The next day, I received a message from Evan Abenstein ’20. I knew this guy well — we traveled together to Argentina during a Winter Term course and we were both long-suffering New York Knicks fans. He told me that he had developed a new sports obsession. It involved scouring online sportsbooks for “glitches,” betting lines posted by companies like DraftKings or FanDuel that, if acted upon quickly, could result in a guaranteed win. For instance, maybe a bet remained posted after a game had already ended. That’s a no-risk win. Or maybe an extra zero was added to an NBA player’s “prop” bet, allowing you to wager that they’ll score fewer than 200 points rather than 20 points. Again: easy money.

It was a fascinating story, another wrinkle to the emergence of widespread legalized sports betting across the United States. To some, it probably reinforces the notion that betting has taken over American sports. The concern is understandable. Ads for these companies are everywhere. It often seems like people are far more concerned with their own wager — or with finding glitches — than they are with the performance of their favorite team. Addiction is a real concern as well, especially among young people who suddenly have betting ads flooding their social media feeds and six different apps on their phone tempting them to place a wager.

But there’s another angle here. In my upcoming book, “Over/Under: An Unexpected History of Sports Betting,” I make the case that sports betting isn’t a result of the multibillion-dollar American sports industry but rather a primary reason for it. In fact, when I began researching the origin of nearly every major American sport — horse racing and boxing, of course, but also baseball, basketball, football, golf and others — I discovered that the first fans who bought a ticket to the arena or stadium were often there not to support their hometown heroes but rather to throw a couple bucks down on the outcome. It turns out that beating the bookie any way possible, which is what glitch-seeking is really all about, is a longtime American tradition.

If that’s true, if betting is a fundamental building block to nearly 200 years of sports fandom and obsession — perhaps the fundamental building block — what happens now that the activity is not only widespread but increasingly accessible? While there are important questions being asked by politicians and journalists about advertising, culpability and addiction, equally interesting to me as a sport management professor is the future of fandom. Do teams, leagues and media partners really want to foster an environment of props and parlays? A sports landscape where fans focus on point spreads, moneylines and glitches rather than generational loyalty and regional identity?

Because if the teams, leagues and media partners keep telling their viewers and attendees to bet, bet some more and then keep betting, that’s what a lot of their so-called fans — especially the young ones — are going to do. It might very well be instinctual. And then we’ll all be wondering the same thing: Do Americans actually want their team to win? Or do they just want to beat the bookie?

David Bockino, associate professor of sport management and director of Elon’s media analytics program, is the author of “Over/Under.” The book, which was featured on The New York Times list of “New Nonfiction Everyone Will Be Talking About in 2026,” comes out in June.

Elon News Network earned 11 awards during the National College Media Conference hosted by the Associated Collegiate Press in San Francisco, March 5-7.

The awards contest included hundreds of entries from college media outlets from across the country. Below is a list of the Elon winners.

• Finalist – Online Pacemaker | Staff |
• 2nd Place – Best of Show Broadcast | “ENN Tonight” |
• 2nd Place – Best of Show Newspaper | The Pendulum |
• 4th Place – Best of Show Digital Newsletter | Elon News Network Weekly Newsletter |
• 6th Place – Best of Show Website |
• 6th Place – Best of Show News Story | Lilly Molina and Charlotte Pfabe |
• 10th Place – Best of Show Sports Story | Benjamin Berfield |
• 8th Place – Best of Show Feature Story | Charlotte Pfabe |
• 6th Place – Best of Show Newspaper Design | Sarah T. Moore |
• 7th Place – Best of Show Broadcast News Story | Anjolina Fantaroni | “
• 10th Place – Best of Show Broadcast Sports Story | Monika Jurevicius | “

Elon students attending the National College Media Convention conference included Evan Cooper ’28, Trista Panagakos ’28, Megan Walsh ’28 and Nolan Williams ’28. They were accompanied by Kelly Furnas, senior lecturer in journalism and ENN adviser.

ENN is a student-run news organization covering �þ��� and the broader Alamance County community. It includes The Pendulum newspaper, “ENN Tonight” broadcast, elonnewsnetwork.com website, as well as social media accounts, podcasts and newsletters. regardless of their experience level, major or year in school.

