Designed to support the growth and development of emerging and established leaders across the university, MLPI brings together professionals from a wide range of departments and divisions to engage in leadership development, networking, and collaborative learning. This year’s cohort includes 27 members of the Elon community representing diverse functional areas across campus.

The program is co-coordinated by Nita Skillman and Vicki Blocker, with facilitation support provided by Charlotte Williams, David Stout, Kelly Reimer, Laura Igaune Hill and Laura Kappert. Throughout the two-day retreat, participants began building relationships, exploring leadership concepts, and establishing a foundation for the year ahead.

Retreat programming featured several campus leaders and subject matter experts. Collier Lumpkin, associate director of career development for graduate school in the Student Professional Development Center, led a session titled Strengths as a Leader, helping participants explore how individual talents can enhance leadership effectiveness and team performance. Rochelle Stojnic, director of the Office of Professional Development, provided an introduction to the office and highlighted opportunities for continued professional growth across the university. Jim Piatt, senior vice president for advancement and external affairs, concluded the retreat presentations with Elon “from a 50,000-foot view,” offering participants a broad perspective on the university’s history, strategic priorities, and future direction.

Throughout the program year, participants will engage with six core competencies that serve as the foundation of the MLPI experience: inclusive excellence, leadership, building meaningful relationships and mentoring networks, skills development for higher education professionals, wellness and well-being, and understanding university decision-making and culture. These competencies are designed to help participants strengthen their leadership capacity while expanding their understanding of the institution and their impact within it.

As the cohort begins its year-long journey, participants are encouraged to challenge themselves, build meaningful connections, and embrace opportunities for growth that will enhance both their professional development and contributions to the Elon community.

ľĂľĂČČ 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 ľĂľĂČČ 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, ľĂľĂČČ’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 ľĂľĂČČ 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.” ľĂľĂČČ 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 ľĂľĂČČ 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-ľĂľĂČČ 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.”

This work represents an important step forward in the planned merger, which is awaiting a vote from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. That accreditation approval is the first step in a two-step federal approval process before Elon assumes operational oversight of Queens.

As the approval process continues, Elon and Queens are planning to align a number of administrative and operational functions through shared services, beginning June 30. The goal of the shared services model is to strengthen the financial and operational foundation of the future combined institution while ensuring that students continue to receive strong support throughout the transition.

“This next stage is about building the foundation for a stronger future,” said Jeff Stein, chief integration officer and executive vice president. “Leaders from both institutions are working collaboratively and deliberately, and drawing on the strengths, talents and traditions of Elon and Queens to design shared functions that serve students well and position the combined institution for long-term success.”

The shared services model will bring together teams in areas such as admissions and financial aid, advancement, career services, communications and marketing, finance, human resources, information technology, academic advising, facilities, library services, study abroad and other key administrative functions. These areas support the daily operations of both campuses and play an important role in the student experience. Leaders have emphasized that the design process is not simply about combining existing structures, but about creating stronger teams and practices that reflect the best of both institutions.

The merger also builds on Elon’s growing presence in Charlotte, including the expansion of Elon Law and future graduate programs. Queens’ deep roots in the city, distinctive ľĂľĂČČ experience, Division I athletics program and legacy of civic engagement will remain important parts of the combined institution’s future. Athletics programs at Elon and Queens will continue to operate as distinct and separate Division I programs.

For employees, the transition will include direct communication, HR support and detailed information about next steps. Queens employees whose roles are part of the shared services areas will transition to ľĂľĂČČ employment at the end of June and continue in similar roles. Queens employees who transition will move to Elon’s benefits program.

A small number of positions will not continue as part of the shared services structure. Employees in those roles are receiving direct support, including information about open positions at Elon in which they are eligible to apply and career transition resources.

The transition plan also includes onboarding, professional development and culture-building opportunities designed to help newly integrated teams build relationships and establish shared practices. Planned supports include department retreats, leadership workshops, employee resources, buddy programs and ongoing opportunities for feedback and questions.

Throughout the process, Queens will continue to have dedicated leadership guiding campus operations, helping ensure continuity for students, employees and the Charlotte community while federal approvals are pending.

For Elon and Queens, this stage of the work is both practical and forward-looking. It is about aligning systems and teams, but also about shaping a shared future grounded in student success, institutional strength and a commitment to Charlotte.

