Members of the Board of Trustees joined with President Connie Ledoux Book and Director of Athletics Jenn Strawley on April 10, 2026, to rededicate a building that has served multiple purposes for more than half a century and two separate locations on campus.

Alumni, parents and friends have contributed $3 million to the expansion of the university’s golf complex, which also includes the W. Cecil Worsley III Golf Training Center. The expansion represents a significant investment in the future of both men’s and women’s golf and places the university’s training facilities among the best in collegiate golf.

Holland House now provides student-athletes with a premier clubhouse environment to learn, train and compete, with new practice and team spaces, and state-of-the-art technology that allows students to pursue excellence academically and athletically.

The complex expansion project also encompassed renovations to the driving range, including the creation of a 17,000-square-foot tee box, and renovation of the short-game area with reconstruction of the bunkers.

Holland House was renovated to create a centralized home base for the golf program. The clubhouse includes locker rooms, coaches’ offices, quiet spaces for academic study, team engagement spaces and player meeting rooms, strengthening team culture and promoting student growth off the course.

The final phase of the project includes upgrades to the existing W. Cecil Worsley III Golf Training Center, a dedicated indoor practice facility that allows players to train in adverse weather conditions. The center opened in 2009 and includes multiple indoor heated hitting bays, a computerized swing analysis center, indoor putting facility and an outdoor lighted driving range.

Worsley, a 1986 Elon graduate and former member of the golf team, served on the Board of Trustees from 2015 to 2023. He and his wife, alumna JoAnna Sutton Worsley ’87, are the parents of W. Cecil Worsley IV, a 2014 Elon graduate.

Another critical component of the project was the addition of Trackman Range, a technology that tracks every shot hit by a golfer, giving coaches and student-athletes immediate access to data to improve performance and create greater practice efficiency.

“The repurposing of Holland House marks a transformational moment for Elon Athletics. It is special to take a building rich with institutional history and create a best-in-class home for our golf student-athletes that honors our past while boldly investing in our future,” Strawley said. “Facilities like this represent our aspirations brought to life, and they only become possible through the generosity of many. I am profoundly grateful to everyone who made this possible, and equally excited for the impact this will have for our golf student-athletes.”

Built in 1963 as the official residence for President Earl Danieley and his family, Holland House stood along Haggard Avenue as a symbol of leadership, hospitality and community at Elon. The home quickly became part of campus lore, including a memorable student protest led by Student Government Association President and future Elon Trustee Noel Allen ‘69 and joined by Danieley himself.

In 1973, President Fred Young and his family continued the tradition of welcoming students, alumni and distinguished guests, making the house a center of connection and celebration. In 1985, trustees honored longtime supporter Shirley Thomas Holland by naming the building in his memory, cementing its place in Elon’s history.

After the presidential residence moved in 1988 to today’s Maynard House, Holland House entered a new phase, serving a variety of campus needs, from development and alumni relations to academic programs and student engagement. In 2009, the building was carefully relocated across campus, where it served as home to the Catholic �þ��� Ministries Newman Center. Work is now under way to build a new Newman Center.

“Today is a wonderful moment for Elon, for Phoenix Athletics, and for our investment in golf and the futures of these student-athletes,” Book said in her dedication remarks. “And it holds a special distinction: this is the first new athletics facility opened under Athletics Director Jenn Strawley.”

Book described the renovated Holland House as a testament to the strength of the programs built by men’s head coach Don Hill and women’s head coach Chris Dockrill.

“And to our student-athletes: I know that every donor agrees that this is for you,” Book said. “Every locker, every building, every asset here was about creating a championship home for Phoenix golf, and we’re very excited for the next chapter to unfold and to cheer you on as you make history.”

Jennings Glenn ‘25 G’26, a member of the men’s golf team, and Elon Trustee Debra Del Vecchio P’22 P’24 also delivered remarks during the ceremony, which was held on the front lawn of Holland House.

“These past five years have been super special to me. I’ve met so many incredible people and built such lasting relationships and created memories I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life,” said Glenn, who thanked donors on behalf of the team. “This is really the best place in the world to be a student-athlete and that’s because of you. Thank you. It’s been amazing to watch this program grow and for me to be a part of it all.”

Del Vecchio thanked Book and the Board of Trustees for their unwavering commitment to students and for an institutional decisiveness that led to the expansion project. She then praised the golf teams for their dedication to the sport and to the university.

