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.”

Elon Law received an “A,” the highest rating in of law schools expanding access and success. Elon Law is among 21 schools to earn an “A” nationally. It is the only law school in North Carolina named to the honor roll and among only three in the Southeast recognized in the list.

Schools were evaluated for the unranked list based on the scope and maturity of their programs, including evidence of scale and measurable impact. According to the National Jurist, institutions rated at an “A” demonstrate “multiple, well-established access strategies that work together to lower barriers to entry and persistence. The Honor Roll is a recognition of meaningful action at a moment when access pathways matter more than ever.”

Elon Law’s distinctive academic model was singled out, noting that its 2.5-year J.D. program and the part-time Flex Program in Charlotte “reduce cost and widen access” to legal education.

The recognition reflects Elon Law’s continued focus on removing barriers to the legal profession while preparing students for practice through hands-on learning.

“Elon Law is the access law school. It’s who we are, and it’s in everything we do,” said Dean of Elon Law Zak Kramer. “Our job is to open the door to the legal profession and prepare students to walk through it ready to serve with skill, integrity and purpose.”

The school’s accelerated 2.5-year J.D. program in Greensboro allows students to complete their degree more quickly and enter the profession sooner than traditional law programs. The Flex Program in Charlotte provides a part-time evening pathway designed for working professionals and place-bound students seeking greater flexibility.

�þ��� and Elon Law have applied to the American Bar Association to launch a full-time, 2.5-year J.D. program in Charlotte beginning in Fall 2027.

The Honor Roll recognition complements Elon Law’s strong national reputation for experiential learning. Elon Law is the only law school in North Carolina to earn an A+ rating for Practical Training from PreLaw Magazine, the National Jurist’s sister publication.  Elon Law has placed in the top 10 with an A+ rating annually since 2023.

Together, these distinctions highlight Elon Law’s commitment to expanding access to legal education while ensuring graduates enter the profession with the skills and experience needed to serve clients and communities.

About Elon Law

Elon Law is the preeminent school for engaged and experiential learning in law. With a focus on learning by doing, it integrates traditional classroom instruction with a required residency-in-practice field placement for all full-time students during the winter or spring of their second year. The law school’s distinctive full-time curriculum provides a logically sequenced program of professional preparation and is accomplished in 2.5 years, which offers exceptional value by lowering tuition and permitting graduates early entry into their careers.

Elon Law has graduated nearly 2,000 alumni since opening its doors in 2006. Its annual enrollment now tops 540 students. The law school is regularly featured in PreLaw Magazine’s “Best Schools for Practical Training” rankings, maintaining an A+ rating and Top 10 placement annually since 2023. Elon Law was also among schools highlighted by Bloomberg Law in 2023 for its innovative approach to student development.

In downtown Greensboro, the Elon Law campus spans several buildings within a two-block radius adjacent to the judicial hub of central North Carolina. Courts a short walk from the law school include the U.S. District Court and U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of North Carolina. Several branches of the North Carolina General Court of Justice, including the Superior, District, Drug Treatment, Mental Health and Small Claims Courts, are within walking distance. Dozens of large, medium and small law firms, as well as municipal offices, are likewise located nearby.

Elon Law is one of only a handful of law schools in the nation to house a working court with the North Carolina Business Court hearing cases in the Robert E. Long Courtroom on the Greensboro campus. The Long Courtroom annually hosts oral arguments of the North Carolina Court of Appeals and has twice welcomed the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.

In Charlotte, the Elon Law Flex Program — a part-time, in-person J.D. program for working professionals and place-bound students, launched in fall 2024. Housed at �þ���’s national campus in Charlotte, the Flex Program is designed to be completed in just under four years. It enrolled its second cohort in fall 2025.

Jsaela Barrow L’26, Jennifer Carbajal L’26, Tarrah Casey L’26, Adriana Hernandez Ordonez L’25, and Elyanna Smith L’26 will meet biweekly with Laké Laosebikan Buggs, �þ���’s director of inclusive excellence for graduate and professional education, while participating in Student Bar Association meetings and acting as liaisons for their classmates. Student fellows elevate student perspectives, support inclusive programming and dialogue, and contribute to ongoing efforts to strengthen belonging, equity, and engagement across the law school community.

“Our Inclusive Excellence Fellows play a vital role in helping Elon Law live our values every day,” Laosebikan-Buggs said. “Through their leadership, scholarship, and service, they strengthen our community and help ensure that students feel seen, supported, and empowered to succeed.”

These student fellows join Associate Professor of Law Chrystal Clodomir, who is continuing for a second year as the dean’s faculty fellow for inclusive excellence, in advancing inclusive �þ��� practices, in advancing inclusive �þ��� practices and supporting neurodivergent students.

During the 2024–25 academic year, Clodomir led a comprehensive study examining neurodivergent law students’ academic experiences through listening sessions, student surveys, and extensive legal research. The project engaged students, faculty, and student organizations in conversations about classroom practices, accessibility, and belonging, and led to the development of faculty resources.

In 2026, Clodomir will build on this foundation by developing accessible resources for students and educators, expanding her scholarship, and strengthening institutional practices that promote inclusive �þ��� and learning.

Carbajal will assist Clodomir in the research process this year.

“Professor Clodomir’s selection for a second year as Faculty Inclusive Excellence Fellow reflects both the impact of her work and the promise of what she continues to build at Elon Law,” said Laosebikan-Buggs. “Through her leadership in advancing inclusive excellence, neurodiversity, and student support, she has strengthened our academic community. Her work transforms moments that can feel vulnerable for students into pathways for empowerment, academic success, and professional confidence, and continues to move our community toward a truly inclusive culture.”

