Technology | Today at Elon | ŸĂŸĂÈÈ /u/news Fri, 18 Sep 2026 21:40:39 -0400 en-US hourly 1 Educators gather at Elon and online for 22nd annual Teaching and Learning Conference /u/news/2026/09/15/educators-gather-at-elon-and-online-for-22nd-annual-ŸĂŸĂÈÈ-and-learning-conference/ Tue, 15 Sep 2026 20:54:12 +0000 /u/news/?p=1056252 Nine people pose together in two rows at an ŸĂŸĂÈÈ event, with an “Envisioning Structures of the Possible” welcome slide behind them.
The CATL and TLT teams with Keynote Speaker, Susannah McGowan at the Teaching and Learning Conference

This August, ŸĂŸĂÈÈ hosted university and college educators from across the region and around the world for the 22nd Annual Teaching and Learning Conference. A free, hybrid event sponsored jointly by the Center for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning (°äŽĄ°Őłą),ÌęTeaching and Learning Technologies (TLT), and the Office of the Provost.

Nearly 70 educators attended the conference on Elon’s campus, including faculty from Queens University of Charlotte, providing an opportunity for educators to connect and exchange ideas. Hundreds more participated virtually from institutions across the country and beyond.

Rather than simply streaming the in-person conference, the fully hybrid format offered distinct programming for virtual and on-campus participants throughout the day. The two groups came together virtually for the conference’s keynote, while other sessions were designed specifically for each mode of participation.

This year’s conference, themed “Teaching for Tomorrow: Building Transferable Skills and Lifelong Learners,” encouraged attendees to reflect on how today’s ŸĂŸĂÈÈ practices shape students’ abilities to adapt, think critically and thrive in the future. Presentation submissions addressed one of four related sub-themes: Technology and the Future of Learning, Foundations for the Future, Building Transferable Skills for Tomorrow, and Teaching Innovations.

The keynote address was given by director for curriculum transformation initiatives at , titled “Boldness by Design: Reimagining our University from the Classroom Out.” McGowan shared how universities might move from preserving tradition to designing new models, structures, and pathways toward the learning outcomes they seek for students, drawing on her experience leading institution-wide educational transformation initiatives.

Following the keynote, McGowan and Jill McSweeney, assistant director of CATL, led an in-person workshop for on-campus attendees, “Envisioning Structures of the Possible,” which invited participants to imagine a new, fully experiential core curriculum requirement for the year 2032. The workshop asked educators to consider experiential learning as a holistic, emergent and relational response to the complexities of higher education today.

Throughout the day, presenters shared research, practices, and ŸĂŸĂÈÈ strategies aligned with the conference’s themes, creating opportunities for both virtual and in-person participants to connect with colleagues and exchange ideas about the future of ŸĂŸĂÈÈ and learning.

The Teaching and Learning Conference is held annually at Elon and remains free for registrants. Information about the 2026 conference schedule, past conferences and future calls for proposals is available on the CATL and TLT websites.

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Digital Learning Days help faculty build confidence for Elon’s first semester in Canvas /u/news/2026/08/12/digital-learning-days-help-faculty-build-confidence-for-elons-first-semester-in-canvas/ Wed, 12 Aug 2026 14:22:39 +0000 /u/news/?p=1052790 As Elon faculty prepare to teach in Canvas for the first time this fall, Digital Learning Days (DLD) gave them dedicated time to work directly in their courses while learning alongside colleagues and Teaching and Learning Technologies (TLT) staff. The experience also created space to look beyond learning the platform itself and consider how Canvas can support meaningful learning experiences for students.

Across three Digital Learning Days (DLD) offerings in June and July, 74 faculty members from disciplines across Elon worked in their migrated courses, explored the university’s new learning management system and began adapting their content and course design for the academic year ahead.

“Our goal for Digital Learning Days was to empower faculty with guidance and space to work through this transition with confidence,” said Dhvani Toprani, assistant director of Learning Design and Support within Teaching and Learning Technologies. “We wanted them to leave with a deeper understanding of Canvas and ideas for using it to create meaningful, student-centered learning experiences.”

