“My dad would put me in any recreational sport that was happening in our town. I played softball, basketball, and even track. But I’ve always loved to dance,” Harrison said.

In the summer of her junior year of high school, Harrison attended a summer dance program at Radford University, where she met Elon West African Dance professor Keshia Gee.

“She told me about Elon’s dance science program, and I did my research and decided to apply,” she said. “I cried tears of joy when I got admitted.”

Combining her passions for dance and physical therapy, Harrison decided to enroll at Elon for the opportunities that come with the dance science major.

“I saw that the dance science program was a way for me to open the door for physical therapy. I found that there was more opportunity in this major rather than a typical path,” she said. “This major gives me the background to solidify trust with a patient because I know the body and know how to alleviate the pain they may feel, so they can get back to playing a sport or doing their art.”

Harrison is also pursuing minors in exercise science, African studies and dance. Later in her Elon career, she aspires to conduct �þ��� research involving West African dance with Assistant Professor of Dance Keshia Gee. She has also had her sights set on planning a Winter Term study abroad program to broaden her studies on a global scale.

One of Elon’s opportunities she is using to her advantage is the EMT-Basic certification course done in collaboration with Alamance Community College. Aligned with her physical therapy aspirations, Harrison is excited to complete the course and take the final exam to earn her official EMT certification.

“The aspect of helping people is why I want to do sports physical therapy. I get to incorporate that into my EMT work,” she said. “I’m already getting more confident with labs and learning skills from the practice.”

Eager to learn more and advance her career as much as possible, Harrison has connected with Elon’s athletic trainer for club sports and performing arts, Christina Yanakis. Harrison recently attended a club hockey game alongside Yanakis, where she saw a professional in action.

“I was able to observe her scope of practice and see the different dynamics of hockey players and their pain points. It helped me realize that I want to do both sports and performing arts, which is why I think physical therapy is my correct path,” said Harrison.

When asked about what she is most proud of, Harrison replied, “I’m proud of how committed I am to the career path I’m on. I’ve stayed with it, and there have been times where I’ve debated changing, but as I advance, I realize more and more that this is what I want to do.”

Harrison’s F.W. Beazley Leadership Scholarship has strengthened her resilience in pursuing her passions.

“With any experience, you get what you put into it, so I am giving it all my might, and I hope I get that in return,” she said.

This mindset has led to sustained motivation and incredible progress within her studies.

She notes that the support through scholarships has given her motivation, adding, “The donors believe in me so much that they will spend their resources and time to make sure that I succeed in my education and career. I am striving for greatness, and I promise to make you proud, and I will always be grateful for the financial help from Elon donors.”

Polly was my second-ever voice teacher. I met her when I was 18 years old. In hindsight, I think I might have been one of her first students, as she isn’t much older than I am. But she was definitely an expert opera singer in my eyes, and a brilliant teacher. She taught me vocal technique, to sing in French, German, Italian and English, with songs from “Oklahoma” and “The Pirates of Penzance.”

She was also a new mom when I met her. I loved kids and wanted some of my own someday, so I enjoyed asking her about her family during my voice lessons. In my junior year of college, she went on maternity leave to have her second daughter, who I also babysat on occasion. I’ve enjoyed watching her children grow up and become successful young adults.

Polly knew what I could do before I did, and helped me become the soprano I was born to be. I was a very driven performer and student, and relished in any opportunity to exceed her expectations. I’m glad I was really into being “extra” at the time, because it definitely paid off. I made the most of those four years to study, practice and learn, and eventually became a Broadway performer.

She came to see me play Glinda in “Wicked” on Broadway the first time I went on. I was an understudy, and rarely knew when I was going to be playing the role, but the first date I did, she was there.

I graduated in 2003, but even last year, she came to see me perform at a benefit in Greensboro. I was so nervous. Even though I am a seasoned performer, I was still desperate to exceed her expectations, because I love and respect her as a fellow artist and as a friend. We got to spend time together after that show and talked about the same things we talked about in 2000.

She made an enormous impact on my career, and I am grateful to still have her in my life.

Lindsay Northen Bradshaw ’03, a BFA music theatre graduate, spent more than a decade in “Wicked” on Broadway and now performs in “Finding Nemo: The Big Blue and Beyond” with Walt Disney Entertainment.