“The promise of this merger is not only that two institutions will come together,” Stein said. “It is that, together, we can create something stronger — an institution with deeper resources, broader opportunities and an enduring commitment to the students and communities we serve.”

The Employee Volunteer Program was created to allow Elon staff to receive paid leave to volunteer with community organizations, a benefit now formalized through Human Resources. Today, full-time staff working 30 or more hours per week can take up to 16 hours of paid leave annually to support causes that positively impact the quality of life within communities. Beyond the policy itself, the program reflects something deeper.

“Allowing Elon employees to have paid volunteer leave is symbolic of ľĂľĂČČ’s commitment to supporting local communities,” said Bob Frigo, director of the Kernodle Center for Civic Life and assistant dean of campus life.

He emphasizes that engagement is not just a student responsibility, but “it is important for staff and faculty to model the way in terms of being active citizens in our communities.”

For many employees, these hours open doors to experiences that might otherwise be difficult to access during a busy workweek. Kelly Harer, associate director of sustainability for education and outreach, used her volunteer time to work the polls during a local primary election.

“Volunteering is something I’ve been doing my entire life, and I’m so thankful that Elon gives us the opportunity to volunteer during work hours,” she said. Her role involved guiding voters through the process, but the experience became more personal than procedural.

“I volunteered in my own voting precinct; it was lovely to chat with folks that live near me that I might not otherwise get to know,” said Harer.

Nicole Bergen, program assistant for the Kernodle Center for Civic Life, also participated in an experience that highlights the variety and flexibility the program offers. From reading with first graders to participating in Haw River cleanups, she has used her hours to connect with the Alamance County community in multiple ways.

“I am always amazed at what a group of working volunteers can accomplish in such a short time,” she reflected. Whether collecting bags of trash or seeing “a student partner smiling at you the second you appear in the doorway,” Bergen has found both purpose and connection.

For Bergen, who does not live in the county, the program has been especially meaningful.

“It has felt like a lovely adventure to discover the area outside work,” she said, adding that it has reshaped her understanding of her role in the community.

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.

Currently, many teams manage leave in various ways. Some teams use spreadsheets, some use email and all processes include retroactive entry in OnTrack. This updated approach encourages planning when possible, which will create shared expectations between employees and supervisors, and improve how we communicate about time off across departments.

While time away cannot always be planned, this new tool makes it easier for employees to be proactive and collaborative with their leave planning and reporting. The goal is to reduce ambiguity, strengthen coordination and build confidence in how time off is submitted, reviewed and tracked.

Employees and supervisors will use OnTrack to request and approve time away. Requests will be submitted and tracked in a single, consistent system, helping ensure that time away is visible, timely and clearly understood by everyone involved.

This process is designed to support:

• Thoughtful planning between employees and supervisors
• A shared understanding of time-off timelines
• Coordinated scheduling that supports team operations
• Confidence in how time away is managed across the university

Time off matters — for each of us, for our teams, and for the way we work together. By using a consistent, transparent system to plan time away, teams can communicate more easily, and employees can feel confident and supported whenever they need to take time off.

Janet Williams, vice president for finance and administration and chief financial officer

Training and support

Elon is committed to ensuring staff are supported throughout this transition. Leading up to the January and February launches, Human Resources is offering multiple training options to help employees and supervisors engage with the new process and feel informed and prepared. Staff can explore:

Step-by-step training guides – Currently available in document form and coming soon to a centralized page on the HR website. Direct links will be shared in upcoming campus emails.

Video walkthroughs of the process in action

• Bi-Weekly-Paid Staff Video Walkthrough is coming soon

Live training + Q&A sessions

• Supervisors
  • Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 10:00 a.m. – Register + Add to Calendar
  • Monday, Dec. 15 at 2:00 p.m. – Register + Add to Calendar
• Monthly-Paid Staff
  • Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 2:00 p.m. – Register + Add to Calendar
  • Monday, Dec. 15 at 10:00 a.m. – Register + Add to Calendar
• Bi-Weekly-Paid Employees: Sessions coming in January

“We understand that adjusting to something new takes time, ” said Melissa Clodfelter, associate vice president for human resources and chief human resources officer. “Our focus is on making this feel manageable and supportive, whether that means walking through it together in training, or giving you tools you can use on your own terms.”

