of �þ��� and learning. Rouse was praised for her impact on student learning and mentoring both in and beyond the classroom and for advancing the scholarship of �þ��� and learning through publications in leading economics education journals.

The ceremony concluded with a celebration of faculty and staff who were honored with awards from the university this year: Associate Professor and Chair of English Scott Proudfit, Associate Professor and Chair of Philosophy Ryan Johnson, Associate Professor of Geography Sandy Marshall and Associate Teaching Professor of Human Service Studies Sandra Reid.

Daniels-Danieley Excellence in Teaching Award

Associate Professor and Chair of English Scott Proudfit

Described as a mentor and teacher who “persuades his students to be incisive and critical thinkers,” Scott Proudfit, associate professor and chair of English, is the 54th recipient of the Daniels-Danieley Excellence in Teaching Award. The award was established by President Emeritus J. Earl Danieley ’46 and his wife, Verona Daniels Danieley, in honor of their parents.

Megan Isaac, professor of English, and Rosemary Haskell, professor of English, said in their joint nomination, “Our decision to elect Scott to the position of chair two years ago was not rooted in his organizational skills, kindness, or vision (although he has all of those qualities), but because he models and supports our central mission-�þ���.”

Dinidu Karunanayake, assistant professor of English, praised the “Scott-standard,” which he says undoubtedly enriches and emboldens Elon core values. “Scott is an exemplary embodiment of the teacher-scholar-mentor model,” said Karunanayake in his nomination letter. “His ability to effortlessly (and synchronously) straddle many paths as a tireless and gifted teacher, top-notch researcher, big-hearted mentor, daring advisor, generous colleague and above all, a truly remarkable human being puts him at the height of the �þ��� profession.”

In addition to �þ��� core English courses, Proudfit redeveloped the drama curriculum through courses exploring dramatic styles, literary theory and contemporary social themes. The courses are now core components of the English major and the drama & theatre studies major and are routine choices for students in acting, arts administration and theatrical design & technology majors.

The award was presented by Book, who, in her prepared speech, said, “This combination of rigor and care is a hallmark of an Elon education – rooted in relationships shaped by intellectual curiosity, and leaving a legacy long after graduation. And boy, does [Proudfit] have it!”

“Scott’s energy and love for the literature that he teaches is apparent in every second of his lessons, and it rubs off on his students. The discussions that he leads are student-centered, each one opening with one or two students bringing in prepared questions to kick off the day. ”

– Annaliese Jaffe ’18, high school English teacher and former student

Upon receiving the award, Proudfit told the crowd that he worries those who distrust higher education may have never had a good relationship with a teacher.

“It’s too bad,” he said. “Because for me, the relationship between a teacher and a student is one of the most central relationships for a good life.”

And, he noted, “I have been lucky enough to have these kinds of relationships with students over and over again at Elon.”

Proudfit ended his speech by naming former students who shaped his Elon experience.

Proudfit earned a Ph.D. in English from Northwestern University in 2008, where his major field of study was drama in English. He earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and theater, cum laude, from Columbia University in 1993 and joined �þ��� in 2010. Before completing his doctorate, Proudfit worked with theater groups in Los Angeles and New York, covered theater scenes in both cities as an editor for Back Stage and Back Stage West and worked as an assistant editor for a division of Marvel Comics. He has served as associate editor and co-editor on multiple publications and published multiple essays. Proudfit is the recipient of the Inspirational Ally Award (2017) and the Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences Excellence in Teaching Award (2019).

Distinguished Scholar Award

Associate Professor and Chair of Philosophy Ryan Johnson

Described as an “unstoppable force when it comes to research publications,” Ryan Johnson produces the equivalent of 5.4 peer-reviewed articles or book chapters per year – over three times the amount of scholarship expected by a philosopher at an R1 institution. Johnson, associate professor and chair of philosophy, is the 27th recipient of the of the Distinguished Scholar Award, Elon’s top faculty research award, which recognizes a faculty member whose research has earned peer commendation and respect and who has made significant contributions to his or her field of study.

When Johnson arrived at Elon in 2015, his research brought together 20th-century French philosophy and ancient Hellenistic thought, of which he has several publications. Soon after, he grappled with what it meant to be a white man in the American South and began seeing his subject position and scholarship through new eyes.