While in the city, the ensemble also had the opportunity to meet with Elon alumni currently performing on Broadway.

During the week, students attended performances of “Aladdin” and “The Book of Mormon.” Alumni currently performing in the productions took time to meet with the students after the shows to share stories of their experiences on Broadway.

Michael Callahan ‘13 and Campy Rodriguez ‘26 welcomed one group of students following the March 10 performance of “Aladdin” for photos and a backstage tour. Callahan is cast as a swing — covering multiple ensemble roles, dance captain, fight captain and understudy to Iago and Omar. Rodriguez is making his Broadway debut as a henchman, ensemble member and understudy to Aladdin.

Callahan and Rodriguez gave the students a behind-the-scenes tour of the theatre, offering students a rare look backstage at the production. �þ��� were able to see props and technical elements used in the show and learn more about what it takes to bring the Broadway production to life each show.

“Getting to meet Michael and Campy made such a big city feel like a small world, knowing I had an Elon connection to people doing such amazing things on Broadway,” said Alana Driver ‘27, a flutist in the Wind Ensemble. “It was inspiring to hear about their journeys and see how their experiences at Elon helped lead them to where they are now. … Standing on the stage and realizing Elon alumni are part of what makes those productions possible was incredibly meaningful.”

Andrew Stevens Purdy ‘20 invited another group of students onto the stage for a photo following a March 10 performance of “The Book of Mormon” where he is making his Broadway debut in the ensemble cast.

“Meeting an Elon alumni on Broadway showed me that with hard work and perseverance, you can achieve the seemingly unattainable goals you set for yourself,” said Ian Wong ‘28, a flutist in the Wind Ensemble. “At one point, he was in the exact position I am in now — a first-year student at Elon, striving to work hard and make a name for myself. Being able to go backstage and walk on a Broadway stage was an incredible experience. Seeing first-hand the complexity of the props, lighting and all the details that go into making a show run smoothly was really eye-opening.”

The Broadway shows were one of several experiences the Wind Ensemble enjoyed during their trip in New York City, culminating in their performance at Carnegie Hall, the first time an Elon ensemble has performed at the venue.

The alumni were excited for the opportunity to meet current Elon students and share a part of their world with them.

“I had a wonderful time meeting this group of Elon students and, hopefully, helped them bridge the gap between dream and reality in some small way,” Callahan said. “I remember the Elon alumni who were, and still are, resources for me as I graduated and pursued a career in New York City. I’m honored to pay it forward.”

Caughell, who is currently starring as Jersey in the national tour of “Hell’s Kitchen,”  made a stop at her alma mater while performing at the Tanger Center in Greensboro, North Carolina, offering Elon music theatre students a chance to learn directly from a working Broadway professional.

Caughell’s ability to guide young performers comes from more than a decade of professional experience. After graduating from Elon in 2012, she quickly built an impressive musical theatre resumé, including national tours of “American Idiot” and “Wicked” and the Broadway companies of “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” and “Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812,” with Josh Groban.

Her extensive experience made her return especially meaningful for current students, many of whom had followed her career for years.

“I have followed Kennedy on social media since before coming to Elon, so it was super exciting to meet her in person.” Brooke Chamberlin ‘27, the first student to sing for Caughell, said.

That energy carried into Yeager Recital Hall, where students packed the space for the masterclass. Performers sat in the front row, sheet music in hand, while observers opened their laptops and notebooks, ready to absorb all that they possibly could.

Ten students performed for Caughell: Aubee Billie ‘26, Nate Kromer ‘26, Brooke Chamberlin ‘27, Ella Davison ‘27, Victoria Martinez ‘28, Leilani Miranda ‘28, Treasure Capers ‘29, Laney Gaston ‘29, and Grace Santo ‘29. After each performance, Caughell offered individualized feedback, adjusting her approach to meet each student’s artistic personality.

“It was clear each person who participated in the masterclass had different needs and different styles of learning, and yet Kennedy was able to cater to all of us in such an effective way,” Chamberlin said. “She had such a calming, grounded presence that cured my nerves as soon as I stepped on stage. Her gentle and kind demeanor also helped each of the performers feel safe to push out of our comfort zones, which can be a very scary thing to do when performing in front of your faculty and peers.”