The 2025-2026 Elon Law Inclusive Excellence Fellows

Jsaela Barrow L’26

Hometown: Morehead City, North Carolina
Alma Mater and Major: Master of Public Health, Eastern Virginia Medical School; B.S. in Biology, Campbell University
Intended Practice Area: Health Law and Policy
Involvement and Leadership Roles: Elon Law Advocacy Fellow, Black Law �þ��� Association, and Society for Health Law & Bioethics

“As a Black woman entering a profession in which we represent only 4% of attorneys nationwide, I am deeply grateful to attend a law school that values not only my academic ability, but also my perspective. Being in this space, I know the importance of advocating not just for myself, but for others as well. As an Elon Law inclusive excellence fellow, I am committed to strengthening every law student’s sense of belonging, while actively advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion within our law school community. Through leadership and advocacy, I strive to lead with purpose and help cultivate an environment where every student feels seen, heard, and genuinely supported.”

Jennifer Carbajal L’26

Hometown: Salisbury, North Carolina
Alma Mater and Major: B.A. in Political Science, Catawba College
Intended Practice Area: Immigration and Civil Rights Law
Involvement and Leadership Roles: Vice President of Hispanic and Latinx Law �þ��� Association; 2L representative in Honor Council; Professionalism and Social Chair of Immigration Law Society; Co-Chair of Community and Development for Student Mentors; Member of First Gen. Society

“I came into law school knowing that I wanted to advocate for others, and knew immediately that I wanted to be a part of the inclusive excellence fellows. I want to use my voice and my position to advocate for individuals who have concerns that may sometimes be overlooked. I hope that throughout my time in my position, I can leave behind a safe place for students to feel comfortable to advocate for themselves and have difficult conversations that need to be addressed in such tumultuous times.”

Tarrah Casey L’26

Hometown: Greenville, South Carolina
Alma Mater and Major: B.A. Philosophy, Coastal Carolina University
Intended Practice Area: Disability Law, Criminal Law, Special Education Law
Involvement: Honor Council Election Council Committee Co-Chair; student mentor; Elon Reaches Out committee member; Parents Attending Law School; Andrew G. Bennett Student Wellness Innovation Grant Recipient; Phi Alpha Delta;
Criminal Law Teaching Assistant

“My goal is to become the kind of lawyer who doesn’t just navigate the law, but helps transform it — creating pathways, expanding access, and making sure every person has the chance to be seen, heard, and valued. Law gives me the tools to transform lived experiences into policy solutions, to challenge structures that perpetuate inequity, and to ensure that dignity and opportunity are not privileges but rights. I’m pursuing this profession because I believe lawyers have a responsibility to stand in the gap: to speak when others cannot, to navigate complexity on behalf of those who shouldn’t have to, and to push institutions toward justice, compassion, and accountability.”

Adriana Hernandez Ordonez L’25

Hometown: Snow Hill, North Carolina
Alma Mater and Major: B.A. in Criminology & B.A. in Sociology, Eastern Connecticut State University
Intended Practice Area: Business Law & Real Estate
Involvement and Leadership Roles: President of Hispanic & Latinx Law Student Association; Academic Fellow; Elon Law Mentor; Moot Court Board

“As a first-generation Hispanic student, pursuing a legal education is both deeply personal and purpose-driven. Entering law school meant learning to navigate an unfamiliar environment while carrying the expectations and sacrifices of my family with me. At Elon Law, I found a community that affirmed my identity and encouraged me to lead with authenticity. As an inclusive excellence fellow, I hope to support students who may feel uncertain or marginalized by reminding them that their experiences are valuable and their voices matter. I am committed to advocating for equity within the legal profession and uplifting those whose perspectives are too often overlooked or misunderstood.”

Elyanna Smith L’26

Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina
Alma Mater and Major: B.A. in Political Science, University of North Carolina, at Charlotte
Intended Practice Area: Civil and Criminal Litigation
Involvement and Leadership Roles: Professionalism Chair of the Hispanic/Latinx Law Student Association; member of the Criminal Law Society; Participant in Lawyers for Literacy program through the Pro Bono Board

“As an inclusive excellence fellow, I hope to make Elon Law a safe space for all. I have seen how access, representation, and inclusion can shape someone’s sense of belonging, and how the absence of those things can limit opportunities. I chose this role because I want to be part of the ongoing effort to ensure that the legal field evolves into one that welcomes and values everyone.”

About the Dean’s Faculty Fellow for Inclusive Excellence

Chrystal Clodomir is an associate professor of law at Elon Law’s Greensboro campus. Since 2021-22, she has taught courses in Legal Method & Communication, Education Law, Family Law and Secured Transactions. Prior to joining Elon, Clodomir graduated from Rutgers University and Cornell Law School and practiced law for over 15 years in a variety of practice areas including family law, education law and criminal prosecution.

A graduate of Rutgers University and Cornell University School of Law, Clodomir practiced criminal law in New York and education law in Delaware prior to moving to North Carolina in 2018 and originally joining the legal staff of the Children’s Law Center of Central North Carolina.

“I’m honored to continue this work as the dean’s faculty fellow for inclusive excellence,” Clodomir said. “Over the past year, listening to students and learning from their experiences has reinforced how important it is to build learning environments that recognize and support different ways of thinking and learning. This next phase of my work will focus on creating accessible resources, strengthening inclusive �þ��� practices, and helping ensure that every student has the tools and confidence to succeed in law school and in the legal profession.”

Once the additional program is approved and launched, Elon Law will offer three North Carolina-based options for law students:

• A full-time, 2.5-year Juris Doctor program in Charlotte
• A part-time, 4-year Elon Law Flex Program in Charlotte
• A full-time, 2.5-year Juris Doctor program in Greensboro

“The need for graduate and professional programs in one of our nation’s fastest-growing cities makes the launch of a full-time law program a natural next step for Elon Law,” said �þ��� President Connie Ledoux Book. “�þ��� is deeply committed to serving the Charlotte community by introducing new and innovative programs that enhance educational offerings for professionals and address the expressed needs of the region.”

�þ��� is deeply committed to serving the Charlotte community by introducing new and innovative programs that enhance educational offerings for professionals and address the expressed needs of the region.

– �þ��� President Connie Ledoux Book

The new full-time J.D. program in Charlotte will mirror Elon Law’s existing, nationally recognized curriculum and successful approach to experiential learning. It also will expand the reach of the school’s robust law alumni network in a metropolitan region where a significant number of Elon Law graduates live and practice.