The School of Communications community gathered March 5 in Snow Family Grand Atrium for the third annual Spotlight on Inclusive Excellence, an interactive event highlighting projects and initiatives advancing inclusive storytelling and media practice.

The program featured table conversations where attendees moved throughout the space to engage with students, faculty and staff about ongoing initiatives and projects.

Take a closer look at our Spotlight on Inclusive Excellence with our .

Assistant Dean Vanessa Bravo opened the event by emphasizing that inclusive excellence remains a core priority within the School of Communications and across �þ���.

“Inclusive excellence is deeply important to us,” Bravo said. “These values have always mattered and will continue to matter.”

Throughout the program, attendees explored a range of subjects, including work by student organizations, projects from Live Oak Communications — the school’s student-run communications agency — student journalism and research efforts, faculty scholarship and coursework connected to the university’s Advancing Equity Requirement.

Other discussions focused on topics such as women in sports, student research featured in academic journals, and projects examining how communications and media can amplify diverse voices and perspectives.

Bravo said the event helped the school community better understand the breadth of inclusive excellence initiatives taking place across the School of Communications.

“This is a great opportunity to learn about the many diversity-, equity- and inclusion-related efforts happening throughout the School of Communications,” she said. “From student organizations and faculty research to journalism projects and alumni work, these efforts demonstrate how our community is engaging these issues in meaningful ways.”

“The discussions highlighted how quickly the communications landscape is evolving — and why questions of equity and representation remain central to that change,” said Lorraine Ahearn, assistant professor of journalism and chair of the Inclusive Excellence Committee. “Our students, faculty and alumni are actively examining how media systems shape who is represented and whose voices are heard.”

Bravo thanked the faculty members who organized the event through the school’s Inclusive Excellence Committee, including Ahearn, Young Do Kim, Sydney Nicolla, and Lee Bush, as well as the students, faculty and staff who hosted conversations during the program.

More than 130 students gathered in Snow Family Grand Atrium on March 3 for the Communications and Sport Management Meet & Greet, an event designed to connect Elon students with industry professionals, internship opportunities and career insights.

Hosted in partnership with the Student Professional Development Center and the School of Communications, the event brought together employers from across the communications and sport industries. Representatives from organizations including APCO, Capitol Broadcasting Company, Carolina Core FC, SportsMEDIA Technology and the Burlington Sock Puppets met with students interested in exploring career paths and building their professional networks.

For photos of the Meet & Greet, visit our .

A defining feature of this year’s event was the strong presence of Elon alumni, who participated both in person and virtually to mentor current students and share insights from their professional journeys.

Alumni representatives included Shanna Van Beek ’12 of APCO and Laker Figueroa ’25 of the Burlington Sock Puppets, who attended in person, as well as Jack Taylor ’21 of Golin, Catherine Nester ’22 of The Walt Disney Company, Lexie Flood ’21 of Edelman, Luke LeSourd ’13 of NFL Films and Elena Kyriakos ’18 of NBC Universal, who joined virtually to connect with students.

Ryan Taube, associate director of corporate and employer relations for the School of Communications, said the event’s alumni participation added a meaningful dimension.

“What made this year special is the number of fantastic alumni who participated,” Taube said. “Our alumni always want to give back to current students, and this networking opportunity provided them a chance to speak about their current roles and how Elon prepared them to be successful in a competitive job market.”

In total, 138 students attended the event, engaging in one-on-one conversations with employers about internships, entry-level roles and career preparation. The event was coordinated with support from Ross Wade, Amber Moser, Alison Doherty, Kameryn Taylor and Taube.

Participating organizations – In-Person

APCO
Burlington Sock Puppets
�þ��� Greensboro
Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc.
Carolina Core FC
�þ��� – Athletic Department
�þ��� – Isabella Cannon Global Education Center
�þ��� – Office of Alumni Engagement
North Carolina Department of Public Safety
SportsMEDIA Technology (SMT)

Participating organizations – Virtual

Columbus Blue Jackets
Edelman
NBC Universal
Golin
NFL Films
The Walt Disney Company

The event, scheduled from 4:20 to 5:30 p.m., will feature a dynamic speed-rotation format, allowing attendees to engage in a variety of discussions in 15-minute intervals. Faculty, staff, students and alumni will lead conversations exploring how their work advances access, representation and belonging in the communications and sport fields.