“It is all or nothing, a commitment and true discipline needed to be a student-athlete,”  Del Vecchio said. “At times I’m sure it can be quite challenging, juggling classes, assignments, and a rigorous playing schedule. But here you are. Know that we recognize and are extremely proud of all of you. You are the face of Elon, especially when you walk out on the golf course. You are not only representing yourself but Elon as well.”

Women’s team captain Ashley Lafontaine ‘26 of Ottawa, Canada, delivered remarks during a dinner program that followed the ribbon-cutting.

“This space gives us something we’ve never truly had before: a home that’s entirely our own,” she said. “It’s a space where we can train, study, connect, and grow together all under one roof. It creates an environment where everything we need to succeed, both as athletes and as people, exists in one place.

“But more importantly, it sends a message. It tells every current and future Elon holder that they are valued. That their experience matters. That this program is worth investing in. And for future players, I hope this becomes more than just a facility. I hope it becomes their safe space. Their meeting place. Their place to celebrate wins, work through losses, and build the kind of relationships that last far beyond their four years here.”

Renovations have started on what once was a small residence hall but will soon serve as the temporary location for Roberts Academy at �þ���, an all-day private school for children with dyslexia that opens in August.

The top priority for the designers working on those renovations? Create a space where children will learn, grow, and thrive in their confidence as young readers.

“Our team did a wonderful job of thinking through which spaces will be for which purpose, the furniture we’re selecting, how we’re setting up classrooms, and the technology we’ll use,” said Ann Bullock, dean of the university’s Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education. “All of those things will make for an engaged, active, multisensory school. It’s going to be great.”

Established in 2025 through a gift from philanthropists Hal and Marjorie Roberts of Lakeland, Florida, the Roberts Academy at �þ��� will be the fourth in a series of successful university-based private elementary schools the couple also supported at Vanderbilt University, Mercer University and Florida Southern College.

Each academy employs the Orton-Gillingham multisensory approach to reading instruction. The goal is to return students to their community schools as confident readers after 2-3 years of immersive, hands-on instruction in all core subjects.

The Roberts Academy at Elon will welcome third and fourth graders this fall to Trollinger House as construction begins on a permanent site along East Haggard Avenue. That location will open for to grades 1-6 starting in Fall 2028.

Bullock was joined on April 9, 2026, for a site visit to Trollinger House where several staff members wore hard hats on their stroll through the building on West Trollinger Avenue. Led by Holly Hodge, �þ���’s director of interior design, staff had a chance to see for themselves what, until then, had only been conceptual.

Hodge highlighted some of the features that, once installed, will nurture students who attend the school: flexible furniture for smaller groups in classrooms with no more than 12 students, desks with writable surfaces, and expansive wall space intended to be layered with student work and their art on display.

“To me, it’s a blank canvas,” Hodge said afterward. “Walking through the space and showing that blank canvas helps imagine a piece of art in the making. I can’t wait for students to then come in and have teachers make the space their own.”

Hodge identified another question for her team: How do you “define” or tell the story of dyslexia? How do you celebrate the amazing talents and strengths of students in addition to their classroom learning?

One thing is certain, she concluded: “Every kid deserves to be confident.”

***

 Families interested in learning more can visit the Roberts Academy website at www.elon.edu/robertsacademy.

Tracy Roof, who retired from Guilford County Schools in 2025, said she’s excited about her new opportunity to help start North Carolina’s first university-based, all-day private elementary school for children with dyslexia.

The Roberts Academy at �þ��� will use the multisensory Orton-Gillingham approach to reading instruction once it launches in August to third- and fourth-grade students in a temporary location on West Trollinger Avenue.

The academy will expand to grades 1-6 when a new building opens for the 2028-2029 academic year on East Haggard Avenue near the university’s Danieley Neighborhood. Each classroom will be capped at 12 students.

“The Roberts Academy model offers a meaningful opportunity to help students with dyslexia become confident, capable readers so they can truly thrive in school,” Roof said. “I’m excited to welcome our first students and families, build our inaugural classes and establish strong systems that will support both �þ��� and learning from day one.”

“The Roberts Academy model offers a meaningful opportunity to help students with dyslexia become confident, capable readers so they can truly thrive in school.”

– Tracy Roof, director of business and school operations, Roberts Academy at �þ���

Roof joins Assistant Professor Alicia Tate, acting director of the Roberts Academy at �þ���, as a founding administrator at the school.