Leilani Miranda ‘28 echoed that sentiment: “Singing for Kennedy was so incredible,” she siad. “I learned and retained so much from this masterclass. She is such a joy to work with!”

Miranda said the class gave her concrete tools to improve her technique, including “how to support a high mix belt and shape vowels while singing.” With Caughell’s guidance, she applied each correction in real time, watching her piece shift and strengthen as they worked.

Moments like these reflected the larger lesson Caughell brought to campus: dedicated preparation, proper training, and courage when it counts can take you from the audition room to the Broadway stage.

Related Articles

• The Month in Photos: January 2026
• The Months in Photos: December 2025
• The Month in Photos: November 2025

February brought a mix of wintry charm and early hints of spring to campus, as the Elon community embraced a month filled with meaningful moments.

From engaging lectures and cultural celebrations to everyday scenes of connection, these photos capture the energy and spirit that defined February at Elon. Take a look back at some of the snapshots that tell the story of the month on campus, through the eyes of staff in the Office of University Communications.

Springing into the semester

The Spring Organization Fair brings together organizations for students across campus to encourage involvement and get the semester started.

Space for studying

Elon offers a variety of spaces away from the classroom to study, including the Inman Reading Room in Lindner Hall.

A Survivor’s story

Alexander Silbiger was a young child when Nazi Germany invaded and occupied his home in the Netherlands. On Feb. 12, Silbiger told the story of his family’s escape from the country in �þ���’s Holocaust Remembrance Day speaker event.

Black History Month

In February, Elon recognized Black History Month through a series of events and programming, including the Tiny Shelf Concert.

La Vie Boheme

The Department of Performing Arts performed “RENT” in McCrary Theatre from Feb. 13-15. tells the story of a group of New York City friends dealing with life and loss amid the HIV/AIDS crisis.

Mardi Gras!

The �þ��� community came together for its annual Mardi Gras celebration on Feb. 17, 2026, with festive food and fun.

Here are my Phoenix Five tips for the week ahead:

Cheer on the Phoenix – Elon Athletics Calendar

Spring is a great time to cheer on your classmates as they compete on the court and the field. Visit the for all the details about competitions coming this week:

• Men’s Basketball vs. UNCW – Tuesday, March 3, 7 p.m., Schar Center
• Lacrosse vs. High Point – Thursday, March 5, 5 p.m., Rudd Field
• Women’s Soccer vs. Appalachian State – Thursday, March 5, 7 p.m., Rudd Field
• Baseball vs. North Carolina A&T – Friday, March 6, 4 p.m., Saturday, March 7, 2 p.m., and Sunday, March 8, 1 p.m.,  Latham Park
• Softball vs. North Carolina A&T – Friday, March 6, 4:30 p.m., Saturday, March 7, 2 p.m., and Sunday, March 8, 1 p.m., Hunt Softball Park
• Men’s Soccer vs. Belmont Abbey – Friday, March 6, 7 p.m., Rudd Field
• Men’s Tennis vs. Georgia State – Saturday, March 7, 1 p.m., Jimmy Powell Tennis Center
• Women’s Basketball vs. UNCW – Saturday, March 7, 7 p.m., Schar Center
• Men’s and Women’s Tennis vs. South Carolina State – Sunday, March 8, 1 p.m., Jimmy Powell Tennis Center

Reminder: OnTrack Contact Info Review (March 2-31)

We hope to never need to reach out to your emergency contact, but when we do, it’s important we can connect with them quickly. Beginning Monday, March 2, when you log in to OnTrack, you’ll be prompted to review your contact and emergency information as part of a new twice-yearly process to help ensure your information is updated and accurate. You can complete the process immediately when prompted or choose Skip for Now and return later.

Elon Wind Ensemble Carnegie Hall Preview

Wednesday, March 4, 7:30 p.m., Alumni Gym

The Elon Wind Ensemble will be making their Carnegie Hall debut next week. But before they go, you can hear them perform a special preview concert featuring conductor Jonathan Poquette and solo guitarist Carey Harwood. Don’t miss this exciting evening of music!