This year’s table topics reflect the breadth of the school’s work – from health literacy and neuroinclusive communication to religious diversity, brand activism, student journalism and the influence of algorithms on movie audiences. Other sessions will spotlight �þ��� research, alumni leadership and student-driven initiatives that aim to build a more connected and representative community.

“Reaching underrepresented people is the through-line for so much of our work in the School of Communications,” said Lorraine Ahearn, assistant professor of journalism and chair of the Inclusive Excellence Committee. “These presenters demonstrate how dynamic our field is, and how tapped in Elon students, faculty and alumni are to these changing systems and the ways they impact equity in communications.”

Complimentary beverages and snacks will be provided.

For more information, contact Ahearn at lahearn@elon.edu.

Table Topic Discussions and Presenters

1. Engaging All Audiences Through Neuroinclusive Communication Practices
   James Holsinger, Executive Director, Koenigsberger Learning Center
2. Live Oak Communications: Rooted In Community
   Hal Vincent, Associate Teaching Professor, Strategic Communications
   
3. Understanding is Power: What is Health Literacy and Why Does it Matter?
   Julie Lellis, Professor, Strategic Communications
4. The Politics of Play: Race, Gender, and Power in Sport
   Lindsay Pieper, Assistant Professor, Sport Management
5. Diversity in the Age of Algorithms
   Sowjanya Kudva, Assistant Professor, Cinema and Television Arts
6. Exploring Religion in a Diverse �þ��� Community
   Anthony Hatcher, Professor, Journalism & Max Negin, Assistant Professor, Cinema and Television Arts
7. Faces of the Future: Undergrad Research on the Cutting Edge
   Maddie Bauman ’26 & Halli Harwood ’26
8. Friend or Faux: The Role of Authenticity in Brand Activism and Advocacy
   Shanetta Pendleton, Assistant Professor, Strategic Communications
9. Alumni Spotlight: A Journalistic Voice for Justice and Clarity
   Robin Adams Cheeley ’81
10. Unity in Communications: A Student Initiative to Build Diverse Community
11. International Student Spotlight: Navigating Across Cultures
    Ethan Wu ’27 & Bernardo Vargas-Lopez ’26
12. Student journalists: Challenging Inequity in the Real World
    Estella Hoye ’27 & Cassie Weymouth ’26

In his new role, Buck will oversee a portfolio of alumni, parents and friends affiliated with the School of Communications, with a focus on building relationships that support the school’s academic priorities. He will work closely with University Advancement colleagues to align fundraising efforts with broader institutional goals.

“Returning to the School of Communications feels both personal and purposeful,” Buck said. “As a graduate of the M.A. in Interactive Media program, I experienced firsthand the mentorship and hands-on learning that make Elon so distinctive. I am honored to now serve as director of development and look forward to building meaningful relationships with alumni and partners to expand opportunities for our students.”

“Alan understands the culture of the School of Communications and the powerful role relationships play in shaping the student experience,” said Jonathan Miller, senior director of development. “With his existing connection to the school and the university, he is well positioned to strengthen our existing partnerships while building new relationships that will advance the school’s future.”

Buck brings more than 20 years of professional experience in multimedia production, broadcasting, higher education and strategic communication. He began his career in television news, working at CBS, WB and Fox affiliates in Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. His production and videography work has included projects for the CBS Network, The Weather Channel, The Masters Tournament, the Pittsburgh Penguins and numerous nonprofit organizations. His work as a news videographer earned an Associated Press Award for Best Feature Video.

He later transitioned into higher education, �þ��� communication courses and leading academic initiatives, including launching and directing a digital communication certificate program. Buck served as an associate professor of practice in communication at Meredith College and taught at North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

In addition, Buck was selected by the U.S. Department of State as a Fulbright Specialist, serving in Eswatini (Southern Africa) to collaborate on cross-cultural storytelling and media education initiatives. He was also one of four producers nationwide chosen by the Foreign Press Center, part of the Bureau of Global Public Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, to cover the 2020 elections through its Virtual Reporting Tour. His footage was distributed to U.S. embassies worldwide.