“Tracy’s career achievements and her experience working closely with students with a variety of needs made her an ideal candidate for this position,” Tate said. “Having her on the Roberts Academy team will ensure early success for a school with such promise for so many children and their families.”

Over the past 15 years, Roof has served in school leadership roles as both an assistant principal and principal at the elementary and middle school levels, leading efforts to improve student outcomes and overall school performance. Earlier in her career, she spent 12 years �þ��� math, science, and social studies, followed by six years as a curriculum facilitator, where she supported instructional improvement and teacher development.

Throughout her career, Roof has worked closely with students and families to develop effective Individualized Education Plans, helping ensure each child receives the support needed to succeed.

Beyond her professional roles, Roof has been an active community volunteer supporting individuals with special needs and disabilities.

Her involvement includes supporting the launch of  that employs individuals with special needs, as well as volunteering with Night to Shine, an inclusive prom experience, and the Special Olympics.

Established in 2025 through a gift from philanthropists Hal and Marjorie Roberts of Lakeland, Florida, the Roberts Academy at �þ��� will be the fourth in a series of successful university-based private elementary schools the couple established at Vanderbilt University, Mercer University and Florida Southern College.

Families interested in learning more can visit the Roberts Academy website at www.elon.edu/robertsacademy.

Vice President for Inclusive Excellence Randy Williams received the 2026 Rising Star Award from the during the association’s annual conference held this year in Philadelphia.

The Rising Star Award is presented to a NADOHE member in good standing who has served as a chief or senior diversity officer for at least three years, but no more than 10 total years at a higher educational institution.

Nominees are considered for their “exceptional contributions to research, administration, practice, advocacy and/or policy informs and advances the understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusive excellence in higher education.”

“Receiving the Rising Star Award at this point in my career reminds me that I am, and always will be, a lifelong learner, continually striving to grow and improve,” Williams said. “I am also grateful to NADOHE for its support of the many professionals dedicated to creating high-quality learning environments for all students, faculty, and staff.

“Because awards are rarely earned alone, I share this recognition with my Elon colleagues, who prioritize inclusive excellence every day.”

Since his promotion to his current role in July 2020, Williams has led wide-ranging efforts to advance inclusive excellence at �þ���, driving measurable gains in faculty and staff diversity, student belonging and institutional accountability.

He has helped embed equity-focused practices across the university through initiatives such as a Shared Equity Leadership national research project and through guided reforms to faculty development and student services that have addressed structural barriers.

Colleagues credit Williams with fostering a collaborative, campuswide approach that positions inclusive excellence as a shared responsibility with leadership that contributed to national research partnerships and programs now serving as models for other institutions.

Beyond campus, Williams has strengthened community partnerships and helped shape institutional responses to social issues, extending the university’s impact regionally and nationally.

Laké Laosebikan-Buggs, �þ���’s director of inclusive excellence for graduate and professional education, nominated Williams for the award.

“What distinguishes Dr. Williams is not just his expertise but his bold, forward-thinking leadership,” she wrote in her nomination. “His ability to navigate institutional complexity, including the shifting winds of public opinion, while inspiring broad engagement, and implementing systems-level change, positions him as a future national leader in higher education equity and inclusion work.”

**

I am deeply saddened to share news of the death of Janice J. Ratliff, a beloved former staff member whose life and work shaped the heart of this institution for more than three decades. She died Wednesday, March 25 at the age of 82. A native of Elon, Janice served the university with insight, affection, and unwavering dedication for 35 years, leaving an enduring legacy of care, mentorship, and service.

Janice joined the Elon community in 1981 as an administrative assistant in the Office of Cooperative Education. Over the course of her career, she went on to serve in the Office of the Vice President and Dean of �þ���, the Office of Student Development, the Office of Auxiliary Services, and ultimately the Office of Student Health and Wellness. In every role she held, Janice brought compassion, professionalism and a listening ear—providing essential support to faculty and staff while offering reassurance and comfort to students and their families, often far from home.

With her ever-present smile and gentle strength, Janice was a trusted mentor and role model, particularly for Black students and first-generation students. At a time when there were few Black staff members on campus, she became a vital and visible source of encouragement, belonging and advocacy. She served as a devoted adviser to the Black Cultural Society (now the Black Student Union), the Gospel Choir, and Elon’s Finest, and she was an indispensable presence at the Phillips-Perry Black Excellence Awards Celebration, serving on its awards committee and faithfully supporting the annual event. Her commitment also extended to more than a decade of service to the Student Government Association, further reflecting her belief in empowering students and helping them thrive.