With the launch of this additional program, Elon Law will have a full-time presence in two cities that are home to influential federal courts — the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina in Greensboro, and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina in Charlotte — as well as the state court system; federal, state and municipal government agencies; and nonprofits that provide legal services to underserved communities.

The full-time Elon Law program plans to enroll a class of about 75 students, a size that allows Elon Law to strategically develop partnerships with Charlotte’s legal community and provide options for future growth. Elon Law students in Charlotte will complete a full-time, course-connected residency-in-practice with a practicing attorney or judge during their second year.

“Elon Law’s advantage is that our students learn the law by practicing it in the community,” said Zak Kramer, dean of �þ��� School of Law. “We’ve been part of Charlotte for years. This is about deepening those relationships, building new ones and doing more through the community-connected model we’ve developed in Greensboro.”

Beginning in Fall 2027, Elon Law plans to operate both of its law programs from the Queens University of Charlotte campus, either upon completion of the planned merger of the two institutions or through a lease agreement.

Applications will be accepted starting in August 2026. Per ABA requirements, offers of admission will not be extended until formal permission is granted.

Visit www.elon.edu/law for more information and updates on Elon Law’s offerings for aspiring attorneys.

What They’re Saying

• “I am delighted to learn that Elon Law is expanding its presence in Charlotte with the addition of a full-time program. As our city continues its remarkable growth, offering both part-time and full-time law school options will strengthen access to legal education and serve the needs of our community. Charlotte’s dynamic business environment attracts law firms and companies from across the country, creating new opportunities for lawyers and increasing the demand for legal services. Elon’s expansion ensures that Charlotte remains a hub for legal talent and innovation—a vision we all share and support.  As president of the Mecklenburg Bar Association, I look forward to collaborating with Elon Law to provide networking and professional development opportunities that will enrich the experience of future lawyers and strengthen our legal community.” – Sarah Motley Stone, partner, Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP, and 2025-26 president of the Mecklenburg Bar Association
• “As a native of Charlotte and a practicing attorney in this community, I am excited about Elon Law’s plans for a full-time J.D. program in Charlotte. As a major metropolitan region, Charlotte-Mecklenburg has a growing need for legal services across both the public and private sectors. Establishing a law school here creates a pathway for aspiring attorneys to earn their law degrees in Charlotte, benefit from mentorship and experiential opportunities within our region’s legal profession and remain here to begin their legal careers. This will advance the legal profession and broader legal community” – Dena King, partner, Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP, former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina
• “Locales in our state and region with far less complexity than Charlotte have long been enriched by local institutions of legal education and training. That same need has persisted here for many years. A growth explosion in our community requires — now more than ever — an expanded pool of skilled and proficient attorneys to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law, particularly in public interest law. The safety and vitality of our community depend on preparing the next generation of prosecutors here in Charlotte, and Elon Law’s experiential programs cultivate competent and credible practitioners, rooted in a community they can serve and support throughout their legal careers.” – Spencer B. Merriweather III, Mecklenburg County District Attorney

About �þ��� School of Law

Elon Law is the preeminent school for engaged and experiential learning in law. With a focus on learning by doing, it integrates traditional classroom instruction with a required residency-in-practice field placement for all full-time students during the winter or spring of their second year. The law school’s distinctive full-time curriculum provides a logically sequenced program of professional preparation and is accomplished in 2.5 years, which offers exceptional value by lowering tuition and permitting graduates early entry into their careers. Elon Law is regularly featured in PreLaw Magazine’s “Best Schools for Practical Training” rankings, maintaining an A+ rating and Top 10 placement annually since 2023. The Elon Law Flex Program, a part-time, in-person program of legal study, launched at �þ���’s Charlotte campus in 2024. Tailored to students whose work or other obligations make Charlotte the ideal place to earn their law degree, the program is designed to be completed in four years and currently enrolls 77 students.

About �þ���

�þ��� is a nationally recognized leader in engaged, experiential learning that prepares graduates to be creative, resilient, ambitious and ethical citizens of our global culture. At Elon, more than 7,000 students learn through hands-on experiences and close working relationships with faculty and staff. More than 70 �þ��� majors are complemented by professional and graduate programs in law, business administration, business analytics, accounting, education, higher education, physician assistant studies and physical therapy.

�þ��� hosted affinity celebrations on Dec. 11, 2025, for students in the School of Law and School of Health Sciences set to graduate the following day at Commencement exercises inside Alumni Gym.

Coordinated by the Division of Inclusive Excellence with support from additional university offices and programs, the three affinity celebrations inside the Lakeside Meeting Room honored and recognized the rich histories and cultures of Elon’s community.

A heartfelt program to recognize ‘authentic selves’

Elon’s Lavender Celebration, coordinated by the Gender and LGBTQIA Center and the Division of Inclusive Excellence, recognized seven graduating students from Elon’s School of Health Sciences and School of Law as allies and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

“We celebrate you: your hard work, your resilience, and the unique journeys that have brought you here,” Melissa Scales, associate professor of physical therapy education, said in her welcoming graduates. “Each of you has made a significant impact, not only through your academic achievements, but also by being your authentic selves and advocating for a more inclusive world.”

Each student received a rainbow stole and heard a personal tribute from friends, family and faculty, including Scales, Assistant Professor Bob Minarcin and Krista Contino Saumby, associate director of career development for Elon Law.

Among the tributes were those to Taylor Streuli L’25, executive director of OUTLaw. Minarcin, also OUTLaw’s faculty co-adviser, called their kindness and courage “a superpower” that connects people.

“Taylor’s constant efforts to improve both Elon and our broader community come from a place of genuine love and bravery,” said Minarcin, recalling OUTLaw’s trip to the Lavender Law Conference where Streuli fearlessly engaged with everyone. “Keep being you, Taylor — the world desperately needs more people willing to introduce themselves to an entire bar full of lawyers.”