“All of this traced back to lessons I learned from my former teacher, George Yancy,” said Johnson. “Soon I realized how canonical European philosophers, especially Hegel and Nietzsche, must reckon with challenges posed by thinkers such as W.E.B. Du Bois and Audre Lorde.”

Johnson’s research focuses on continental philosophy, African American philosophy and the history of philosophy, with particular attention to questions of race, liberation, democracy and the relationship between philosophy and everyday life. His scholarship explores thinkers including Hegel, Deleuze and the Stoics while examining how philosophical ideas shape contemporary political, cultural and ethical questions.

Rebecca E. Kohn, provost and vice president of academic affairs and professor of biology, who presented the award, described Johnson as a model of sustained intellectual engagement whose work “has defined major segments of the discussions in current literature,” noting that research is not insulated from �þ��� – it is deeply integrated with it.

Addressing the crowd, Johnson expressed gratitude to his wife and colleagues. He alluded to the uniqueness of his research and said Elon is the only place he can imagine himself doing this work.

In a nomination letter, Thomas Nail, professor and chair of philosophy at Denver University, said that he continues to be impressed by Johnson’s work due to his originality and enthusiasm for new and experimental directions in research and �þ���.

“I can honestly say with no hesitation that I do not know anyone else in our field who is as adventurous and forward looking as Ryan.”

– Thomas Nail, professor and chair of philosophy at Denver University 

Johnson has published nine books, with three others in various states of completion. He has also contributed 24 peer-reviewed journal articles, 15 book chapters and edited a special issue of a professional journal, in addition to 58 conference presentations. Johnson is the author or co-author of several books, including Phenomenology of Black Spirit (2022), Deleuze, A Stoic (2020) and The Deleuze-Lucretius Encounter (2017), and has edited multiple scholarly collections in philosophy.

Stephen Bloch-Schulman, professor of philosophy at Elon, said about Johnson, “He recognizes and deepens the ways that scholarship, university service and �þ��� are necessarily interwoven practices that, for him, are united by the twin ethical demands of living life as a philosopher and creating community and connections around fighting racism.”

Praising Johnson for his ongoing engagement to learn more about the African American philosophical tradition and the ways he inspires his students to think intensively and critically to the history of philosophy, Stephen C. Ferguson, associate professor of philosophy and religious studies at North Carolina State University said, “By combining a creative impulse with a historically grounded approach to intellectual thought, Ryan’s work provides a window into what it means to be a great interdisciplinary scholar and thinker.”

Johnson earned his Ph.D. in philosophy from Duquesne University in 2014 and joined �þ��� in 2015. He served as an associate professor and chair of philosophy at Elon. He is the recipient of the Excellence in Scholarship Award (2020), four Faculty Research and Development Summer Research Fellowships and external awards including a National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Stipend and the John William Miller Fellowship.

Steven and Patricia House Excellence in Mentoring Award

Associate Professor of Geography Sandy Marshall

Sandy Marshall, associate professor of geography, has built a career at Elon defined by a sustained commitment to student mentoring, �þ��� research and community-engaged learning. Since joining the university in 2017, he has mentored students across disciplines and guided research exploring global regions, migration and lived experiences, helping students connect academic work with complex social and cultural contexts.

Marshall received the Steven and Patricia House Excellence in Mentoring Award, which was endowed in 2020 by Provost Emeritus Steven House and Patricia House to honor faculty and staff who excel in student mentoring and reflect Elon’s national recognition as a leader in engaged, experiential learning.

Marshall’s mentorship has shaped students who have gone on to careers in public service, law and global development, including a public defense attorney, a Harvard- and Yale-trained criminal justice attorney and a global development consultant who has worked with the United Nations and USAID. His mentees have also earned competitive achievements such as Fulbright fellowships, Critical Language Scholarships and publication in academic journals.

Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs and Professor of English Deandra Little presented the award, saying about Marshall, “Student and alumni representatives consistently describe this awardee as a strong mentor whose guidance has shaped their academic path and broadened their understanding of what meaningful mentorship can look like, and whose mentoring persists long after graduation.”