Becky Kloepfer, instructional technologist, presenting on Canvas Gradebook. Photo Credit: Charlie Crum

Throughout the day, faculty applied what they were learning directly to their own courses, making progress on the work they could continue building on after the session and becoming more familiar with the platform along the way.

In anonymous feedback collected after DLD, one participant described that shift:
“I walked in feeling only marginally familiar with Canvas and definitely unprepared to build my courses. I am leaving today feeling much more comfortable, confident, and (dare I say) even excited to finish building and customizing my courses.”

Designing with students in mind

Throughout DLD, faculty considered how course organization, visual design, assessment and instructional choices shape the student experience.
Instructional Technologists Becky Kloepfer, Kendra Nanton and Tristan Daniels guided faculty through strategies for creating consistent, accessible and approachable courses. Sessions gave participants opportunities to apply those ideas in different ways, from using Adobe Express to develop course visuals to exploring Canvas Course Analytics to better understand student activity and engagement.

TLT facilitators working with faculty members. Photo Credit: Charlie Crum

Faculty also spent time working through assessment in the new learning management system, including Canvas Quizzes, migrating question banks from Moodle and addressing common migration challenges.

Student perspectives were part of that work as well. TLT student employees Alana Driver and Jose Besednjak Izquierdo supported DLD, contributing their perspectives as faculty considered how students will navigate and experience their courses in Canvas.

By the end of the sessions, faculty had made progress on the courses they will teach this fall while developing greater familiarity with the new learning management system. That work will continue as faculty gain experience with Canvas and further develop their courses throughout the semester. Overall, feedback from participants appreciated the blended focus on structured instruction, work time, and having the space to ask individual questions.

As Elon begins its first semester in Canvas, DLD reflects TLT’s broader approach to the transition: creating opportunities for faculty to learn, experiment and seek support while keeping ŸĂŸĂÈÈ and the student experience at the center.

TLT facilitators discussing Canvas accessibility features
TLT facilitators discussing Canvas accessibility features
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Phoenix Card Services director recognized nationally for leadership and service /u/news/2026/06/03/phoenix-card-services-director-recognized-nationally-for-leadership-and-service/ Wed, 03 Jun 2026 13:09:57 +0000 /u/news/?p=1049511 Janet Rauhe, director of Phoenix Card Services at ŸĂŸĂÈÈ, has been awarded the 2026 J. Paul Melanson Award by the National Association of ŸĂŸĂÈÈ Card Users (NACCU). The award was presented on April 22 during the NACCU Annual Conference in Covington, Kentucky.

The J. Paul Melanson Award is NACCU’s highest honor, recognizing individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to the campus card industry and to the professionals who support it.

At Elon, Rauhe has spent decades guiding the growth of the Phoenix Card program, overseeing its development from an early implementation into a comprehensive system. What began as a functional tool has evolved under her leadership into a core part of the campus experience, supporting everything from accessing residence halls and campus facilities, dining and retail transactions, event participation, library services and more.

Her work has helped create a system that operates reliably and often behind the scenes, allowing students, faculty and staff to move through their day with ease. That consistency reflects both technical expertise and a steady, thoughtful approach to building systems that serve people well.

“Janet’s leadership is defined by a commitment to continuous learning and collaboration,” said Christopher Waters, associate vice president of Information Technology and chief information pfficer. “Through her engagement with colleagues across higher education and her active presence on campus, she brings forward ideas that strengthen and evolve the systems we rely on.”

Waters continued, “She doesn’t stand still; she listens, learns and adapts, always with a focus on serving our community well. This recognition reflects both her influence within the profession and the meaningful impact of her work at Elon.”

Beyond Elon, Rauhe has contributed to the broader campus card community for nearly 30 years through NACCU. Her service has included committee work, mentoring, conference leadership and time on the Board of Directors, including a term as Board President.

Colleagues across the industry recognize her for her leadership, expertise, generosity, humility and commitment to supporting others. These qualities are consistent markers that shape both her work at Elon and her impact nationwide.