Scales celebrated Raya Cubley, a Doctor of Physical Therapy candidate in the School of Health Sciences. “Raya advocates fiercely for equity — for her peers and for her patients,” Scales said. “She is brilliant, compassionate, and unapologetically herself.”

Closing the ceremony, Luis Garay, director of the Gender and LGBTQIA Center,  recognized the importance of family and friends in supporting the achievements of these graduate students.

“As we close our time together, I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all our Lavender graduates,” Garay said. “We hope the messages shared today inspire our community as we continue to support you beyond this moment.”

¡Celebremos! honors journeys, roots and communities

Heritage, community and the journeys that shaped graduates were at the heart of the ¡Celebremos! Graduates Take Flight ceremony, which honored nine Latinx/Hispanic students from Elon Law and the School of Health Sciences.

“When you think about today, think back to when you first dreamed of receiving a professional degree,” Adriana Hernandez Ordonez L’25 said during her keynote address. “The same person who worked hard every single day to accomplish their goals is the same person sitting here, now waiting to walk on the stage.”

In its third year for December graduates of Elon Law and the School of Health Sciences, ¡Celebremos! recognizes the achievements of students as well as the “villages” of family and friends whose support has been instrumental throughout their educational journey.

Building on that reflection, Hernandez Ordonez reminded graduates of the meaningful influence they’ll bring to the communities they serve.

“Our families are the emotional support we held onto through this journey,” Hernandez Ordonez said. “Our roots keep us grounded and remind us of where we come from, even when life becomes overwhelming.”

During the ceremony, each graduate received a stole adorned with a monarch butterfly design created by Carolina Ferreyros ’20. As graduates received their stoles, faculty read heartfelt letters they had written to members of their “village,” sharing gratitude, acknowledgment and reflections that honored their heritage and culture.

“This stole symbolizes the journey that brought you to Elon,” said Sylvia Muñoz G’02, assistant dean of students and director of the Center for Race, Ethnicity and Diversity Education.

The ceremony concluded with an alumni presentation that welcomed graduates into the Elon alumni family and underscored the value of staying engaged and lending voices to a community that now extends beyond campus.

“Your paths to this moment have taken many shapes,” said La’Tonya Wiley ’97, assistant director for alumni affinity engagement. “Some of you studied on main campus, others at locations across the region and in immersive placements far beyond North Carolina. Regardless of where you learned, you are now part of a global alumni community rooted in connection, culture, and shared purpose.”

Donning of the Kente celebrates identity, journey and achievement

A ceremony that celebrates the achievements of graduating students who recognize their African roots included keynote remarks from a former chief justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court.

In her address, Cheri Beasley, �þ���’s Justice Sandra Day O’Connor Professor, encouraged graduating students to claim their future – even if those futures are uncertain.

“This moment really is about who you are as people of color in your African heritage and all that you’ve accomplished,” Beasley said. “I hope that you have begun to take the time to relish in your accomplishments and think about what this journey has really meant for you.”

Each graduate who participated in the afternoon program received a handwoven kente cloth stole imported from Ghana to be worn during Commencement. Elon faculty and staff read tributes written by student’s faculty, family and friends, as each graduate stood before the audience.

The kente cloth symbolizes prestige in many African societies dating to the 12th century. Worn during ceremonial events by royalty and important figures of state in Ghanaian society, the kente cloth is a visual representation of African history, philosophy ethics, oral literature, moral values, social code of conduct, religious beliefs, political thought and aesthetic principles.

Beasley discussed her own meaningful trip to the village in Ghana where the kente cloth is made and how a student’s educational and career journey is comparable to the journey of the cloth itself.

“Your career will be filled with unexpected twists and turns,” said Beasley. “Many of your twists will be joyous, and other times less so, and I also know that transition often does cost stress. Life happens that way, much like that woven loom that creates the Kente, that takes months to develop this really beautiful piece of fabric. But you put in the investment and the hard work, and you always see the fruits of your labor.”

The Rev. Kirstin Boswell, �þ���’s chaplain and dean of multifaith engagement, opened the ceremony with an invocation that was followed by an introduction from Maha Lund, dean of the School of Health Sciences.

“You have crossed rivers that your professors couldn’t see. You have spoken truths that your peers could not hold. You have spoken truths that your peers could not hold. You have carried the weight of brilliance and burden of community and of contradiction. And still, you continue to rise,” Boswell said. “This kente cloth, this sacred ritual, this moment, is not performance. It is a moment of proclamation. You are the ones who made it.”

Closing the ceremony, Elon Law Dean Zak Kramer reminded students to celebrate their accomplishments but get ready to do the work of their professions.

“We expect you to throw your all into that, because we need you. Our communities need you. The world needs you,” Kramer said. “It means the world to us that you started that journey, which will be long, but you started here. And you will always be part of Elon.”

The 182 members of the class were selected from nearly 1,000 applications.

Together, the Class of 2027 brings rich and varied experiences to Elon Law, with a large number already demonstrating strong ties to the legal profession. Many have experience as paralegals, legal assistants, and interns in law firms, courts and judges’ chambers. Others served as deputy clerks, Guardians ad litem, or worked in jury research. One member also served as a police officer.

Outside the legal field, students include former teachers, real estate brokers, tax accountants, policy interns, and a staff assistant to a U.S. Senate committee.

“The Class of 2027 brings an impressive range of backgrounds, achievements, and aspirations to Elon Law,” said Alan Woodlief, vice dean and professor of law. “We were bowled over by the things they’ve achieved before arriving, and we’re excited to see what they will accomplish as students at Elon Law.”

Total Enrollment (as of Aug. 7, 2025): 182

• The highest in the school’s history, surpassing the 173 enrolled in Class of 2023

Average Age: 25 (ranging from 19 to 61)

Female-to-male ratio: 61% / 39%

�þ��� of Color: 30%

Top States Represented:

The class hails from 31 different states across the U.S.