Marshall encouraged the audience to surround themselves with people who see potential in them beyond what they themselves can see. “That’s what I’ve tried to do for my students, and that’s what so many of you have done for me,” he shared.

Amy Allocco, professor of religious studies, and Brian Pennington, director of the Center for the Study of Religion, Culture, and Society and professor of religious studies, praised Marshall’s mentoring approach, writing that “his patience, kindness and generosity with his time has helped several students find success and feel proud of the work that they had completed by graduation.” They noted that his mentorship is “deep, context-sensitive, and enduring,” often continuing long after students graduate.

�þ��� echoed that impact in their nomination letters. Nicole Plante ’20, now a JD candidate at Yale Law School, wrote that “from the very beginning of our work together, Dr. Marshall served as an amazing resource who gave me a lot of autonomy and encouraged me to take the lead of my project.”

“Dr. Marshall pushed me to go further and put myself in situations that not only stretched my intellectual capacity, but also my moral convictions and future aspirations.”
– Taylor Garner ’20, global development strategist

Kylee Marie Smith ’21, assistant public defender for the Sixth Judicial Circuit of Florida, described the lasting influence of that mentorship, writing, “In my almost five years since graduating from Elon, I have continuously realized that my road always leads back to Dr. Marshall and the foundations, skills and knowledge that he taught me.”

Marshall’s commitment to students extends beyond the classroom and across the globe. Alyssa Carney ’26, who is double-majoring in international & global studies and history, noted that during her semester abroad, “Dr. Marshall went so far as to travel from North Carolina to Sevilla during his own spring break to meet with me, check in on my research progress and provide guidance while I was in the field.” She added that his mentorship is defined by “his belief in his students’ potential” and his ability to create a space where “curiosity, critical thinking, and genuine exchange thrive.”

In addition to mentoring �þ��� researchers, Marshall has served as interim director of the Multifaith Scholars program and as faculty director in the Global Neighborhood, where he fosters student development through advising, programming and community-building. In 2020, he co-founded the Power and Place Collaborative, partnering with local nonprofits and municipal entities to engage students in oral history and storytelling projects that connect academic inquiry with community experience.

Across these roles, Marshall’s mentorship emphasizes long-term growth, global engagement and meaningful relationships.

Periclean Award for Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility

Associate Teaching Professor of Human Service Studies Sandra Reid ’85

Sandra Reid ’85, senior lecturer in human service studies, is the 24th recipient of the Periclean Award for Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility, which recognizes a member of Elon’s faculty or staff whose service to the broader community exemplifies the ideals of Project Pericles, a national initiative that advocates for preparing students for socially responsible citizenship.

Through decades of work in juvenile justice, social work and higher education, Reid has built a career defined by civic engagement, community leadership and social responsibility. Her work reflects a deep commitment to helping students become engaged citizens and leaders in their communities.

At Elon, Reid teaches courses including Juvenile Justice and The Black Family, helping students examine systemic inequalities through civic engagement and social justice frameworks. She also teaches interdisciplinary programs including Poverty and Social Justice and African and African American Studies.

Reid also leads “Disarming Justice,” a Winter Term study away program in Alabama where students visit historic Civil Rights Movement sites and engage in conversations about systemic inequities that persist today.

Naeemah Clark, associate provost for academic inclusive excellence and professor of cinema and television arts, presented the award. She described Periclean awardees as “smart service-minded leaders” who use their experiences to leave the world better than they found it.

“Periclean awardees empower others to be engaged citizens and leaders in their communities — the personification of that ideal is Sandra Reid.”

— Naeemah Clark, associate provost for academic inclusive excellence and professor of cinema and television arts

Reid expressed surprise and gratitude for the recognition, telling the audience, “I never imagined that I’d be back here �þ��� after being in juvenile justice, but it’s been one of the best things that I’ve done.”

Faculty members in the Department of Human Service Studies praised Reid’s “gift for facilitating what she calls ‘courageous conversations’ about justice, equity and difference” in their nomination letter. They wrote that Reid encourages students to engage difficult topics thoughtfully and recognize that “learning — and social justice work — is an ongoing process.”