Missed the preview sessions?

Employees can still watch the Nov. 12 sessions and submit their thoughts:

Feedback from pilot and preview participants has already shaped training materials, and every additional voice helps strengthen the experience.

Questions

For questions at any time, contact hr@elon.edu or visit the .

A new benefits platform will make it easier than ever for ľĂľĂČČ employees to select a range of insurance plans, retirement plans and optional benefits during the fall open enrollment season.

Elon Benefits Hub offers employees more intuitive tools, instructions and secure access to benefits information. The tool was tested this summer during a pilot phase for new employees and for employees with life status changes.

“As an HR office and as a university as a whole, the time was right to modernize our benefits enrollment process and identify a tool that could make the selection and enrollment process simpler and more cohesive,” said Cory Potter, director of HR information systems and data analytics.

One tool offered by the new platform that modernizes and eases open enrollment is an optional integration with AI. Employees can input information like prescriptions, diagnoses and other helpful information about themselves and their family. The platform then offers suggestions for available benefits that suit the specific employee needs and provides a menu of options for easy comparison.

Elon Benefits Hub also makes it easier for employees to visualize their holistic benefits package through a series of acknowledgement windows. As someone makes selections, all benefits, including those that Elon fully funds, must be acknowledged, and descriptions and information are available throughout the process.

What to know about Open Enrollment

The open enrollment period for employees to sign up for their 2026 employee benefits runs Oct. 20-31. Eligible employees will be required this fall to actively enroll or waive coverage for the new plan year. Please note, with the introduction of Elon Benefits Hub, current elections will not automatically carry over. Employees are encouraged to review upcoming email updates from the Office of Human Resources and The Acorn Corner to learn more about their benefits and ways to enroll.

Training and support

2026 Benefits information

Human Resources staff members and vendors will be available in-person during Open Enrollment to answer benefits questions. Employees can call 1-877-382-9808 from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday through Friday during Open Enrollment or attend one of the following sessions:

• Tuesday, Oct. 21, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Benefits Q & A, Oaks Building 212
• Wednesday, Oct. 22, from 7 a.m. – 10  p.m. Dickson Building
• Thursday, Oct. 23, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Moseley 202
• Tuesday, Oct. 28, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. ľĂľĂČČ School of Law, Greensboro
• Wednesday, Oct. 29, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Faculty/Staff Health and Wellness Clinic 301 South O’Kelly Ave.
• Thursday, Oct. 30, 7 a.m. – 10 a.m. Dickson Building
• Thursday, Oct. 30, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Moseley 202

Elon Benefits Hub

As part of the continued progress toward using the Elon Benefits Hub, the Office of Human Resources will be conducting training sessions to ensure benefits-eligible employees are well-prepared.

In-person sessions

• Thursday, Oct. 9, from 11:00 a.m. – Noon, Lakeside 214 Register
• Thursday, Oct. 9, from 4 – 5 p.m., Oaks 212 Register
• Friday, Oct. 10, from 1 – 2 p.m., Oaks 212 ¸é±đ˛µľ±˛őłŮ±đ°ůĚý
• Tuesday,  Oct. 14, from 11:00 a.m. – noon, Lakeside 214 Register
• Tuesday, Oct. 14, from 3 – 4 p.m., Oaks 212 Register
• Thursday,  Oct. 16, from 10 – 11 a.m., Lakeside 214 Register

Please note that a training session for Facilities Management and ľĂľĂČČ Safety & Police will be offered early on Wednesday, Oct. 15, from 7-8 a.m.

Virtual sessions

• Tuesday, Oct. 7, from 1 – 2 p.m., Virtual (Zoom Meeting) ¸é±đ˛µľ±˛őłŮ±đ°ůĚý
• Friday, Oct. 10, from 10 – 11 a.m., Virtual (Zoom Meeting) Register
• Monday, Oct. 13, from 8:30 – 9:30 am, Virtual (Zoom Meeting) Register
• Thursday, Oct. 16, from 4 – 5 p.m., Virtual (Zoom Meeting) ¸é±đ˛µľ±˛őłŮ±đ°ůĚý

Benefits that reflect values and a culture of care

ľĂľĂČČ offers a range of benefits and wellness resources to help employees advance a mission of preparing graduates to be creative, resilient, ambitious and ethical citizens of our global culture.