• North Carolina: 47%
• South Carolina: 8%
• Florida: 7%
• Virginia: 6%
• Pennsylvania: 5%

Higher education:

Ninety colleges and universities are counted among the alma maters of those in the Class of 2027. The top universities represented:

• UNC-Chapel Hill, Appalachian State University and the University of South Carolina (12 each)
• UNC-Charlotte (9)
• N.C. State (7)
• �þ���, East Carolina, UNC-Greensboro, Clemson and the University of Central Florida (5 each)
• Wake Forest and the College of Charleston (4 each)
• High Point, James Madison, UNC-Asheville and UNC-Wilmington (3 each)

Many other private and public institutions are represented, including: Auburn University, Catawba College, Louisiana State University, the University of Arizona, the University of Georgia, the University of Oklahoma, and the University of Tennessee-Knoxville.

More than 35 majors are represented in the class, with the most common being political science, criminal justice, business, history, psychology, sociology, economics, criminology, English and biology.

Eighteen members of the class already hold advanced degrees, including one member of the class with a medical degree. Many members of the class studied abroad in countries that include Australia, Denmark, France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Morocco and the United Kingdom.

Hobbies, interests and service

Six members of the Class of 2027 have served in the military, including five in the U.S. Army and one in the Marine Corps.

Many have been active in their communities and indicated a desire to serve in a greater capacity. The class includes at least two Eagle Scouts and an AmeriCorps member, and others have served through mission trips and by volunteering with the Boys & Girls Club and Habitat for Humanity.

One member of the class was a professional soccer player, and several are half-marathoners. Members of the class are weightlifters, swimmers, rugby players and hikers.

One is a composer and playwright, and the class includes several award-winning pianists. Others play tuba, flute and baritone. Several have acted in theater productions, sung in choirs, and one is a salsa dancer.

“This class brings a remarkable spirit of service, energy and purpose to our community,” Woodlief said. “Their enthusiasm is matched by a focus on making a difference, and we look forward to seeing how they channel that drive into meaningful engagement at Elon Law and the greater Greensboro community.”

Orientation week programming for the Class of 2027 included New Student Convocation, Aug. 5, in Alumni Gym on �þ���’s main campus, a professionalism lunch, and a day spent getting to know each other through activities, exercises and sessions led by Elon Law and �þ��� leadership.

About �þ��� School of Law

Elon Law is the preeminent school for engaged and experiential learning in law. With a focus on learning by doing, it integrates traditional classroom instruction with a required, full-time residency-in-practice field placement for all full-time students during the winter or spring of their second year. The law school’s distinctive curriculum offers a logically sequenced program of professional preparation and is accomplished in 2.5 years, which provides exceptional value by lowering tuition and permitting graduates early entry into their careers.

Elon Law has graduated more than 1,700 alumni since opening its doors in 2006. Its annual enrollment now tops 500 students and the law school is regularly featured in the top tier of PreLaw Magazine’s “Best Schools for Practical Training” rankings. The Elon Law Flex Program, a part-time, in-person program of legal study for place-bound students at �þ���’s Charlotte campus, welcomes its second cohort in Fall 2025.

She circulates halls and common areas, smiling and waving at familiar faces, sparking new relationships with her easy humor and boisterous laugh. She welcomes them in, counsels them, hears and advocates for them. Elon’s inaugural director of inclusive excellence for graduate and professional programs recognizes the simple fact: We all want to belong. And she has the magic touch to foster that belonging.

“Dr. Buggs truly has a way with people. When you see her in the halls, there is rarely a time when she doesn’t stop to talk to a student, professor or staff member. She isn’t just talking to make light conversation, but cares about all the interactions she has,” said Gianna Landrum L’25, an Elon Law Diversity Fellow — a program Buggs established to enhance inclusive excellence at the law school and in the legal profession. “I’m in awe of her ability to connect with those whose identities she does not share because she makes the effort to learn.”

This month, Buggs was recognized with a . The annual awards honor professionals who champion inclusive excellence in workplaces, across the community and beyond. She will join other honorees and their guests at a June 12 reception at the N.C. A&T University Student Center ballroom and be featured in a June 27 special issue.

To those who’ve worked closely with Buggs — in the Division of Inclusive Excellence, at Elon Law, the School of Health Sciences, the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education and the Love School of Business — Buggs’ recognition is no surprise.

“Laké is a wonderful resource and provides valuable support for Elon’s graduate students,” said Rebecca Kohn, provost and vice president of academic affairs. “She creates an environment where they are welcomed and heard, and we all benefit from her perspectives. Through vital conversations in graduate programs across �þ���, students are prepared to serve the communities and clients they will engage with during their careers.”

She creates an environment where they are welcomed and heard, and we all benefit from her perspectives. Through vital conversations in graduate programs across �þ���, students are prepared to serve the communities and clients they will engage with during their careers.

Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Rebecca Kohn

Randy Williams, vice president for inclusive excellence and associate professor of education, said Buggs’ effective advocacy for graduate and professional students allowed the university to be more conscious of their needs, “positioning Elon to make decisions that enable them to flourish.” Williams was a 2021 Leader in Diversity honoree.

“Laké exudes genuine warmth and empathy, which are powerful tools for engaging those whom she encounters. In turn, people are quick to trust her in guiding their decisions and accessing the many resources �þ��� offers,” Williams said.

Passionate advocacy, unwavering support

To hear Buggs tell it, there’s no secret to what she does.

“Everybody can do this work. You don’t need a title,” she reflected recently. “We change the whole experience for our students when each of us is invested in their well-being and belonging.”

Listening goes a long way. Buggs watches for areas where students may struggle, attends to the challenges they face entering professional life or preparing for a career change, and searches for ways to support them in and out of the classroom. She is especially cognizant of obstacles students from marginalized communities may face as they pursue advancement in their careers.

Beneath her warm exterior lies a passionate commitment to changing and challenging systems. �þ��� discover this when they seek mentorship in profoundly difficult and traumatic experiences. Buggs not only supports them, but elevates critical issues for transformational conversations among faculty, staff and students that lead to reconciliation and growth.

She inspires others to take up this work by modeling what inclusive leadership looks like. Through her example, she makes equity work feel not just necessary, but possible and worthwhile.