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Elon senior Philip Doherty steps into NHL broadcast role /u/news/2026/04/01/elon-senior-philip-doherty-steps-into-nhl-broadcast-role/ Wed, 01 Apr 2026 14:01:59 +0000 /u/news/?p=1042819

Philip Doherty ’26 in a FanDuel remote production truck
Philip Doherty ’26, a cinema and television arts major, works from a FanDuel remote production truck outside Lenovo Center in Raleigh on March 12, overseeing the live production as technical director for a St. Louis Blues broadcast.

arrived at Elon without knowing a single role inside a broadcast control room – not the technical director, not the replay operator, not even how the production itself came together. Four years later, the cinema and television arts major now operates at the highest level, having stepped into an NHL television broadcast.

“Since my first year, I’ve tried to immerse myself in Elon Sports Vision as much as possible, attempting to absorb and learn if 1, this is what I wanted to do, and 2, if I found it fun,” Doherty said. “Ultimately, I fell in love with broadcasting sports.”

Philip Doherty with Max Negin
“Philip is one of the most talented and hard-working students I have ever had the pleasure to teach – and as of a few days ago, work with professionally,” Assistant Professor Max Negin said. According to the Elon professor, Doherty’s trajectory places him among a growing group of Elon alumni working at the highest levels of the industry, including Zora Stephenson ’15 (NBC Sports), Erik Kendall ’11 (Fox Sports South and the Charlotte Hornets), Jacob LaPlante ’17 (a freelancer), Emmanuel Tobe ’21 (Droga5) and Peter Fortunato ’21 (University of Florida) – and he noted he could name many more.

That immersion opened the door to a rare opportunity: Doherty served as technical director for a March 12 St. Louis Blues NHL broadcast, managing the live production from a FanDuel remote truck outside Lenovo Center as the show was delivered back to St. Louis. Assistant Professor Max Negin, who worked the same game as a replay operator and editor, said the opportunity reflects just how unique Doherty’s rise has been.

“It’s truly rare for someone this early in their career to work a professional hockey game for a regional network,” Negin said.

Even more remarkable, Negin noted, was how Doherty prepared for the role – ŸĂŸĂÈÈ himself to operate one of the industry’s most complex switchers while learning to manage the pace and precision required at the professional level.

“Learning a very complicated switcher, basically on his own, is something I’ve never heard of anyone doing in my 30-plus years of television,” Negin said. “But beyond the equipment, Philip also was able to build a show and work in a high-pressure environment without making any major mistakes – again, something that seasoned and very experienced TDs don’t do.”

Doherty’s path to that moment was built through hands-on experience and initiative. After gaining early experience with Elon Sports Vision and working as a technical director for Elon football broadcasts, he began building connections that opened doors to freelance opportunities on college football broadcasts across ESPN platforms.

“The biggest thing I learned at Elon isn’t my technical skill, but rather the people skills,” Doherty said. “Building connections and relationships by far has been the most important component. If I hadn’t attempted to talk to people in the real world, I wouldn’t have been able to do anything I have gotten to do.”

Doherty credited a group of Elon mentors and collaborators – including Quintin Brenner, John Spitznagel, Annika Cronin, Patrick Cunningham and Negin – for helping him develop his skills and navigate the industry.

“I couldn’t have gotten to where I am today without the people at Elon helping me out along the way.”
– Philip Doherty ’26

Those connections became critical in preparing for his first NHL assignment. After being hired, Doherty reached out to the broadcast’s director in advance, studying materials and workflows so he could step into the truck prepared.

Instead of focusing on visual flair, he concentrated on the fundamentals – building the elements needed to get the show on air – from sponsored segments to in-game transitions.

By the end of the broadcast, the feedback was immediate. Negin said professionals on site – from crew members to network leadership – were impressed not only with Doherty’s performance, but with how seamlessly he operated.

“Everyone involved said he did a great job and wants him back the next time St. Louis comes to town,” the professor said.

For Negin, Doherty’s trajectory is almost unheard of. “To me, this is like an Elon baseball player jumping from Division I baseball games, and within a year, starting in the major leagues and making an all-star team,” he said.