Beyond the classroom, Reid mentors students through programs including the Elon Academy, Renaissance Scholars and the Elon chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Her community leadership includes chairing the Alamance County Community Services Agency, training law enforcement in cultural competency and community engagement, and serving on the Alamance County Coalition of Remembrance, helping memorialize local lynching victims.

Reid’s work in juvenile justice, education and community leadership has shaped generations of students pursuing careers in public service, advocacy and social change.

“If you’re Asian American or from the motherland [Thailand] or from down south or up north, I feel something in common with you,” he said.

Sartyoungkul’s experiences shape how he cooks and how he leads. As executive chef for Elon Dining, he focuses on creating meals that people recognize, enjoy and feel comfortable choosing.

“I love seeing people enjoy my food,” he said.

Noppanit “Meena” Monaghan shares the same excitement for creating an enjoyable meal. As chef de partie, she prepares meals at the international station in Lakeside Dining Hall. She is also Sartyoungkul’s mother and, together, they focus on getting the details right, from how a dish is prepared to how it lands with the people eating it.

“I work with students every day who are trying to make Elon a home away from home,” Monaghan said. “It’s important I try everything that goes out to make sure it is 100 percent right.”

That attention to detail often means learning dishes that are new to them. Sartyoungkul said they spend time researching recipes, studying techniques and planning menus to authentically reflect the food where students come from.

For Monaghan, that care shows up in small, specific moments.

“I made arepas for a student from Colombia and she loved it,” she said.

For Sartyoungkul, those moments explain why the work matters. A single meal can help one student feel familiar while introducing others to something new.

“Many international students miss the food from home,” he said. “Providing familiar tastes helps students feel seen, valued and more at ease in their campus environment.”

That belief carries into how he works with student groups across campus. During Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Sartyoungkul partnered with the Asian Pacific Student Association to plan dining hall takeovers featuring Malaysian, Chinese and Japanese cuisines. �þ��� identified the cuisines and worked with him to shape the menus.

For him, the process is as important as the food itself. It ensures the meals reflect what students want to see and what they want to share with others.

“I don’t want anyone to feel left out,” he said. “Whether you’re vegan, from another country, have dietary preferences or religious needs or an allergy, we want to make sure there are options for everybody.”

That sense of care is rooted in family. Sartyoungkul describes himself as a third-generation chef who learned alongside his mother in the kitchen.

“Mom beats me at Asian foods, especially with her great stir fries and Thai noodle dishes,” he said. “However, I am trained on European cuisine and steaks, so I have her beat there.”

Still, there are moments when their strengths meet in the middle. Those moments often bring people together.

At Elon’s annual holiday party for employees, Monaghan manages a shrimp and grits station that regularly draws long lines of guests waiting for a plate. The dish reflects both comfort and confidence, with attention paid to technique as well as familiarity.

For Monaghan, the setting may change. The standards do not.

At work, their relationship is grounded in respect. They understand their roles and trust each other’s strengths.

“My mother and I are very close,” Sartyoungkul said. “While she is my mother, I am also her campus executive chef, and we both clearly understand and respect those roles.”

For Monaghan, the work always comes back to the people she serves each day.

“I work to make students smile,” she said.

Together, Sartyoungkul and Monaghan prepare food that reflects a wide range of cultures. Their work is guided by care, connection and a desire to help others feel at home, one plate at a time.

Elon honors Asian & Pacific Island Heritage Month

As part of Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, �þ��� is sharing stories through Today at Elon that highlight Asian and Pacific Islander students, faculty and staff who contribute to a campus environment where cultural identities and experiences are celebrated year-round. Throughout the month, Elon is also recognizing API Heritage Month through a series of events and programming.

One of those teams, purchasing & technology, shows how sustainability can fit naturally into the work people already do by working towards 1) reducing the campus printing footprint by digitizing self-service options and encouraging electronic resources, 2) sourcing technology that uses environmentally conscious best practices and manage its lifecycle responsibly, and 3) educating and engaging the campus community about sustainable technology practices.

Those strategies might sound complex, but the team says most of the work builds on existing processes and collaborations. Adding sustainability often means asking one more question or making one small adjustment.