Zac Ormond G’23, assistant professor of physical therapy

In her �þ���, she encourages interdisciplinary work that centers inclusive excellence across professions and is “committed to providing classroom experiences that are inclusive by design and in application.”

�þ��� feel that support and gain valuable insights from her guidance.

Zac Ormond G’23 first met Buggs as a student in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program on the school of Health Science’s Diversity Committee. Later chairing that committee, Buggs “helped me refine my leadership skills, and her example showed me what it means to lead with both conviction and compassion,” he said. Now an assistant professor of physical therapy in Elon’s program and a Northwestern University Sports Division 1 Fellow, he continues to seek her wisdom.

“She inspires others to take up this work by modeling what inclusive leadership looks like. Through her example, she makes equity work feel not just necessary, but possible and worthwhile,” Ormond said.

Since arriving at Elon in 2021, some of Buggs’ achievements include:

• Creating opportunity for Elon’s graduate students to participate in affinity celebrations around commencement ceremonies, including Lavender Graduation and ¡Celebremos!: Graduates Take Flight.
• Initiating programs for graduate and professional students interested in building skills in inclusion and belonging, including Elon Law’s Diversity Fellows Program and the School of Health Sciences’ Student DEI Committee.

• Innovating and contributing to professional identity workshops that aid graduate and professional students in establishing themselves within their chosen fields, such as Acorn to Oak at Elon Law and Confronting Bias in the Clinical Learning Environment at the School of Health Sciences.
• Working with students, faculty and staff to establish the Elon Law Professional Closet for access to business attire for interviews and early careers, as well as prayer rooms for various faiths and a lactation room for new mothers.
• Spearheading book clubs that spark reflection and discussion among students around timely subjects and diverse perspectives of the world.
• Developing and �þ��� courses that investigate how society grapples with different identities and how individuals can effect change.
• Creating social events and networking activities that create community among graduate students that include game nights, cultural outings and meetings with President Connie Ledoux Book.

What others say about Buggs’ impact on the Elon community:

“Laké is a passionate advocate for students, with a deep commitment to creating the types of inclusive environments that are essential for the success and thriving of all students. The graduate student population at Elon is spread across multiple academic programs with very different schedules and student needs. Laké offers a common touchpoint for all of them in creating an inclusive and welcoming environment.” – Jon Dooley, vice president for student life and associate professor of education

“Within the first week of her arrival at Elon, Laké took on the charge to increase visibility and services for graduate and professional students. As a faculty advisor to the School of Health Sciences’ Student Diversity Committee, she helps them create meaningful events for supporting and educating healthcare students in the care of diverse patients and colleagues.” –Melissa Scales, associate professor of physical therapy education

“Laké has a huge capacity to bring people in and bring people together. She loves people, loves to see them thrive and be successful, and that motivates her. She challenges students to recognize their own agency and power to make change.” – Stacie Dooley, Elon Law assistant dean of career and student development

“She builds trust and relationships by making herself available, being her authentic self and empowering students to use their voice. I have seen her give solid counsel to students who were struggling or who needed direction. The nature of her position as a student affairs professional rather than their program chair or advisor gives her the opportunity to be a true safe space for students.” – Kim Stokes, associate professor of physician assistant studies and department chair/program director for the Department of Physician Assistant Studies

Lavender Graduation reminds graduates they are deserving ‘simply by being’

Elon’s Lavender Graduation Ceremony celebrated nine LGBTQIA students from Elon’s School of Law. The ceremony has been celebrated at Elon since 2012 for �þ���s and 2022 for graduate and professional students. The Gender and LGBTQIA Center (GLC) and the Division of Inclusive Excellence.

“This event serves as a powerful reminder that we are all deserving, simply by being. We are truly grateful for the opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of such an exceptional group of students,” said Laosebikan-Buggs. “Our existence, especially in higher education, is an act of resistance, and I am honored to recognize the hard work and perseverance that have brought our students to this moment. We are truly grateful for the opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of such an exceptional group of students.”

Each student received a rainbow stole and heard a personal tribute from friends, family and faculty, including Bob Minarcin, assistant professor of law, and Kirsta Contino Saumby, associate director of career development for the School of Law.

Minarcin, who is also the OUTLaw faculty co-adviser, read the tribute for Nicholle Parsons L’24, executive director of OUTLaw, calling her a “force of nature.”

“Nicholle is the kind of person who embodies the phrase ‘a true friend for all,’ but that’s only scratching the surface,” said Minarcin. “She’s also fiercely determined, unflinchingly brave and a relentless advocate for what’s right.”

Alex Xouris ’21, a member of the Elon LGBTQIA Alumni Network, encouraged graduates to reflect on the “power of connection.”

“Lavender Graduation is a time to celebrate your courage—the courage it takes to embrace who you are, to live authentically and to claim your space in the world. Hold onto that feeling,” said Xouris. “Staying connected to Elon is one of the most important things you can do as an alum.”

Laosebikan-Buggs closed the ceremony with words of encouragement for the graduates.

“May we all live in a life and a world where we aren’t judged by our race, our size, our orientation, or sparkle,” said Buggs. “Until next time, I wish you nothing but sunshine, rainbows, and unicorns, which are no less fictitious and no less magical than you are.”

¡Celebremos! honors resilience and family 

Nine students from the Elon School of Law and the School of Health Sciences were honored during ¡Celebremos! Graduates Take Flight, celebrating Latinx/Hispanic students and the contributions of their families and friends. While the event is held annually in the spring semester, this is only the second time the event was held in the fall semester for winter commencement.

Lupe Ramirez-Ramos L’24 addressed her fellow graduates, offering congratulations and reminding them of their resilience.

“We are the daughters, the granddaughters, the great-granddaughters of women who carried on despite overwhelming odds,” said Ramierz-Ramos. “And as we step into the professions of law and health, we do so with the understanding that our presence is not just a victory for us individually, but for all those who will follow in your footsteps.”

Each student received a stole with monarch butterflies – a symbol of the journey the students have made.