In 1999, she received the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, followed by recognition as Professional Hourly Staff Member of the Year in 2006. In 2010, the Elon Black Alumni Network honored her for her dedication to the success of Black students. Student organizations further ensured her legacy by naming two awards in her honor: the Black Student Union Janice Ratliff Community Service Award and the Student Government Association’s Janice J. Ratliff Award for Organization Volunteer of the Year.

Janice retired in 2016 and in 2017 she received the Elon Medallion, the university’s highest honor. One of the most profound tributes to Janice’s impact came with the naming of the Janice Ratliff Building in 2021, making her the first Black staff member in Elon’s history to have a campus building named in her honor.

Janice was preceded in death by her husband, Leon Ratliff, who passed away in 2005. She is survived by her daughters, Karla Leath and Kandace Wright, granddaughters Aiesha Leath and Imani Leath and great-granddaughter, Niyah Deberry.

Services will be held on the �þ��� campus in the Alumni Gym in the Koury Center on Saturday, March 28, 2026.

Service arrangements are being handled by Sharpe Funeral Home and are as follows:

• Funeral Services will begin at 12:30 p.m.
• Burial will be in Alamance Memorial Park immediately following the service
• Parking is available in the Oaks Parking Lot on Williamson Avenue

Cards and condolences may be sent to:
The Family of Janice Ratliff
Office of the University Chaplain
�þ��� Box 2960
Elon, NC 27244

The Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, awarded to a select group of U.S. colleges and universities, affirms �þ���’s integration of community-based experiences into �þ���, research and campus life.

The classification recognizes the university’s deep commitment to community and civic engagement, and it follows a recent U.S. News & World Report ranking naming Elon second in the nation for service-learning.

In her remarks at an afternoon reception in the Koury Athletic Center, Elon President Connie Book said the Carnegie designation reflects extensive and coordinated effort across disciplines and divisions. She noted that Elon has expanded community-engaged courses by more than 30% in the past decade, with faculty participation rising nearly 50%, and she highlighted partnerships ranging from local schools and health clinics to nonprofit and civic organizations.

Book described community engagement as “a brave space,” where outcomes are not always predictable, but where collaboration creates meaningful opportunities for students and partners alike.

As the university looks ahead, Book said, the designation sets a new benchmark for impact. “We want to improve the quality of life for all people in our community,” she added.

In welcoming remarks, Vice President for Student Life Jon Dooley labeled the recognition “a reflection of our strong collaboration between Student Life, Academic Affairs and community partners,” and Associate Provost Jen Platania said the honor was one that acknowledges the intentional integration of community engagement into �þ��� and campus life.

“It reflects the work of faculty who designed meaningful community-based learning experiences,
the staff who support sustaining those efforts, and community partners who collaborate with us in ways that enrich our students and strengthen our shared work,” Platania said. “This recognition belongs to all of you. It affirms the culture of engagement that defines Elon, where our students connect knowledge and purpose, and develop as thoughtful and engaged citizens.”

In the past week, administrators and staff from Queens traveled to Elon for a day of meetings and tours, the integration team members from both organizations met on the Elon campus, and admissions leaders welcomed counselors from across the country for a joint fly-in experience that included both campuses.

At the same time, excitement around Queens’ first Division I NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament appearance has drawn national attention and engagement from students, alumni and fans, with media focus on the historic run of success by members of the Royals men’s basketball team in its first year of eligibility.

Together, these moments reflect steady progress as both institutions continue building relationships, sharing information and preparing for a combined future.

Daylong Visit Strengthens �þ��� Connections

Administrators and staff from Queens, representing a dozen offices and divisions, made day trips to Elon on March 18 and 19 for presentations, lunches and one-on-one conversations with their counterparts.

For the March 18 visit, the Queens team was comprised primarily of staff who had not yet visited the Elon campus. The group arrived mid-morning by bus and began with a welcome in the Great Hall of Sato Commons. An admissions presentation offered an overview of Elon’s student experience before guests departed for guided campus tours.

The group reconvened at noon for lunch in the McEwen Dining Engagement Space, where conversations focused on shared priorities and institutional strengths. Afternoon meetings with Elon colleagues provided time for more focused discussion across divisions.