“We regularly partner with purchasing on contract management and business agreements,” said Pat Donohue, one of the team leads and the university’s deputy chief information officer. “Adding a request for sustainability transparency from our vendors is a natural improvement of existing processes to align with university strategic objectives.  This is an example of how bold strategy can often be a minor adjustment in organizational behavior.”

Patrick Schwartz is the assistant director of procure to pay at Elon and one of the team leads for the purchasing & technology implementation team. He added, “Just by being part of this team, the collaboration between our two departments was already strong, and it strengthens every day.”

When IT evaluates vendors, the team already asks about data security, storage and compliance. Now, they also ask vendors to disclose their carbon footprint and energy consumption. It is a simple step that helps Elon make informed decisions about the products and services it uses.

In addition, Schwartz said the purchasing team can see the purchasing trends on the backend and, leveraging their strong relationship with IT, work together to assure that vendors are providing products to campus that are environmentally and fiscally sustainable and responsible.

Collaboration creates momentum

Collaboration has been key to success. Conversations about sustainability often uncover other opportunities to improve processes, strengthen partnerships and share resources.

Edith Smith shared one of those ideas. She serves as a purchasing agent at Elon and is a member of the purchasing & technology implementation team. She worked with Amazon to ensure that the first products displayed when employees search for a product are those that have sustainable qualities. In addition to this, Smith and others are looking into ways to encourage the university to increase its partnership with local vendors to reduce environmental impact and support the local economy.

“It can be difficult to put a list of vendors together for a campus with decentralized purchasing, but for me, it’s important to ask how we can encourage our colleagues on campus to use local vendors more regularly and to work with vendors that will cut emissions,” said Smith.

“The focus on sustainability gave us a framework to accelerate improvements we were already pursuing,” said Donohue. “It has been a clear example of how bringing together diverse mindsets with a shared purpose can improve service delivery, streamline business processes and create long-term value for the university.

Schwartz agrees with this sentiment and adds that the team is educating people to consider which sustainable products are offered by vendors.

“None of us can do this work on our own,” he added.

Fiscal responsibility meets sustainability

One of the most significant changes was extending the lifecycle of university-owned laptops and desktops to five years.

“We ensure an extended lifecycle by applying updates and doing necessary maintenance on the equipment throughout its usable lifecycle,” said Rebecca Black, director of campus technology support and member of the purchasing & technology implementation team.

When the lifecycle of the technology ends for us, it goes through a chain of disposal through an agreement with ethically responsible vendors, who repurpose the equipment or its components.

“The equipment we recover doesn’t just go into a waste facility. It has another, purposeful life afterward,” she added.

Donohue added that the proceeds from selling depreciated equipment is reinvested to subsidize advanced support of Elon computers.

“This benefits our community through faster repairs and maintenance while allowing campus technology support specialists to focus on high-value service delivery than hardware break/fix efforts. It’s a win-win,” he said.

The same principle applies to reducing the number of printers on campus. Fewer devices mean less energy consumption and less paper use, but the change also reflects a cultural shift. Convenience often competes with sustainability, and the team acknowledges that change takes time.

“There’s a fine line between doing what’s easy and convenient and making an extra, impactful effort towards sustainability,” Beck said. “We’re in the moment where this is a necessary priority.”

Schwartz added, “This is one of the best examples of how our work aligns together. We evaluated paper processes on campus and moved purchase card request forms and Adobe signatures to digital processes.”

In addition to the paper and cost-savings, Schwartz and Smith say that these processes also simplify and better organize employee workflows.

“When we thoughtfully scale technology resources in ways such as consolidating printers and encouraging digitization, we also reduce costs and free-up resources that can be reinvested into new innovations that benefit the university,” Beck said. “These efforts will also help us operate more efficiently and enhance the quality of services for our Elon campuses.”

About the Sustainability Master Plan

The Boldly Elon Strategic Plan calls on �þ��� to “Engage the campus in sustainable practices to become carbon neutral by 2037 – invest in renewable energy, reduce campus energy consumption 20 percent, purchase offsets to make the global study program carbon neutral and continue to build LEED certified buildings – and prepare students to lead lives that build a sustainable future.” The 10-year Sustainability Master Plan 2025 is a roadmap for that bold commitment.