“Every year, millions of monarch butterflies migrate from North to South. Along the way, they stop at different points in order to recharge and continue their journey. As immigrants, we have been on a long journey and have much more to go just like the monarch butterfly,” said MJ Larrazabal G’21, associate director of the Center for Race, Ethnicity, and Diversity Education. “We, as part of the Latinx Hispanic community understand that no matter where we come from and no matter where our journey takes us, we have all found ourselves at this stop at the same time.

While receiving their stole, faculty members read messages the students wrote to themselves and their families about their accomplishments.

“There is nothing more valuable to me than having your unconditional love,” wrote Jennifer Tinoco Ortiz ’24 to her family. “You are my greatest source of inspiration, and I will always carry you with me in every decision and every achievement that comes my way. This diploma is for you.”

Connection and family were front and center during the celebration and Sofia Montalbo ’20, a member of the Elon Latinx/Hispanic Alumni Network stressed the importance of the Elon community.

“You are never alone in this journey,” said Montalbo. “Embrace the unknowns with courage. Let the lessons you’ve learned here at Elon fuel your journey forward and never forget the incredible community that stands ready to catch you when you stumble and, more importantly, celebrate your wins.”

In Kente ceremony, lessons for a more just world

Get proximate to the problems you are trying to solve.

Be willing to change the narrative.

Be willing to be uncomfortable.

Stay hopeful.

Civil rights attorney Bryan Stevenson has been a longtime advocate on behalf of people sentenced to death row. His ongoing work through the Equal Justice Initiative he founded in 1989 has influenced countless others over the years, including Associate Professor Stephanie Baker, chair of �þ���’s Department of Public Health.

“You can imagine in doing this hard work that he has learned quite a bit about what we need to do to create a more just world,” said Baker, who delivered a keynote address in a Donning of the Kente Ceremony for 2024 graduates of �þ���’s School of Law and School of Health Sciences. “(Mr. Stevenson) offers four incredibly important lessons that I apply regularly and may be of use to you.”

Those lessons and more were shared by Baker as part of a cultural celebration for Black students on the eve of Commencement ceremonies. Following Baker’s address, faculty and staff read aloud remarks submitted by a family member or mentor of each graduate who stood on stage after being donned with a stole to be worn at graduation.

The cloth’s origin dates to 12th Century Ghana where it was worn by kings, queens and important figures of state during ceremonial events and special occasions. In a cultural context, it is a visual representation of African history, philosophy, ethics, oral literature, moral values, social code of conduct, religious beliefs, political thought and aesthetic principles.

“The donning of the kente is a cultural ceremony celebrating achievements of … students who recognize their African roots,” School of Health Sciences Dean Maha Lund said in her program welcome. “We look forward to this positive and memorable experience to reward our graduates and their loved ones with a personal and culturally relevant ceremony at this significant moment of their family’s histories.”

The event was organized by Laosebikan-Buggs, with assistance and contributions from faculty and staff in the School of Law, the School of Health Sciences and the Division of Inclusive Excellence.

In closing the ceremony, Elon Law Dean Zak Kramer reflected on the importance of both schools celebrating the kente program together “because you are going into professions that serve.”

“This is an incredibly important moment in your lives, and it represents a lot of hard work,” Kramer said. “Friends, you’re about to go do much harder work. It speaks to the soul of our culture and our civic society, and you will have responsibilities with people’s lives in your hands and their livelihood. We have been very lucky to watch you develop over time and we will be even luckier when you come back and tell us all the amazing things that you have done.”

A longtime North Carolina faith leader urged clergy and attorneys to “do your jobs” by speaking truth to power when she delivered a keynote address in a December symposium co-hosted by �þ��� School of Law.

Remarks by the , who retired in 2024 as the senior minister for the Congregational United Church of Christ in Greensboro, set the foundation for a subsequent panel conversation featuring two additional ministers and an attorney with experience advocating for those harmed by unjust systems.

The Law and The Prophets Symposium on Dec. 5, 2024, was co-hosted by Elon Law, , and , which held the program inside its downtown Greensboro sanctuary.

“There is a justice system, and then there is justice,” Peeples said. “Sometimes those are the same and sometimes they are not. The system, as we are all aware, often has a different standard for those on the margins, people of color, those living in poverty. America, as we all know, imprisons a higher percentage of its population than in any other nation on earth. And those prisoners are overwhelmingly poor.

“When religious systems and justice systems work together for the common good and equal protection, that is very good, very, very powerful. And when they are distorted, twisted, weaponized – both carry destructive force, and both can be manipulated to enable fascism and authoritarianism, and the list goes on.”

Elon Law Professor Enrique Armijo moderated the panel discussion that offered perspectives on communities of faith and their influence on the implementation and interpretation of law. , , and joined Peeples onstage for the talk.

Church leaders and law school administrators expressed interest to the dozens of attendees that the program would be the first in a series aimed at building relationships and fostering dialogue on sensitive issues.

How to best nurture that dialogue was a recurring theme of the evening.

“Clergy, we need to stop protecting people in the pews from hard conversations and start modeling how to have risky conversations in healthy ways,” Peeples said in her keynote address. “So many people are hungry for safe spaces where they can ask questions, where they can learn about and deal with substantive issues … we need to do our job. Hold fast to hope, hold fast to the holy vision of a just world for all. That’s not inherently blue or red. That’s about basic human rights and God’s love for all of us.

“Lawyers? Do your job. Hold fast to hope, uphold the Constitution, be passionate about justice and not just the justice system. Seminaries and law schools? You need to do your jobs. Refuse to turn out any more clergy or lawyers afraid of their own shadow, terrified of speaking the truth. Together, we can start rebuilding a community centered around common good.”

Four accomplished students with a demonstrated record of service and a commitment to inclusive excellence have been named Elon Law Student Diversity Fellows for 2024-2025. 

Gianna Landrum L’25, Zinyah Robinson L’25, Savannah Stinson L’25, and Kristin Swilley L’25 will meet biweekly with Laké Laosebikan-Buggs, �þ���’s director of inclusive excellence for graduate and professional education, while participating in Student Bar Association meetings and acting as liaisons for classmates.