Now, with his first NHL broadcast complete, Doherty sees it as confirmation he’s on the right path.

“This NHL show only confirmed that this industry is for me, and I am stoked to continue onward,” he said. “I cannot wait to see what comes down the road.”

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Elon recognizes student supervisors at annual appreciation dinner /u/news/2026/03/25/elon-recognizes-student-supervisors-at-annual-appreciation-dinner/ Wed, 25 Mar 2026 20:42:37 +0000 /u/news/?p=1042357 On March 11, ŸĂŸĂÈÈ students, staff and faculty gathered for the annual Supervisor Appreciation Dinner. This Elon tradition was created by Rene Jackson over a decade ago to celebrate student supervisors across campus who consistently play important roles in mentoring student employees and developing their professional skills.

Hosted by Kameryn Taylor, assistant director of Career Services for student employment, the event was kicked off by Randy Williams, vice president for inclusive excellence, who spoke about his formative experience with a supervisor during his ŸĂŸĂÈÈ years. His supervisor became a mentor, and through her, Vice President Williams learned to communicate professionally with faculty, manage his time effectively, and accomplish goals, even when others didn’t believe in him.

Throughout the event, senior student employees reflected on their experiences with their supervisors and had the opportunity to share the influence these mentors had on their time at Elon. Some students invited multiple supervisors, explaining how each helped them better understand their personal goals for life and work after graduation. One student shared her appreciation for the ways her supervisors supported her post-graduate plans by writing recommendation letters for law school and celebrating with her when she was accepted.

Additionally, many supervisors were nominated for the Excellence in Student Supervision Award, given to faculty or staff recognized as outstanding mentors and leaders. This year’s recipients of the Excellence in Student Supervision Award included Dan Reis, assistant director of Creative Learning Technologies, Julie Prouty, lead for Technology Checkout Operations and Dallas Smith, Event Support Specialist. Student nominators shared numerous comments about the positive impact of their supervisors, highlighting their community-building skills and their willingness to support student ambitions.

Whether formally recognized or not, each supervisor has undoubtedly impacted their students’ lives, providing a constant and steadfast support system.

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Elon begins planning transition to Canvas learning management system /u/news/2026/02/12/elon-begins-planning-transition-to-canvas-learning-management-system/ Thu, 12 Feb 2026 14:30:11 +0000 /u/news/?p=1038536 ŸĂŸĂÈÈ will begin planning a transition to Canvas by Instructure as its learning management system, following an extensive evaluation process led by Teaching and Learning Technologies (TLT) in partnership with Academic Affairs and informed by faculty, staff and student feedback.

The transition planning phase reflects a clear institutional decision and does not represent an immediate change to how courses are taught or delivered. Moodle will remain fully supported; no Spring 2026 courses are affected, and no action is required from faculty or staff at this time.

Why now?

Over the fall semester, Teaching and Learning Technologies, in partnership with academic and IT colleagues, conducted a comprehensive review of the university’s learning management system. That process included open forums, surveys and structured feedback from more than 125 faculty and staff members and more than 400 ŸĂŸĂÈÈ and graduate students.

The evaluation highlighted the importance of adopting a learning management system to support current and evolving approaches to learning and engagement.

Beginning the transition planning now allows the university to move forward deliberately, ensuring the transition is well supported and aligned with Elon’s broader commitment to engaged learning and student success.

Why Canvas?

Canvas was selected following a careful review of faculty and student input, market analysis and platform capabilities.

“This decision was guided by the needs and hopes of our faculty and students,” said Rebecca Kohn, provost and vice president of academic affairs. “Our community asked for a system that is reliable and flexible; one that can adapt to diverse approaches to ŸĂŸĂÈÈ and learning. Canvas emerged as the platform that best aligns with those priorities as we look ahead.”

What this means and what’s next

As planning moves forward, a few key points may be helpful to keep in mind:

  • Moodle remains fully supported through the transition.
  • No action is required from LMS users at this time.
  • No change will be made to how courses are taught or delivered for Spring 2026.