Elon Day 2026

Thursday, March 5, ALL DAY

Elon Day is THIS Thursday! That means food, games, prizes and activities all day. Check out how you can celebrate the university’s annual day of giving:

• Check out the schedule .
• Wear maroon and gold! Get 10% off spirit apparel and gifts in the Barnes & Noble �þ��� Bookstore and online (code: THANKYOU26), including on clearance items.
• Post about #ElonDay on social media.
• Follow SUB on IG to “Phind the Phoenix.” Win the scavenger hunt to get a Phoenix bobblehead AND give $200 to the campus fund of your choice!

Stay tuned for more information throughout the week.

“Roots & Horizons” Spring Dance Concerts

Friday, March 6, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, March 7, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, March 8, 2 p.m., McCrary Theatre, Center for the Arts

Experience the Spring Dance Concert, inspired by the Akan concept of Sankofa, meaning “to go back and get it,” which emphasizes the importance of learning from the past to move forward. The show features work choreographed by women and performed by Elon students. Tickets are free to Elon students.

Since his 2023 arrival at Elon, Kelly has hosted a ‘listening tour’ and spent time with each department to hear directly from faculty and staff about what they value. Kelly said that common themes soon emerged from those conversations and the new statement reflects dozens of discussions.

Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences new vision statement reads: “The Heart of an Elon Education: Ignite Curiosity, Engage Challenges, Transform Worlds.”

The mission statement then declares:

“Upholding the centrality of the liberal arts, we explore and apply disciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge for inquiry, creativity, discovery and problem solving in a complex and changing world.”

The statement lists core values that include accessibility, belonging, critical thinking, diversity, equity and inclusion, integrity, intellectual curiosity, problem-posing and respect for human dignity.

Community Reflections

• “There were several opportunities for different groups, departments, branches, interdisciplinary programs, to discuss versions on the table. It was in those conversations where we might learn how a word or phrase was heard within and across disciplines; where we found convergence, deeper awareness, and respect. The both-and of this process modeled what we value and genuinely captures our shared identity as Elon College.” – Caroline Ketcham, associate dean of Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences and a professor of exercise science
• “It was always important to us that this wasn’t a process where faculty were just asked to weigh in at the end, after the real decisions had already been made. From start to finish, it was grounded in listening to what faculty across the college say we do well and what values they believe guide our shared work. Our task wasn’t to invent a mission, vision and values, but to clearly articulate what faculty are already living and leading with. I think that’s why faculty can so readily see themselves and their departments represented in the final statements.” – David Buck, associate dean of Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences and an associate professor of psychology
• “Having shared goals and articulated values helps everyone in the college feel connected as a community, value each other’s work and prioritize our energies on initiatives that matter to us.” – Shannon Duvall, interim associate dean of Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences and professor of computer science
• “I appreciated the collaborative nature of it all, not just between the dean’s office and department chairs, but also extending to faculty members across Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences. It really did involve all of us. What particularly stood out to me were the conversations in our chairs’ meetings with the dean where we came to agreements on core values. It’s inspiring to see that distinctly different types of disciplines uphold the same core values.” – Joel Karty, chair of the Department of Chemistry and �þ���’s Sydney F. & Kathleen E. Jackson Professor of chemistry
• “I appreciated being part of a process that felt genuinely collaborative. Our participation was not merely symbolic. It felt meaningful, and I experienced the dean’s office as truly listening. The process itself was also inspirational, and I feel bolstered in leading my own department through similar work. It was powerful to see such a broad, collective effort take shape into something tangible.” – Samantha DiRosa, chair of the Department of Art and a professor of art and environmental studies
• “The process of creating a new vision statement, mission statement and core values for Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences was both thoughtful and deeply collaborative. Over many months, department chairs worked together to reflect on what makes us distinctive and how best to express those qualities in guiding statements. The process intentionally sought input from across departments, ensuring that everyone in the college had the opportunity to contribute their perspectives. Personally, the time spent reflecting with fellow chairs on what makes each of our departments special fostered a deeper sense of shared purpose and collective commitment.” – Carrie Eaves, chair of the Department of Political Science and Public Policy and associate professor of political science and public policy

Kelly said he was pleased the final language resonated with the faculty in the college.