The third cohort of Elon Law Student Diversity Fellows will also share techniques for navigating sensitive topics and broker cultural understanding between students and faculty, coordinate events that celebrate human differences, and plan pre-Orientation activities that center students from historically marginalized communities.

Joining them in their work promoting inclusive excellence is Chrystal Clodomir, a professor selected as Elon Law’s second Dean’s Faculty Fellow for Equity & Inclusion.

Clodomir will focus her work on identifying best practices for inclusive law �þ��� and elevating community awareness of the strengths neurodiverse law students bring to the law school classroom and the legal profession.

Possible outcomes of her research by mid 2025 include a community awareness campaign to improve understanding among neurotypical learners, faculty and staff; a framework of reliable procedures for students to safely self-identify as neurodiverse when necessary; and a curriculum guide for faculty who may choose to infuse neurodiverse inclusion in their course delivery.

At the same time, she intends to use survey findings and other research as the foundation for a future journal article.

“Equity-minded student leaders are essential in �þ���’s efforts to achieve inclusive excellence, and our newest Elon Law Student Diversity Fellows are poised to advance this journey,” said Randy Williams, the university’s vice president for inclusive excellence. “Our fellows will assist in developing law graduates with expanded perspectives that help ensure equitable and inclusive lawyering needed in our society.

“Student and faculty fellow programs empower members of our community to act on the shared responsibility toward inclusive excellence.”

The 2024-2025 Elon Law Student Diversity Fellows

Gianna Landrum L’25

Hometown: Hillburn, New York
Alma Mater and Major: B.S. in Criminal Justice, St. Thomas Aquinas College
Intended Practice Area: Health Law and Disability Rights Research
Involvement and Leadership Roles: Community Service Coordinator of the Elon Law Pro Bono Board, president of the Mental Health Law Society, member of the Black Law �þ��� Association and the Health Law & Bioethics Society

“Becoming an attorney is much more than having a J.D. at the end of my name; it is advocating for others in every room. When I came to Elon Law, I was worried about being ‘othered’ as I often have been as a black woman with a disability in a professional space, but I went into the building to open arms and a safe place to share. As a Diversity Fellow, I hope to show students that they have a seat at our table when they are reminded that the profession does not always have equity in mind. I hope to find seats for those who can’t see the table and to allow the voices of those who feel unheard or invisible to be loud and listened to.”

Zinyah Robinson L’25

Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina
Alma Mater and Major: B.A. in Criminology, North Carolina State University
Intended Practice Areas: Business Litigation
Involvement and Leadership Roles: Black Law Student Association, Secretary; Student Bar Association, 1L Rep 23’-24’; Mock Trial Team; Torts Teaching Assistant

“During my �þ��� years, I often grappled with feelings of not belonging—experiencing what many call imposter syndrome. As I transitioned to law school, I was determined to find an environment that fostered a sense of community. As an Elon Law Student Diversity Fellow, I am committed to creating a space where individuals who look, speak, and dress like me can feel comfortable expressing themselves and being their authentic selves. The previous fellows have done a fabulous job laying the foundation for the current fellows and I hope to accomplish just as much, if not more.”

Savannah Stinson L’25

Hometown: Spartanburg, South Carolina
Undergraduate Alma Mater and Major: B.A. in Sociology, Winthrop University
Intended Practice Areas: Criminal Litigation
Involvement and Leadership Roles: President of BLSA, Teen Court Judge, Street Law, Mock Trial, Lawyers for Literacy, Academic Environment

“As a first-generation student and a black woman, I understand the importance of implementing diversity in all institutions, especially law. This year, I hope to step into the shoes of the wonderful fellows before me and continue to hold up the mantle of promoting inclusive excellence. As various cultures, experiences and lifestyles enter spaces from which they were previously excluded, it is important to have the insight and support to uplift everyone. I am honored to receive this position and hope to gain further knowledge on the importance and application of diversity, equity, and inclusion in this capacity!”

Kristin Swilley L’25

Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida
Alma Mater and Major: B.A. and M.A. in History, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Intended Practice Area: Municipal Law / Administrative Law
Involvement and Leadership Roles: Leadership Fellow, Student Representative for the North Carolina Bar Association, Student Mentor, Vice President of Education Law Society, Outreach Chair for Parents Attending Law School, member of Elon Law’s Innocents Project and First Generation Society

“As someone who grew up in a low-income, single-parent household, I learned at a young age that education would provide pathways for creating stability for myself, not understanding the privilege that afforded me the opportunities I have had. I served as a public educator for six years, working with students from all walks of life. My desire to advocate for my students to ensure they all had access to a well-funded education, regardless of ZIP code, motivated my decision to pursue law. My goal as an Elon Law Student Diversity Fellow is to develop the skills needed to foster intentional diversity efforts in the legal community long after graduating. Through continued deliberate diversity efforts at educational institutions like Elon, the legal community will gradually consist of more and more practitioners who genuinely reflect the communities we serve.”

About the Dean’s Faculty Fellow for Equity & Inclusion

Chrystal Clodomir joined the Elon Law faculty in 2021-2022 to teach Legal Method & Communication after managing a solo practice in Greensboro where she served parents and children in a variety of family and education matters. She has also taught courses in the paralegal program at Guilford Technical Community College and worked for local governments as a soft skills trainer in various public agencies.

A graduate of Rutgers University and Cornell University School of Law, Clodomir practiced criminal law in New York and education law in Delaware prior to moving to North Carolina in 2018 and originally joining the legal staff of the Children’s Law Center of Central North Carolina.

“I’m excited to serve as the Dean’s Faculty Fellow for Equity and Inclusion,” she said. “My work will add to our ongoing pursuit towards holistic diversity, equity and inclusion, by focusing on neurodiverse learners. My goal is to identify best practices in inclusive law �þ��� and generate deeper community understanding about how neurodiverse law students enrich the law school classroom and ultimately the legal profession.”