Teaching and Learning Technologies will lead the transition process in close partnership with academic and IT colleagues. TLT will coordinate training, support and future communications, ensuring faculty, staff and students have clarity and guidance well in advance of any changes.

As details take shape, including a clearer transition timeline and answers to frequently asked questions, TLT will share updates with the campus community. Additional information is expected before March.

“Transitioning to a modern, user-friendly platform like Canvas supports engaged learning and student success,” said Kelly Reimer, senior director of Teaching and Learning Technologies. “Our goal during this early phase of work is to establish a strong foundation for both the technical transition and how we will support faculty and students in ways that minimize disruption to ŸĂŸĂÈÈ and learning.”

Faculty engagement & Next Steps

Faculty involvement remains central as the transition planning continues. Opportunities for faculty engagement, support and training will be communicated by Teaching and Learning Technologies as plans are refined.

“As a member of the LMS evaluation project team, I was grateful for the quantity and depth of feedback we received from colleagues and students,” said Eric Bauer, faculty fellow for technology and assistant professor of biology. “I’m excited to see how my colleagues creatively use the many new tools within Canvas to make their classes even more engaging and easy for students to navigate and look forward to exploring with them the possibilities of the new LMS.”

The transition to Canvas will be implemented over time, with ongoing communication and support as the university moves through the next academic year.

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Winter Term in full swing: stay on track, stay well and get involved /u/news/2026/01/12/winter-term-in-full-swing-stay-on-track-stay-well-and-get-involved/ Mon, 12 Jan 2026 13:52:13 +0000 /u/news/?p=1036617 I hope your Winter Term is going well. With each day of class serving as the rough equivalent of a week of classes in the traditional semester, it is important to keep up with readings and assignments. Along the way, make time for your health and well-being goals in the new year.

Here are this week’s “Phoenix Five” recommendations for the week ahead:

ŸĂŸĂÈÈ Year of Service Fellows Program

Wednesday, Jan. 14, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Virtual

Join SPDC to learn about the Elon Year of Service Fellows program, a partnership between ŸĂŸĂÈÈ and several community organizations in Alamance County. The program offers May 2026 Elon graduates the opportunity to engage in meaningful service work to improve health, education and economic development for residents in Alamance County. Visit  for more information and to join the event.

Elon Cares 2026 – a cabaret to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aid

Wednesday, Jan. 14, 6:30 p.m. & 8:30 p.m., Yeager Recital Hall, Center for the Arts

Join the Elon Cares for a night of performances and support. The event is a benefit cabaret for the national organization . At each performance, audience members can donate to the national organization to help Elon Cares reach its $2,000 goal. Each donation also enters you into a raffle for various prizes. Raffle prizes include, but aren’t limited to, signed playbills and posters from Broadway companies, private industry sessions via Zoom, a headshot session, and even a PR merchandise box from various films. Each item was donated by an alumnus from the Department of Performing Arts. Visit the  for more information.

SUB Cinema: Mamma Mia! (2008)

Friday, Jan. 16 at 8 p.m. & 10:30 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 17 at 8 p.m., Turner Theater

Join SUB Cinema for Mamma Mia! Donna, an independent hotelier, is preparing for her daughter’s wedding with the help of two old friends. Meanwhile, Sophie, the spirited bride, has a plan. She invites three men from her mother’s past in the hope of meeting her real father. Visit  for more information.

LNE: Silly Debates with the International Relations Club

Friday, Jan. 16, 10:30 p.m., McKinnon Hall

The International Relations Club is bringing their silly debates to Late Night Elon! Join us for an opportunity to talk through some amusing controversial topics ever. Visit  for more information.

Don’t forget to switch to eduroam – Elonu-secure is retired

As you settle in for Winter Term, here’s a quick reminder that eduroam is Elon’s secure Wi-Fi network for laptops, phones, and tablets. Another reminder: Both eduroam and the retired elonu-secure used the same campus network. Wi-Fi disruptions in the fall were tied to external factors and our regional internet provider, not the eduroam sign-in system.