Throughout his academic career, Buck has also led successful fundraising and facilities development initiatives to expand hands-on learning opportunities for students. At Meredith, he played a central role in securing philanthropic support and overseeing the design and build-out of a new television studio, control room, editing labs and podcasting suite. During his Fulbright Specialist appointment in Eswatini, Buck helped secure funding and equipment to strengthen instructional resources for students in the Department of Communication at the University of Eswatini.

A former Elon Sports Vision (ESV) student crew member, Bamford was recently named the initiative’s coordinating producer, overseeing live broadcasts of Elon Athletics events while working closely with students as they develop technical, creative and leadership skills.

“I was interested in the coordinating producer role because I saw firsthand what the role entailed while I was an undergrad and the seasonal diversity across the men’s and women’s sports,” Bamford said. “ESV provided me with a wonderful opportunity to learn all aspects of sports broadcasting. I experienced everything from camera operation, to replay, to producing and directing a live broadcast – and I hope to offer the same for current and future students.”

Following his graduation in May, Bamford gained professional experience as the director of multimedia for the Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA), responsible for the coordination and improved production of the league’s streaming efforts. The position placed him in charge of remote broadcasts, collaborating with schools and announcers nationwide.

“My role at the CWPA taught me how to work in extremely fast-paced environments while managing multiple projects,” he said.

Bamford’s professional background – and the mentorship mindset he brings to the role – stood out to Bryan Baker, the School of Communications’ director of technology, operations and multimedia projects.

“Anthony was a terrific student at Elon who consistently took full advantage of the opportunities offered by the School of Communications,” Baker said. “His background in sport management, media analytics, journalism, and as an ESV student producer uniquely positions him to be an outstanding mentor to students in his new role.”

A native of Royersford, Pa., Bamford brings experience from professional and collegiate sports operations. During his semester in The Sport Experience in Charlotte, he served as an Atlantic Coast Conference Football and Game Day Operations Center intern, including managing a 30-member volunteer staff at the 2023 ACC Football Championship Game. He has also worked as a game operations intern for the Durham Bulls of the International League and as a producer/broadcaster for Pottstown Community Television.

In addition to his production experience, Bamford completed �þ��� research through the university’s Sports Media Lab, conducting a qualitative analysis of sports gambling, pirating and social media consumption. The results of that research were published in the Sports Business Journal.

Looking ahead, Bamford plans to build on ESV’s tradition of high-quality broadcasts while emphasizing student development. And Bamford and ESV are starting from a good position – the organization captured its first-ever College Sports Media Award last spring.

“I would love to continue and expand ESV’s legacy of producing professional-level broadcasts for college athletics,” he said. “As a student, I was a member of a crew that won an award at SVG. As the coordinating producer, I want to make that the expectation for our future broadcasts.”

About Elon Sports Vision

Elon Sports Vision provides students with hands-on experience in broadcasting, content creation, sports marketing and in-venue productions for Elon’s NCAA Division I athletic department. Launched in 2017, ESV works closely with Elon Athletics to deliver live coverage of university sporting events with professional production standards. As coordinating producer, Bamford oversees a team of nearly 60 student employees and manages the execution of broadcasts across camera work, audio, graphics, live commentary and sideline reporting.

had never slept on a boat before. By the time she woke up in the middle of the Pacific Ocean – six hours off the coast of Costa Rica – she had already spent the night battling seasickness, clutching her camera, and worrying whether she’d get the images she hoped for. Five minutes after stepping onto the deck at sunrise, a hammerhead shark surfaced beside the boat, confirming months of preparation and giving Molina firsthand access to an endangered species few reporters document alive.

The encounter came during Molina’s three-week reporting trip last summer to Costa Rica as a 2025 Pulitzer Center Reporting Fellow, where the journalism and media analytics double major investigated illegal hammerhead shark fishing and the legal loopholes allowing the endangered species to be caught and sold. For Molina, whose parents immigrated from Costa Rica, the fellowship offered a rare opportunity to report in her family’s home country – placing her not only in government offices and fishing towns, but also aboard a research vessel in international waters alongside marine biologists tagging hammerhead sharks.

“I was really worried about visuals,” Molina said of her investigation. “I was like, ‘How am I going to get a visual of a hammerhead shark? They’re all the way out in the ocean.’”

That anxiety followed her offshore. Molina was the only journalist on board, far from land, without cell service and with no easy way out if something went wrong. The physical toll hit quickly.