From competitive health insurance, leave policies, and retirement plans to holistic programs that support emotional, physical, and financial well-being, benefits at ľĂľĂČČ aren’t just a perk, they’re a promise to help you and your family thrive in all stages of life.

Learn more about benefits at Elon. 

Related Articles

• The Month in Photos: August
• The Month in Photos: July
• The Month in Photos: June

The fall 2025 semester is in full swing at ľĂľĂČČ with events across campus, including celebrations for Hispanic Heritage Month and Family Weekend.

View some of the most impactful moments of the past month through the eyes of staff in the Office of University Communications.

Marking history

ľĂľĂČČ unveiled a new historical marker Under the Oaks, next to Schar Hall, as a symbol of the continued connection and relationship between ľĂľĂČČ and the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation Tribe.

Getting organized

ľĂľĂČČ came together on Sept. 17, 2025 for the Fall Organization Fair, a time for the Elon community to showcase different clubs and organizations across campus.

A Common Reading conversation

Award-winning author Alejandra Campoverdi turned the 2025-26 Common Reading Lecture into a conversation, taking questions from Elon students about her life of “extreme contradictions” detailed in her memoir “First-Gen.”

Acorn Academy

Acorn Academy at Elon officially celebrated its opening with a ribbon-cutting on Sept.18, 2025. The on-site child care and early learning facility opened in August with full enrollment of children from infancy to 2 years old whose parents are members of the ľĂľĂČČ community, with plans to expand capacity and age groups in early 2026.

Hispanic Heritage Month

ľĂľĂČČ kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month with a festival on Sept. 19, 2025.

Lessons from Ledecky

Fourteen-time Olympic medalist Katie Ledecky delivered the 2025 Fall Convocation address in Schar Center on Sept. 26, 2025. Before the event, Ledecky met with Elon student-athletes to answer their questions about her career and training.

Phoenix Families

ľĂľĂČČ hosted Family Weekend from Sept. 26-28 with a variety of events including Fall Convocation and a home football game against Hampton University.

During the ribbon cutting, members of senior leadership at Elon, employees of Vivvi (Elon’s child care partner), and officials from the surrounding community gathered in the lobby of the newly-renovated facility.

Melissa Clodfelter, associate vice president for Human Resources and chief human resources officer for Elon, opened the ceremony by addressing the crowd.

“In order for our faculty and staff who are parents of young children to engage in their work, they need to know that their children are being cared for,” said Clodfelter. “This is a daunting task for many, and ľĂľĂČČ campus leaders have lessened this load by supporting the development of Acorn Academy.”

Next to speak was Elon President Connie Ledoux Book who, moments prior, toured the center along with Vivvi Chief Executive Officer Charlie Bonello. Together, they visited the two-year-old classroom to observe learning in action.

“I’m thinking about human transformation and what’s happening inside this building for those very young little acorns that are in the rooms right behind us,” said Book. “I’m grateful for what this signals for our community of workers here,” she added.

Book expressed her desire for Elon to be the employer of choice and to create an environment where the families of employees thrive.

“We’re really grateful to our partnership with Vivvi, who carries this same philosophy and who has also inspired me,” said Book.

In his address, Bonello reflected that parents get brief windows into their children’s daily lives – before and after drop-off and pick-up.

“Here at Acorn Academy, children are sharing their lives within the same community where their parents teach, study and work,” said Bonello. “That integration is uniquely and powerfully Elon, and it’s something these families and children will carry with them forever.”

“Education is the ladder to a better life,” said Cherelle Sharpe, the head of school for Acorn Academy who was instrumental in the curriculum design and regulatory process ahead of school open. “We have the privilege of planting those seeds early, inspiring young minds and encouraging children to become curious and confident lifelong learners.”

Then, to officially celebrate the opening, Book, Bonello, Sharpe and Janet Williams, vice president for Finance and Administration and chief financial officer, joined together for a ribbon cutting.

The ribbon cutting capped a busy back-to-school season for Acorn Academy which enrolled 27 children and their parents.