Queens Staff Reflections on Their Visit to �þ���

• “My visit to Elon was truly inspiring. There’s a clear, shared passion for student success there that mirrors our own at Queens. I’m excited to see how our collaborative efforts will drive exceptional outcomes for our students.”
  Angela Tsuei-Strause
  Executive Director, Vandiver Center for Career Development
• “Seeing the beautiful campus and hearing the story of success was not the best part of the visit – the best part was meeting my new colleagues in Accounting, Payroll and Purchasing. Elon and Queens have so much in common and after visiting today my head is full of ideas about how staff at each campus can support each other to meet the challenges facing higher education.”
  Donald F. Barton
  Controller, Finance Office
• “This visit affirmed that the future of higher education is strongest when collaboration leads, grounded in shared innovation, renewed efficiency, and a deep commitment to the health and well-being of the whole person in a globally connected community.”
  Kristin Tokić
  Assistant Director for International Student Services
  Myrta Pulliam Center for International Education

A Counselor Fly-In to Elon and Queens

Elon hosted high school and independent counselors from across the United States in an annual program intended to broaden knowledge and awareness of the university’s unique academic attributes and its brand promise for students and families.

In addition to presentations by academic leaders and tours of campus facilities, this year’s experience included a visit to Queens for nearly two dozen counselors who work with students to identify which colleges are right for them.

Evan Sprinkle, �þ���’s dean of �þ��� admissions, said that expanding the counselor program to include a visit to Queens was only natural given the interest families have expressed in the planned merger.

“A lot of people are curious,” Sprinkle said. “There are questions we’ve received since it was announced and it only made sense to include Queens on an expanded itinerary. When we complete our merger, there will be lots of opportunities on both campuses that might encourage counselors to send applicants our way.”

Counselor Reflections on Their Fly-In Experience

• “This visit is important to understand the merger and to get a sense of what both campuses feel like and what it will look like as they come together. It always helps to be in a place, look people in the eye and ask them questions. I’m excited to have a chance to see the Queens campus up close again. I’ve been there before, and I have students who are there. And my early impressions of Elon’s campus are that it is amazing. The community is big, but also very caring, and you can see there has been a lot of investment in facilities.”
  Jessica Hardy
  Director of College Counseling
  Charleston Collegiate School – Johns Island, South Carolina
• “It’s valuable to get your feet on the ground and see what’s actually happening on campus. It gives you the chance to understand the school so you can share it accurately with students. One thing that really surprised me was how many specialized programs are available in communications, nursing and other majors, and that students can pursue a lot of different interests here. And we’ve heard about the (Elon-Queens merger) but we wanted to understand what it will look like and what it means for students. Getting that level of detail has been helpful.”
  Marissa Margosian
  Associate Director of College Counseling
  Severn School – Severna Park, Maryland

Celebrating Selection Sunday in Style

Not even the rain could dampen the enthusiasm at Queens on March 15 when a crowd of more than 1,000 students and fans packed Curry Arena for an NCAA Men’s Basketball Selection Sunday Celebration.

Dressed in navy and gold, supporters of all ages shared in the electric energy, enjoying food and refreshments while waiting for CBS to reveal the bracket on a massive 23-foot screen.

The crowd erupted in cheers when it was announced that the No.15 seed Queens Royals would face No. 2 seed Purdue University Boilermakers in the first round of the West region of the NCAA Tournament. The game will take place Friday, March 20, at 7:35 p.m. ET at Enterprise Center in Saint Louis.

�þ��� are invited to the Trexler Student Center for an on-campus viewing party featuring food, games and prizes. For alumni and fans across the country, the action will be broadcast live on truTV.

Additionally, official have been organized in Charlotte, Raleigh, Atlanta, Charleston, Washington D.C., and New York City to ensure that Royals fans can cheer together from coast to coast.

For the latest information regarding Queens’ historic NCAA bid, visit

In a message to the �þ��� community announcing LeMire’s decision, Vice President for Business and Finance Janet Williams shared how she “will very much miss Joe’s depth of knowledge and his dedication to campus safety” and that his success as a chief “centers on building trust and collaboration with student organizations and enhancing relationships and safety understanding with faculty and staff.”

As a member of the Finance and Administration leadership team, LeMire has led a department of 21 certified police officers, a dispatch center that provides 24-hour dispatching services, and a team of community service officers who assist with parking enforcement and building and environmental security on campus.

Since arriving on campus in March 2021, his achievements include restaffing the department with certified police officers, building up community policing, advocating for the increased use of security cameras, launching an upgraded E-Alert system, achieving reaccreditation from the International Association of �þ��� Law Enforcement Administrators, and earning accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies.