Acorn Academy was awarded a five-star rating by the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education following a comprehensive evaluation of the program. The on-site child care and early learning facility opened in August 2025 and has expanded to offer a summer camp, classrooms for pre-schoolers and backup care.

The rating affirms the care, intention and dedication that define Acorn Academy. “Earning a five-star rating required consistent commitment from our entire team, ongoing professional development, strong classroom practices, thoughtful curriculum implementation and a shared belief in doing what’s best for children,” said Cherelle Sharpe, head of school for the child care facility.

Jason Husser, professor of political science and public policy and director of the Elon Poll, said, “Elon cares about people being able to work while not worrying about whether their child is safe and growing and learning.”

Sharpe said that, for families, the rating provides reassurance that their children are in a program that prioritizes safety, growth and meaningful relationships every day. Children are learning and growing in a nurturing, high-quality environment designed to support their development.

“Children deserve the highest quality care during their most critical developmental years,” said Sharpe. The new child care benefit for employees offers excellence in early childhood education that supports children’s growth and the families’ peace of mind.

“When parents know their children are safe, valued and thriving, they are better able to focus on their work and responsibilities with confidence,” added Sharpe.

Ty Goss, program assistant for Arts and Music, says that having an onsite child care facility eases the burdens of drop-off and pickup times to the work commute. “Just knowing that [my daughter is] right across campus… I can focus on my work knowing that she is safe.”

Acorn Academy offers both year-round child care and early learning for ages six week to five years and summer camp for ages five through 12 during Elon’s Planning Week. Visit the to learn more and enroll.

Longtime Elon administrator Jeff Stein was reintroduced to the campus community this winter as the university’s new chief integration officer and executive vice president. A key advisor to Elon President Connie Ledoux Book and a member of the university’s senior staff, Stein will collaborate with students, faculty and staff to support the creation of a fully integrated institution through the merger of �þ��� and Queens University of Charlotte. Stein, who built a career at Elon and later served as president of Mary Baldwin University, answered questions about what drives his work and why he is excited for the historic merger.

Who is Jeff Stein and what are his responsibilities as Elon’s chief integration officer and executive vice president?

I’m a product of this community — a passionate advocate for students and access to mentored opportunities that empower students to launch great lives. For 21 years, Elon provided me the opportunity to work in and out of the classroom with students, faculty, staff, alumni, families and local communities to design the residential campus, community-based learning, Jewish Life, Boldly Elon and more. This community has always supported [my wife] Chrissy and me and our kids, and I’m thrilled to be back to help guide this innovative merger.

You led the development of the Boldly Elon strategic plan. How will that experience help inform your work in Charlotte and what are effective ways to build strong relationships and develop trust during this type of organizational change?

It’s all about listening. The voices of thousands of students, faculty, staff, alumni, Elon families and local community members were needed to shape the Boldly Elon strategic plan. Similarly, the Queens and Elon communities — your questions, your ideas and your values — will be integral to shaping the future of the merger.

What are some of the pleasant surprises you’ve encountered as you’ve begun your role in Charlotte?

It’s been fun to reconnect with the Elon community and to begin getting to know members of the Queens community — smart, talented and dedicated faculty and staff, who put students first and believe in engaged and mentored learning. Charlotte is full of top-notch restaurants, arts, breweries, sports and rapidly expanding industry. Come visit Elon’s beautiful Tremont building (thank you Holly Hodge and Jenny Gonzalez), and we’ll show you around South End or Uptown.

What does success look like at Elon and at Queens one year from now?

Back in 2022, as part of Boldly Elon implementation, a group of us on the regional learning centers team worked to identify Charlotte as the next location in Elon’s national campus work — for students, community, alumni and Elon’s brand.

What’s exciting about how this groundbreaking merger accelerates that work — and the reason people all over the country are watching — is that two strong, world-class, student-centered institutions are engaging to expand opportunities for students, and for and with Charlotte.

While much of the next year’s tasks are regulated by guidelines from the federal government and accreditors, our success will come from planning for integration of our operations and services, imagining new opportunities for �þ��� and graduate students, and developing relationships across Elon and Queens.