Here’s how to login to eduroam:

  • Open your device’s Wi-Fi settings
  • Select eduroam
  • Log in with your full Elon email (e.g., jsmith@elon.edu)
  • Enter your Elon password

If you’re setting up other devices, like gaming consoles, smart TVs, streaming sticks (Roku and Fire TV), and smart speakers, use elonu-connect. If you need help, review step-by-step instructions online at , contact the Technology Service Desk at (336) 278-5200, or .

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Facilities and Technology Merger Team co-leads offer insight into work /u/news/2025/11/20/facilities-and-technology-merger-team-co-leads-offer-insight-into-work/ Thu, 20 Nov 2025 18:10:48 +0000 /u/news/?p=1033783 The early months of the merger planning process between ŸĂŸĂÈÈ and Queens University of Charlotte required long hours and deep analysis by administrative leaders from two institutions aligned in values and mission.

For the administrators who are assessing the facilities and technology of both campuses, that work also has forged new friendships since September’s announcement of the intended merger. What began as a daunting assignment quickly became an opportunity for Brad Moore and Kenitra Horsley to learn from one another and imagine what a combined institution might offer its students.

Kenitra Horsley and Brad Moore

Both leaders describe the sprint team as a place where intense work has produced genuine connections. They’ve spent weeks comparing systems, walking campuses, studying student needs and exploring the physical and technological foundations that define their respective universities.

In the process, Moore – ŸĂŸĂÈÈ’s associate vice president for facilities and chief facilities officer – and Horsley – chief of staff and chief information officer at Queens – developed not only professional insight but a shared sense of possibility.

As the members of both boards of trustees continue to review the terms of the definitive merger agreement, which is expected to be finalized before the end of the calendar year, a recent conversation with Moore and Horsley offers a look at what it means to merge two complex organizations and how collaboration can spark both practical solutions and a new vision for what the future could hold.

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Can you share very briefly your responsibilities with the sprint team and what you’ve discovered since September in this role?

Kenitra Horsley: We’ve been delving into the inventory of tools and technologies on both campuses to better understand our learning environments and overall campus landscapes. What I’ve discovered is that each institution uses many applications and technologies, which is very common in higher education. However, we’ve found very little overlap in the actual tools we use. Some of that may be due to scale, evaluation processes, or campus size, but the result is the same. We’ll need to look closely at each application to decide what’s the right and best fit for the merged institution.

Brad Moore: The other members of the sprint team have been focused on people — students, faculty, and staff — and on purpose: the transformation and education of students. Kenitra and I have been focused on place. That includes the physical campuses but also how the campuses operate, whether that’s technology, auxiliary services, campus safety and police, facilities or grounds. We’ve learned that some things we do very similarly and some we do very differently. It’s been a good exercise to stop, pause, and look at what we do, why we do it that way and whether there’s a better way.

Why are these discoveries valuable in the early stages of the merger?

KH: Our goal is to have a thriving merged institution. That means understanding our environments and how we enable ŸĂŸĂÈÈ and learning. Our spaces, campus safety, technology and auxiliary services are all support components that help the institution thrive and deliver programming. It’s important that we have clear sight lines on our environments and how we can advance them.

BM: I would say the same. Our missions are similar, and people thrive when their basic needs are met: shelter, food, security, and safety. When we provide that experience, students can focus on their studies and well-being. It’s important to figure out what’s working and what’s not. Through this process, we’ve seen things that are working well, things we can learn from each other, and things we can improve moving forward.

What might people not immediately recognize about the role of facilities and technology in the success of a university campus?

KH: Brad said it best. When people have the resources and environment to support them, they’re able to grow and do the exploration and transformation we want for our students.

BM: The campus fosters community and encourages enrollment. It’s a powerful tool for delivering the mission and vision of a university. At Elon, we often say we all work for admissions — and the campus is a key player. There are students at both institutions who say “I chose Queens” or “I chose Elon” because of the beautiful campuses. This is not by chance. Leaders at both institutions have invested in the grounds and buildings knowing the importance of the campus in enhancing the student experience.

KH: I’d echo that. In my role as interim VP for enrollment, I’m acutely aware that technology, dining, and campus services shape the very first impressions prospective students have. Their ability to connect easily, enjoy quality dining options, and experience a positive visual environment all directly influence both enrollment and retention.