“The true measure of a successful attempt to lead a group or an organization towards a renewed vision, mission and core values is whether the words and sentiments ‘sound like us’,” he said. “When I heard that some faculty believed my presentation of our vision, mission and core values at our spring faculty meeting ‘sound like us,’ I knew that our work together in small and large group settings was a huge success. It means that stakeholders were heard and that the words resonate so much so that the tune or melody is familiar. The vision, mission and core values reflect truly who we are and where we are going with much intention.”

The conference, themed “Rooted and Rising: Building an Inclusive and Resilient Future for Dance Education,” begins at 8:30 a.m. and is open to K-12, higher education and private studio dance educators from across the state. Colleagues from Appalachian State University, University of North Carolina Charlotte, High Point University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Duke University and Belmont Abbey College are among those expected to attend.

Caroline Ketcham, associate dean of Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences, and professor of exercise science, will deliver the keynote address, “It’s Our Day to Be Brilliant: Building Mentally Healthy Habits.”

Six Elon faculty and students will present research at the conference. Associate Professor of Dance Jen Guy Metcalf will present “Moving the Frame: Integrating Dance Film and Photography in the Classroom,” drawing on her Dance for the Camera course from the Elon in LA summer program. She will be joined by Associate Professor of Dance Renay Aumiller, Associate Professor of Art Ryan Rasmussen, Associate Professor of Music Doug Jurs, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Performing Arts Caitlyn Schrader and Assistant Professor of Performing Arts Kayla Higbee who is presenting research with Brooke Goldstein ’26.

�þ��� Antonina Spinello ’26 and Evelyn Ealey ’26 also will present original research. Spinello’s work examines how United States ballet companies responded to COVID-19 and social justice movements from 2019 to 2024. Ealey’s research explores the mental health impacts on Black dancers at predominantly white institutions and aims to spark dialogue about how educators can better support their students.

“This is an excellent opportunity to strengthen our dance community through networking, sharing research and engaging in professional development,” Metcalf said.

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The Department of Performing Art’s production from Feb. 13-15, 2026, featured an immersive sound design developed through collaboration between Associate Professor Michael Smith, Production Manager Rick Earl and music production and recording arts student Brandon Cericola ’26.

The project blends Smith’s sabbatical research in immersive audio with Cericola’s interest in sound design for film and television, where immersive sound is increasingly common. The result was a student production that expanded beyond a traditional theatrical sound system.

“The traditional audio for musicals is augmented by eight surround speakers placed in the audience, some for sound effects, others to bring the performance out into the space more, to surround the audience with vocals,” Earl said.

The production used the department’s existing equipment, along with additional loudspeakers, to create the sound effect. The show used 80 inputs and 38 outputs, with updated software to help automate immersive sound effects. While some immersive systems require major hardware investments, the team developed manual techniques to adapt the live performance within available resources.

“The nature of the show is more rock-oriented, and maybe more intimate than some musicals, and takes place in a city, which by nature is an immersive environment,” Earl said. “The stars aligned — the right student, the recent research, experiences and the desire of all of us to do something like this.”

Cericola had significant creative ownership of the design. Aside from the required elements, much of what the audience heard was his creation. Earl and Smith worked with Cericola over the summer to build a small immersive setup, allowing him to record musicians, experiment with mixing and refining before scaling the systems for McCrary Theatre.

“A lot of what you hear is Brandon’s creation,” Earl said. “Large-scale system implementation like this takes strong project management skills, leadership and mentoring skills, documentation, flexibility, time management, and the ability to know when something isn’t going to work and find an alternative.

“From an audience perspective, I think it will bring them into the ‘world’ that is ‘RENT’ and enhance their experience,” Earl said.

For Cericola, the production represents the combination of the experiences he has had while at Elon.

“This has been the most challenging project I have taken on at Elon, and it is a combination of many skills I have learned here,” Cericola said. “To hear the show come to life during rehearsal was exciting and satisfying. It is evidence of my education and time at Elon.”