“I was severely seasick the first night,” Molina said. “Like, I’ve never been that pale in my life.”

Despite the discomfort, Molina never questioned why she was there, staying alert with her camera at the ready.

Those hours at sea were just one chapter in a much longer reporting journey – one that began with a phone call to family. The project took shape after a conversation with Molina’s aunt, Sophia Gamboa, who lives in Costa Rica and raised concerns about illegal hammerhead shark fishing that she felt was largely overlooked.

Nearly two years after that conversation, Molina’s reporting culminated in a Pulitzer Center–published investigation titled “” an in-depth examination of how enforcement gaps continue to threaten the endangered species. Molina said her connection to the country shaped both the focus and the urgency of the work.

“Being Costa Rican is a central part of my identity,” Molina said. “I’ve returned regularly since I was very young to visit family, and I now hold dual citizenship.”

Throughout her three-week trip, Molina relied heavily on her aunt, who served as a translator during interviews with fishermen and local officials, and helped coordinate travel between coastal communities. That support allowed Molina to focus on reporting while gaining access she would not have been able to secure alone.

Molina’s reporting took her from government offices in San José to small fishing towns along the Pacific coast, before culminating far offshore with a team led by marine biologist Randall Arauz. “I was on my own reporting for about a week,” Molina said. “And then I was invited by Randall, whom I interviewed back in December (2024), to come out on the boat with him.”

The plan was to tag thresher sharks. Hammerheads were never guaranteed. When a hammerhead finally appeared one morning, the tagging process unfolded quickly.

“They make an incision right near the fin,” Molina explained. “They put in the tag … and then it goes with the shark, and it will eventually come off and send all that data back.”

As the scientists worked, Molina remained on deck with the fishermen, documenting the moment. “They were like, ‘You have to come here. This is a good angle for a photo,’” she said of the crew. “They were really nice people.”

By the end of the trip, the team had tagged three hammerhead sharks.

For Molina, seeing the sharks alive and released underscored the stakes of her reporting. Hammerhead sharks are elusive and endangered, and encounters outside of fishing contexts are rare. The experience offshore made tangible what had previously existed only in interviews, documents and preparation.

“I’ve gone through a lot for this story,” Molina said.

The experience also reshaped how Molina understood the investigation itself. What began as a project focused largely on enforcement failures evolved into something more complex once she began interviewing government officials, scientists and fishing advocates.

“I truly don’t think that they’re bad people and don’t care about hammerhead sharks,” Molina said of the regulators she interviewed. “I think it’s more like there are three people monitoring over 2,000 boats.”

That realization shifted the reporting away from individual blame and toward systemic limitations, including understaffing, resource constraints and the challenges of monitoring Costa Rica’s extensive coastline. For Molina, that nuance became central to the final piece.

In the final days of the trip, Molina shifted from reporting to writing. “I actually wrote the entire article before I even left Costa Rica,” she said. She worked from her grandmother’s house – a familiar place she had visited since childhood – drafting the investigation at the coffee table. After the intensity of the fieldwork, Molina finished her story as rain fell outside, dampening the orchids lining her grandmother’s backyard.

About Pulitzer Center’s �þ��� Consortium

Elon is a partner in the Pulitzer Center’s �þ��� Consortium, a network of colleges and universities that support the center’s mission to promote journalism on critical global issues. Along with travel funding, the fellowship provides mentorship, journalism resources, and the opportunity to present work at an annual fall conference in Washington, D.C. Student projects are published in major media outlets nationally and internationally, as well as on the .

In fact, Molina’s main report was published by Latina Republic, a U.S.-based nonprofit media and research organization focused on bridging understanding between the U.S. and Latin America.

Related links

• “”
• “”
• “”
• “”

Ten �þ��� sport management majors will be inducted into the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA) , recognizing their exceptional academic achievements and commitment to professional development in the sport industry. The induction ceremony will take place in February during COSMA’s annual conference in St. Augustine, Florida.

Membership in Chi Sigma Mu is reserved for top-performing students enrolled in COSMA-accredited programs, a distinction Elon’s Department of Sport Management earned in 2024. That accreditation places Elon among a distinguished group of 36 programs across the United States. Fellow accredited institutions include Liberty University, Louisiana State University, Ohio University and Troy University.