Can you talk more about how campus systems are most visible when there’s a hiccup, but invisible when everything works as it should?

KH: Exactly. In the technology space, name recognition isn’t always a good thing—if people know your name, it could mean something isn’t working and they’ve had to call you more than once. The best technology supports the work without becoming the focus. As we merge the campuses, our focus is ensuring the experience feels seamless to the entire community. It’s a job where success often goes unnoticed, because when everything works without disrupting your day, that’s the real win.

BM: That applies to facilities, too. You get calls when there are issues. Fortunately, we work with a campus community that also recognizes and appreciates the efforts to ensure that things work well.

What is the importance of the work you’re doing on the sprint teams for both campuses, independent of its impact on the merger process?

BM: It’s a great question. This is a good way to assess the work we’re doing. We’re all so busy that we’re constantly sprinting, both for the merger and in our daily jobs. Sometimes you have to stop and ask, “Am I going in the right direction?” This has helped us do that.

KH: The real benefit is understanding how space impacts the student experience and whether we’re maximizing our spaces to their optimal level. It’s unbiased discovery — having conversations and sharing things we may not have talked about in a long time. You may have something in the back of your mind, but daily responsibilities prevent you from pausing to consider it.

BM: Being on Queens’ campus allows me to provide a third-party perspective on the campus. And the same is true when they visit our campus. That’s been helpful for identifying first impressions and the factors that drive enrollment and retention.

What’s one thing you’ve discovered about the other campus that’s an innovative solution or idea you hadn’t considered before?

KH: The one innovative solution that impressed me is the solar flower outside Elon’s engineering space. It was born out of a student project — creativity and exploration that produced a real solution. It’s impactful for sustainability, and it made me think more intentionally about sustainability in the context of facilities. Working alongside Brad has helped me look at these elements more holistically, considering not only what we can bring but what our students can create through their work.

BM: There’s a lot I’ve learned working with Kenitra and the sprint team. Queens has strong connections to Uptown Charlotte and the businesses there. Their campus is different from ours. It’s more landlocked and compressed. They think about expansion upwards, where we have space to grow outward. Comparing those approaches has been interesting and beneficial for both institutions.

One final question to help the community understand who you are on a personal level: do you have a favorite Thanksgiving tradition as we head into the holiday season?

KH: For me, it’s cooking and baking. My husband loves to fry turkeys, and I love to bake. For Thanksgiving, we make cakes and fry turkeys for friends and our church family. Leading up to Thanksgiving, we’ve fried as many as 5-6 turkeys and an equal number of cakes. It’s always fun.

BM: I don’t know that we have a particular tradition, but I love this season—the gathering of families, making memories, pausing, reflecting, and being thankful for our blessings. The food is great and trying new recipes is fun, but it’s really a time to stop, reflect, and make memories with your family.

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Elon’s Information Security Director named president of new Cloud Security Alliance chapter /u/news/2025/09/08/elons-information-security-director-named-president-of-new-cloud-security-alliance-chapter/ Mon, 08 Sep 2025 14:51:11 +0000 /u/news/?p=1026656 Portrait of an older man with neatly combed gray hair, wearing a navy blazer, white collared shirt, and red sweater. He is smiling and posed in front of a neutral gray background.
Gary Sheehan, Information Security Director

Gary Sheehan, ŸĂŸĂÈÈ’s information security director, has been named president of the newly formed Piedmont Area Chapter of the , a global organization dedicated to promoting cloud security best practices.

The chapter, which joins CSA’s Triangle and Charlotte chapters as one of three in North Carolina, will serve as a regional hub for education, collaboration, and leadership in secure cloud computing. Sheehan’s appointment expands his leadership in the national cybersecurity community and elevates Elon’s presence in the evolving landscape of cloud and information security.

“This opportunity supports Elon’s broader commitment to digital safety, innovation, and collaboration,” said Sheehan. “As our systems and data continue to live and grow in the cloud, Elon’s involvement in these national conversations helps ensure that our approach to cybersecurity remains forward-thinking, community-driven, and rooted in industry best practices.”