Parents at Elon Reflect on Child Care Benefit

“Having on-campus child care gives me tremendous peace of mind,” said Ty Goss, program assistant for the Departments of Art and Music in the College of Arts & Sciences. “I know my daughter is close by, which makes mornings much less stressful since I can conveniently drop her off on the other side of campus before heading into work.”

Goss adds that the affordability of Acorn Academy as an Elon employee alleviates the financial burden that comes with child care shortages in the area. She also says the instruction and care at the facility are excellent and reflect Elon’s support of working families.

“Having our child attend school on campus with other Elon faculty and staff children is a wonderful benefit for both us and him,” said Mustafa Akben, assistant professor of management and director of artificial intelligence integration. “He’s making friends and building his own Elon community, and we enjoy simple family moments like stopping by the Thursday farmer’s market after school.”

Akben describes child care as one of the most meaningful benefits an employer can provide and a way to support families. He also shared praise for the Acorn Academy staff keeping him updated throughout the day.

“Acorn Academy provides more than just child care—it offers an immersive early learning environment where children are actively engaged and supported,” said Smaraki Mohanty, assistant professor of marketing and Doherty Emerging Professor of Entrepreneurship.

She added that having child care as an employee benefit significantly enhances her ability to be fully present and productive in her work at Elon. “It provides peace of mind knowing that my child is in a safe, nurturing environment, which allows me to focus on ľĂľĂČČ, research and service without the constant concern of managing care logistics,” said Mohanty.

She also shared praise for the attention each Acorn Academy staff member affords to each child to create a nurturing space that promotes both emotional and cognitive development.

“Having quality child care so close to where I work and live makes my experience as a working parent more realistic and sustainable,” said Becca Bishopric Patterson, associate director for the Gender & LGBTQIA Center. “I am so thankful that Elon has chosen to make this investment in the well-being of our families.”

Patterson expressed gratitude for Acorn Academy making it easy for parents and teachers to collaborate and she said the teachers have been kind, thoughtful and communicative.

What’s Next

In early 2026, Acorn Academy will open preschool classrooms to welcome children ages 3-5.

Elon employees and students who are parents can learn more about Acorn Academy by visiting their .

The new Title IX training sessions will expand the capabilities of education offered through the Title IX office.

“In the past, Title IX training sessions focused only on those who were required to report incidents of sexual harassment. We want to go beyond compliance, and the new workshops aim to do just that,” said Megan Karbley, director of compliance and Title IX coordinator. “The goal for these workshops is connection, not compliance. I hope the community feels a deeper sense of connection not only to campus resources, but each other, as we cultivate opportunities to talk to each other about how to hold both support and accountability at the same time.”

Two of the new workshops, “Beyond the Rumors” and “Creating Supportive Spaces”, draw inspiration from restorative practices, and will emphasize reflection and community responsibility. In these workshops, the Title IX office will bring participants together in a circle and answer a series of reflection prompts. This format is designed not only to inform, but also create space for meaningful conversations about healing and support.

Each workshop explores a different aspect of community response to sexual harm. “Creating Supportive Spaces: Working with ľĂľĂČČ Affected by Sexual Violence” is designed for those who want to deepen their ability to support students impacted by sexual violence — whether survivors or those accused. Through guided discussion in a small-group setting, attendees will explore their roles in facilitating supportive measures, managing complex situations, and creating environments rooted in care and accountability.

“Beyond the Rumors: When Someone You Know is Accused of Harm” will provide an opportunity for small groups to explore how to respond when someone in the community is accused of causing harm. Participants will consider what it means to navigate these situations with care, accountability, and compassion, and learn about support options available.

The third new offering takes a more structured and informational approach. “Referral to Resolution: A Step-By-Step Guide Through the Title IX Process” will offer details on how Title IX cases progress, from the initial referral through the resolution, highlighting key roles, procedures, and timelines along the way.

The Title IX Office will also continue to offer the “Title IX Foundations” workshop that introduces the key principles of Title IX. This session offers a clear understanding of rights, responsibilities, and available support through Title IX.

All four workshops can be tailored for faculty, staff and student audiences. There are several workshops scheduled throughout the year for anyone interested in participating. Workshops can also be scheduled for groups upon request. Visit the Title IX website to access the workshop schedule or submit a workshop request.