As a COSMA-accredited program, Elon follows a rigorous nomination process to identify eligible students. Faculty members at accredited institutions may nominate up to 10 �þ��� students for honor society consideration. To qualify, sport management majors must complete at least 60 credit hours, maintain a minimum 3.4 GPA, and demonstrate exemplary academic performance, volunteer service, professional development engagement, and efforts to foster a strong sense of community within their program.

This year’s inductees reflect that standard of excellence across the sport management program. Elon’s inductees include Emerson Baker ’26, Alli Gerson ’26, Shelby Keel ’26, Carlos Rafael Levy Lanado ’26, Meghan Logue ’26, Lucy McAfee ’26, Zeke Petrou ’26, Lauren Winslow ’27, Will Wranek ’26 and Mia Zebley ’27.

“We’re excited to have 10 outstanding Elon students inducted into the 2026 COSMA honor society,” said David Bockino, associate professor of sport management. “The students selected for this honor have excelled in the classroom, taken advantage of Elon’s global footprint, and launched innovative �þ��� research projects. They represent the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, and are the future leaders of the sport industry.”

Alex Traugutt, assistant professor of sport management, echoed that sentiment, noting that induction into Chi Sigma Mu captures a fuller picture of student excellence, one shaped by involvement, service and leadership as much as classroom success.

“Inductees must demonstrate exceptional classroom performance, meaningful contributions through service to the institution and community, active engagement in professional development, and leadership that enriches the program,” Traugutt said. “This honor not only celebrates our students’ outstanding achievements but also positions them among an elite group of future professionals. We appreciate the positive impact they have had on our program and are excited to see how they will continue to represent Elon sport management as leaders in the industry.”

Inductees

Click the inductees’ names to access their LinkedIn profiles.

• Major: Sport Management
• Graduation Year: 2026
• Hometown and State: Concord, NC
• In Their Words: I have enjoyed sport management because of how much the professors have gone above and beyond. They have pushed me to be the best version of myself, while also offering guidance and support. My love for the sport industry has grown every semester, and I can’t wait to see where my future in sport takes me.

• Major: Sport Management
• Graduation Year: 2026
• Hometown and State: Dresher, PA
• In Their Words: My experience with the Department of Sport Management has allowed me to explore a wide range of disciplines all centered around sport. The coursework has encouraged me to explore new interests while gaining transferable skills. The strong sense of community and support from both peers and faculty has made this program a meaningful and rewarding part of my college journey.

• Major: Sport Management and Media Analytics
• Graduation Year: 2026
• Hometown and State: Williamston, NC
• In Their Words: The Department of Sport Management has given me a community where I could grow personally and professionally. From faculty and supportive peers who genuinely care about my success to courses that push me to be my best, this program has helped me reach my full potential. I am, and will always be, incredibly grateful for this department and the future it has prepared me for.

• Major: Sport Management
• Graduation Year: 2026
• Hometown and State: Mexico City, Mexico
• In Their Words: I have truly enjoyed studying in the Department of Sport Management because of its strong emphasis on real-world application. Through opportunities such as �þ��� research in the Sports Media Lab, presenting at NCUR, and courses built around real industry scenarios, I was able to apply what I learned in meaningful ways while also building strong, lasting relationships with faculty.

• Major: Sport Management
• Graduation Year: 2026
• Hometown and State: Charlotte, NC
• In Their Words: Studying sport management at Elon has been so meaningful because of the incredible faculty who constantly support and challenge me. They have opened my eyes to the vast opportunities within the industry and helped me turn a passion for sport into a realistic and attainable career. Their mentorship and encouragement consistently push me to aim higher and work harder to make a lasting impact through sport.

• Major: Sport Management and Exercise Science
• Graduation Year: 2026
• Hometown and State: Walnut Creek, CA
• In Their Words: I started sport management later in my college journey, beginning my first class junior year. Throughout all of my classes, the faculty challenged me to think critically about sport and its broader impact. I am extremely grateful for the opportunities the department provides, including internships and �þ��� research that support both academic and professional growth.

• Major: Sport Management
• Graduation Year: 2026
• Hometown and State: Durham, NC
• In Their Words: The Department of Sport Management has been instrumental in shaping me as a student, researcher, and future sport professional. I have been provided with meaningful and unique opportunities to grow, from participating in the Elon in Charlotte Sport Experience to conducting performance analysis research with the Elon men’s basketball team. The mentorship I’ve received from the sport management faculty has made my �þ��� experience invaluable.