Elon �þ��� Safety and Police earned a rare dual accreditation from the International Association of �þ��� Law Enforcement Administrators and the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. Fewer than 100 law enforcement agencies across the country have earned dual accreditations. The department has held accreditation through IALEA since 2018 and earned accreditation through CALEA in 2025.

Joe LeMire, chief of �þ��� Safety and Police, said the recognition reflects years of work completed by members of the department and the high level of professionalism for department policies and procedures.

“I could not be more proud of this department and the professionalism they display every day to meet the needs of all students, staff, faculty and visitors,” LeMire said. “The true benefit is for the campus community, which can trust that its police and security services meet these standards and continue to improve.”

Doug Dotson, assistant chief of �þ��� Safety and Police, oversees the accreditation process. He said both accrediting bodies establish standards based on best practices for law enforcement agencies. Assessors visit each agency to conduct interviews with personnel and review policies and documentation to confirm that the level of service provided aligns with those established standards.

“These processes require you to closely examine your day-to-day operations and the ways they measure against best practices,” Dotson said.

The accreditation process has allowed the department to strengthen policies and improve training and equipment, ensuring officers have the tools necessary to successfully meet these standards.

Dotson added that annual reviews for the commission and four-year reviews for IALEA help the department maintain a high level of professionalism.

Royal’s office is warm and welcoming and offers a window into her past, present and future. Her space honors the values she carries and the people and milestones that have shaped her journey.

Royal serves as Elon’s associate director of the Center for Race, Ethnicity, & Diversity Education, where she brings faculty, staff and students of all backgrounds together through workshop facilitation and mentorship.

After graduating from Elon in 2017 with a psychology degree, Royal taught fourth and fifth grade at a charter school in Washington, D.C., where she discovered her favorite part of �þ��� was building trust with students and their families and supporting their academic, social and emotional growth. In 2021, she returned to Alamance County and reconnected with Elon staff she had worked with as a student.

As an �þ���, Royal worked four years with the dean of students and three years with CREDE, sung in the Elon Gospel Choir and served as an executive intern in admissions. She proudly displays her Elon graduation cap framed in her office next to one she wore from her master’s graduation at George Washington University.

These experiences, along with others in childhood, shaped Royal’s understanding of self and built her confidence. At age nine, she became the youngest person in North Carolina to earn a black belt in karate and later won national championships in sparring. Royal’s mother enrolled her in the sport when she was only four years old and it proved to be an outlet for her to develop and grow when her mother tragically passed when Royal was only five.

Royal’s formative years instilled in her a dynamic understanding of relationships, families and identity, all of which she leverages in her work today.

Royal offers members of Elon’s community workshops, mentorships and events that help others grow their self-confidence and understand their values. She offers a variety of workshops to help students, faculty and staff identify and understand the core and unique identities each participant holds.

“Participants are offered an hour in their day to think about who they are and how they show up in spaces,” she said. “These moments are hard to come by and are so rewarding.”

Royal is also a passionate mentor and a champion of student success, as evidenced by her collection of photos in her office.

One student she is currently working with is Madison McCrainey ’26, a cinema and television arts major.

“Throughout every interaction, Simone has been someone who has encouraged me to be more involved within the Black community and pushed for me to become more confident,” McCrainey said.

Royal said that many of her connections with students have extended past their graduation. “I love continuing relationships with students from undergrad to postgrad. I think it shows how strong the relationships are and how mentorship can be carried over through the years.”

Blake Mobley ’27, a sports management major, is appreciative that Royal is someone he can confide in and who can keep him grounded. Royal is someone he could look up to as a professor in the 1010 class, an Elon alumna and a former member of Greek life.

“Simone has helped and guided me and was one of the first people to really listen to how I was feeling and what I had to say,” he said. “She will never truly know the positive impact that she has had on my college experience and on my life.”

Royal says that people are more similar than different and that it is her mission to open the door for everyone to feel comfortable sharing their heritage, culture and personal self.

“We all are here to help each other in some way or format,” she said. “I want to contribute to making the world a greater place to live in.”

Black History Month

As part of Black History Month, �þ��� is sharing stories through Today at Elon that highlight Black students, faculty and staff who actively contribute to a campus environment where cultural histories and identities are celebrated year-round. In February, Elon is also recognizing the month through a series of events and programming.