Cericola drew on coursework in the Music Production and Recording Arts program, leadership experiences, work study roles with the Office of Cultural and Special Programs and immersive audio research developed as an Elon College Fellow. He also attended the NAMM Show, an international music industry trade show, where he connected with manufacturers, sound designers and an engineer to discuss immersive audio approaches and set-ups.

For Smith, the production marks a full-circle moment following his sabbatical research.

“The research I did on my sabbatical was my main leaping point for trying to do immersive audio on the McCrary stage,” Smith said. “After hearing Brandon’s and Rick’s setup over the summer, I knew the next step would have to be producing a live musical with a similar setup.”

During his sabbatical, Smith built a scaled-down immersive theatre that was later expanded and installed in Roberts Studio Theatre. The 25-speaker system allows each speaker to be individually assigned and controlled, creating a unique learning space for students.

“It is the only theatre in this area that has an immersive audio system for students to do their sound design work on,” Smith said.

Earl, Smith and Cericola made decisions as a team to ensure the project remained manageable and cost-effective. They said the collaboration shows what is possible when research, creativity and student passions intersect.

“Without all three of us working together, something like this wouldn’t have been possible,” Smith said. “Now we realize what possibilities we have for future performances, not just in the Department of Performing Arts but for Cultural event programs as well.”

Traditional West African dance is unique by giving dancers the ability to work with live musicians and introduces them to polyrhythm, Gee said, but it goes beyond just live music and rhythm. Knowing, understanding and practicing traditional West African dance can help dancers understand other forms as well, as it is the foundation of many other dance forms.

As Elon honors Black History Month in February, Gee notes that her work showcasing West African dance and expanding access to the art is more important than ever, but is also something she does year-round.“My overall goal (for Black History Month),” Gee said, “is to make people aware of Black greatness and the things that Black folks are doing.”

During her �þ��� dance studies, Gee had a difficult time connecting to her alma mater’s modern dance program, partially, she said, because of the culture of the program at the time.

“Later in my dance journey, I also came to understand that I am neurodivergent, which has deeply shaped the way I approach �þ��� and research,” said Gee. “Because of that experience, I make it a priority to learn every student’s name, build genuine personal connections and create tools and resources that support multiple ways of learning. My goal is to ensure that students who may share similar challenges, or who simply learn differently, are able to engage with the course material in ways that feel accessible and affirming.”

Artificial intelligence has been a tool Gee has used to make the dance form more accessible. She published an interactive textbook that blends tradition with technology, inviting users of the online resource to learn West African dance moves and music using a digital avatar named “Amma.”

“I wanted to make it easier for everyone — whether you’re totally new to dance or already have experience — to connect with this powerful art form and understand how deeply it’s tied to the history and rhythms of the people,” Gee said.

During Gee’s �þ��� experience, it was a West African dance course with her future mentor and mother-in-law, Robin Gee, where things began to click: “It was one of the first times that I felt like a professor really saw me,” said Gee.

She now tries to help her students similarly, hosting her “mentoring research circle,” bringing together her research mentees for collaborative work: “I love being connected to students in that way. I feel like we learn and grow together, and I just love to see the growth.”

“Working with Keshia has taught me how to challenge my thinking as well as collaborate with others,” said Lucy Burk ‘27, a dance performance & choreography major who is working with Gee on her Elon College Fellows research. “She frequently allows her mentees to share ideas with each other about their projects, which leads to insightful discussions and helps builds strong relationships. Keshia is always there for support and guidance, and she makes sure her mentees get the most valuable information and resources available.”

In 2025, Gee was also named the director of The Black Lumen Project: An Equity Initiative, which works to enhance the Black experience at Elon in pursuit of equity and move the institution further in its commitment to inclusive excellence.

Gee is working to make the Committee on History and Memory Fall 2020 Report more accessible to alumni and the surrounding community through the by development of a mobile app. Her work also includes producing a film about Black women at Elon, such as Mary Carroll Robertson and Wilhelmina Boyd, associate professor emerita of English and founder of the African/African-American Studies program.

“We’ve been interviewing (some of these women) to create this living documentary about Black women being at the heart of Elon,”  she said. “Intersectionality can cause us to slip through the cracks at times, and perhaps not be acknowledged for the work that they’ve done.”

Black History Month

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