• Major: Sport Management and Strategic Communications
• Graduation Year: 2027
• Hometown and State: Cherry Hill, NJ
• In Their Words: The Department of Sport Management has provided me with invaluable opportunities, from interning with NASCAR and the ACC through the Elon in Charlotte program to conducting sport-focused �þ��� research. Through these hands-on experiences and the guidance of passionate faculty, I have developed both professionally and personally. The department’s support has helped shape my academic interests and prepared me for a future career in the sport industry.

• Major: Sport Management and Finance
• Graduation Year: 2026
• Hometown and State: Lexington, VA
• In Their Words: My time in the Department of Sport Management opened doors I never imagined. The faculty provided access to internship opportunities both externally and within Elon’s Athletic Department, and their guidance enabled me to engage in meaningful �þ��� research. The encompassing curriculum equipped me with the knowledge and confidence to pursue my passions and navigate the sports industry. I am extremely grateful for the mentors and relationships in the department.

• Major: Sport Management and Media Analytics
• Graduation Year: 2027
• Hometown: Chadds Ford, PA
• In Their Words: The Department of Sport Management has been instrumental in developing my professionalism and preparing me for a career by offering valuable opportunities to grow. The hands-on experiences, coursework, and networking have prepared me for success in the sport industry. What truly sets the program apart are the incredible professors who strive to create lasting relationships with students through mentorship and support. I will forever be grateful for this department.

Drawing on a range of qualitative and analytical approaches, this latest edition features 10 research papers that span popular culture, political communication, journalism ethics, digital communities and workplace inclusion.

Several studies explore how media texts and coverage shape public meaning. Journalism major Caroline Bienfang analyzed Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime performance, demonstrating how layered cultural references and symbolic messaging operate across audience discourse and media interpretation. Meanwhile, strategic communications major Lydia Cohen examined the news coverage of Hurricane Helene, finding that mainstream news headlines may not produce significant shifts in audience perception but may play a role in maintaining public dialogue about climate change and extreme weather.

Other research examines ethical questions that emerge as audiences respond to high-profile media controversies. Elizabeth Flieger, a strategic communications major, investigated online commentary surrounding high-profile defamation trials, including Depp v. Heard, finding that commenters often prioritized emotional authenticity and moral judgment over formal legal outcomes. With book bans and challenges surging across the United States, journalism major Audrey Geib interviewed K-12 educators, discovering recurring themes of professional tension, fear of retaliation, and a commitment to students’ right to access diverse perspectives through literature.

Moving beyond media texts to professional and social communication environments, additional student research addresses the challenges of work and digital community building. Betsy Schlehuber, a journalism major, interviewed autistic journalists to identify barriers to inclusion and examined the accommodations needed to support success in newsrooms. Ashley Josey, a communication design major, analyzed online discussion forums exploring how digital nomads form and maintain social connections. The study offers insights into communication tools that may better support mobile work cultures.

The fall issue also highlights research that applies communication theory and analysis to film, political coverage and digital policy. Cinema & television arts major Joey Fisher examined editing patterns in contemporary films, identifying how pacing aligns with – and occasionally departs from – traditional genre expectations. Angelina Giallella, a strategic communications major, analyzed media coverage of Kamala Harris’s sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, highlighting themes of historical legacy, political influence, and Black women’s empowerment. Additionally, strategic communications major Angela Pecora explored “sharenting” and parents who share content about their children with special needs that can raise ethical concerns related to consent and stereotyping.

Concluding the issue, Charlotte Turner, a strategic communications and media analytics double major, employed eye-tracking technology to study online privacy policies, finding that visual icons can enhance user engagement and information retention when consistently placed.

To assemble the fall 2025 edition, journal editor Harlen Makemson worked with an editorial board of 24 School of Communications faculty who participated in a blind-review process to select the strongest submissions. Since launching in 2010, the Elon Journal has published 32 issues, with each research article on its own dedicated webpage.

Among more than 200 �þ��� research journals cataloged by the Council on Undergraduate Research, the Elon Journal remains one of the few focused exclusively on student work in journalism, media and communications.