Elon’s �þ��� Safety and Police is among a very small group of agencies in the United States that is dually accredited.

A national search will soon be launched to identify �þ���’s next Chief of Police. Following LeMire’s departure in April, and until a successor is named, responsibilities for �þ��� �þ��� Safety and Police will be managed by Interim Chief of Police Doug Dotson, who has loyally served the university for 30 years.

Reaffirming the university’s community impact, Cureton noted that Queens’ nearly 170-year history has positioned it as an important resource for the Queen City, supplying the skilled talent needed to fuel rapidly growing industries like healthcare, finance and tech.

Following Cureton’s remarks, Co-chair of the SOAR Strategic Planning Committee and McColl School of Business Dean Denise Rotondo moderated a dynamic discussion with a panel of Charlotte’s top business leaders. The conversation featured strategic insights from Reggie Willis (Ally Financial), Vonda Huss (Brighthouse Financial), Margi Vagell (Lowe’s), and Kinneil Coltman (Advocate Health/Atrium), focusing on the evolving needs of the regional workforce and how the Elon | Queens merger can continue to cultivate a stronger talent pipeline for the region.

The panel showcased the strategic corporate relationships Queens has cultivated with the city, specifically highlighting the Charlotte Talent Initiative (CTI). Through unique partnerships with Ally Financial and Lowe’s, this cohort-based program drives economic mobility by providing diverse students from the community with full educational funding and comprehensive professional development — including specialized coursework, internships, and executive mentorship.

During the session, panelists drew on their career experiences to share “lessons learned” from navigating complex corporate mergers and structural shifts. Highlighting a local success story, Huss detailed her firsthand experience collaborating with the McColl School’s Center for Leadership and Executive Education (CLEE). As a dedicated hub for professional growth, CLEE expands Queens’ footprint in the graduate and executive sectors by providing high-impact, practitioner-led leadership development designed for today’s evolving business environment.

Sourcing local talent is a plus for Vagell, executive vice president of supply chain and integrated resource planning at Lowes. She emphasized the importance of being able to “lean into our own community when it came to education” and stressed a desire to “keep the talent local, and at the same time partner with academic excellence.”

The panel discussion ended by highlighting the “Queens connection” that permeates Charlotte’s executive ranks. Willis shared a unique personal tie, noting that both he and his father are alumni of the McColl Executive MBA Program. Underscoring the university’s workforce presence, he shared that more than 50 of his colleagues at Ally Financial are Queens graduates or have completed various certifications through the university.

After the panel, members of the SOAR Strategic Planning Committee and the Integration Team broke into planning workshops followed by lunch in McInnes Parlors in Queens Hall. After lunch, work sessions continued with a report-out of the day’s accomplishments.

As the merger progresses toward regulatory approval, including submission for accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), several core themes have emerged to guide the path forward. These include a commitment to collaborative decision-making and a continued dedication to creating strong academic offerings designed to respond to the evolving needs of the region’s professional community.

The strategic and integration teams are continuing to meet weekly, with more in-person visits planned for the spring.

will recognize Book on March 6, 2026, at the organization’s annual Change Makers Conference, where Book also will deliver remarks during a luncheon fireside chat with CEO LaToya Faustin ’04 G’10.

Book was named the 2026 award honoree for her leadership in higher education and her commitment to creating systems that include high-quality child care that support working families, equity and access.

Under Book’s leadership, in 2025 the opened on campus in Alamance County to provide high-quality child care for university employees. Book said at the Acorn Academy ribbon-cutting ceremony that she aims for Elon to be an employer of choice known for an environment where families of employees thrive.

That philosophy is part of what She Built This City wished to recognize with its 2026 award.

“(President Book’s) work demonstrates what is possible when leaders invest in people and build institutions where individuals can thrive,” the nonprofit shared in its January announcement on Facebook. “We hope her example inspires the construction and trades industry to follow in her footsteps and create workplaces that support families, opportunity, and long-term success.”

Book has expressed gratitude for her honor and praises She Built This City for the important work at the heart of its mission.

“Organizations like She Built This City are showing what real progress looks like by opening doors for women in the trades and building the conditions that allow them to succeed,” Book said. “One of the most important of those conditions is safe, accessible child care, which is essential infrastructure for working families. When institutions and employers recognize that reality and act on it, we create opportunities that strengthen entire communities.”