The CSA is the world’s leading organization focused on defining and raising awareness of best practices to ensure a secure cloud computing environment. It brings together experts from industry, education and government to provide research, training, and community support, including one of the most widely adopted cloud security certifications worldwide.

As chapter president, Sheehan will:

  • Build and grow regional membership 
  • Promote cloud security awareness and education in the Piedmont region
  • Lead community events and training programs
  • Encourage professional development and collaboration across sectors
  • Represent Elon in a broader network of IT and cloud security leaders

“I’m looking forward to building new partnerships with professionals across the region, and bringing that knowledge and perspective back to Elon,” Sheehan added. “Strong communities are what make strong security possible.”

The Piedmont Area Chapter will host its inaugural meeting on Sept. 10, welcoming members from across higher ed, industry and government.

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Your first Phoenix Five: A Sunday snapshot of the week ahead /u/news/2025/08/25/your-first-phoenix-five-a-sunday-snapshot-of-the-week-ahead/ Mon, 25 Aug 2025 15:35:09 +0000 /u/news/?p=1025506 A special welcome to our newest transfer students and welcome back to all returning Phoenix students!

This is the very first Phoenix Five of the year. Each Sunday afternoon, Jon Dooley, vice president for Student Life, provides students with five things to know for the week ahead.

With classes kicking off on Tuesday, here are the first five tips to get the year started strong:

Get Connected on Social Media

Social media is one of the easiest ways to stay plugged in at Elon. If you want to know what’s happening on campus in real time, here are a few Instagram accounts I recommend:

  • ŸĂŸĂÈÈ (main)
  • Phoenix Athletics and Phoenix Phanatics
  • Student Life
  • Elon Dining
  • Student Union Board
  • Elon News Network
  • HealthEU

Hyponist

Monday, August 25, 8:30-11 p.m., Alumni Gym

Looking for some laughs and a break from the first week of classes? Don’t miss the Hypnotist Show—a student favorite. Come ready to watch your friends (or maybe even yourself!) take the stage for an unforgettable, hilarious performance. .

Elon ŸĂŸĂÈÈ Traditions – Starting this Week!

College Coffee

Tuesdays, 9:40-10:20 a.m., Phi Beta Kappa Commons, Lambert Academic Village

College Coffee is one of Elon’s most beloved traditions. Every Tuesday morning, the entire campus gathers for coffee, treats and conversation. It’s a chance to meet people, connect with faculty and staff, and hear about what’s happening around campus.

If your student organization wants to host an information table at College Coffee, information on .

Numen Lumen: A Thursday Inspiration

Thursdays, 9:50-10:20 a.m., Numen Lumen Pavilion

On Thursday mornings, we pause for a moment of reflection and inspiration. You’ll hear music from student, faculty and staff performers and reflections from members of our community. This year’s theme is and the first Numen Lumen of the year will be held this Thursday.

Student Employment Fair

Thursday, August 28, 3-5 p.m., McKinnon Hall

Looking for a job on campus this fall? Don’t miss the Student Employment Fair, which is your chance to connect directly with supervisors from across Elon, including Student Life, Event Technology Services, Alumni Engagement and many other departments.

ŽĄ»ć±čŸ±łŠ±đ:ÌęShow up, bring a few copies of your rĂ©sumĂ©, and take advantage of the opportunity to make a great first impression.

You can explore details and available positions ahead of time on the . Learn more about the .

Have You Switched to EduRoam Yet?

As of this fall, EduRoam is now Elon’s main Wi-Fi network, so if you’re still on elonu-secure, it’s time to make the switch.

Why? Because EduRoam is designed to make your wireless connection simpler, easier to use, and more consistent, both here at Elon and at many other campuses, if you travel.

Here’s how to switch:

  1. Forget elonu-secure in your Wi-Fi settings
  2. Select EduRoam as your new Wi-Fi
  3. Log in with your full Elon email and password

Need a hand? Step-by-step help is at or .

Make the change now so you’re all set for the rest of the semester!

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