Technology | Today at Elon | �þ��

Phoenix Card Services director recognized nationally for leadership and service

Daniel Statum — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 13:09:57 +0000

Janet Rauhe, director of Phoenix Card Services at �þ��, has been awarded the 2026 J. Paul Melanson Award by the National Association of �þ�� 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.

Elon senior Philip Doherty steps into NHL broadcast role

Tommy Kopetskie — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 14:01:59 +0000

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 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 – �þ�� 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.”

Elon recognizes student supervisors at annual appreciation dinner

Kameryn Taylor — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 20:42:37 +0000

On March 11, �þ�� 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 �þ�� 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.

Elon begins planning transition to Canvas learning management system

Daniel Statum — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 14:30:11 +0000

�þ�� 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 �þ�� 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 �þ�� 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 �þ�� 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.

Winter Term in full swing: stay on track, stay well and get involved

Kelsey Armstrong — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 13:52:13 +0000

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:

�þ�� 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 �þ�� 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 .

Facilities and Technology Merger Team co-leads offer insight into work

Eric Townsend — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 18:10:48 +0000

The early months of the merger planning process between �þ�� 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 – �þ��’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.

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 �þ�� 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.

Elon’s Information Security Director named president of new Cloud Security Alliance chapter

Daniel Statum — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 14:51:11 +0000

Gary Sheehan, Information Security Director

Gary Sheehan, �þ��’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.

Your first Phoenix Five: A Sunday snapshot of the week ahead

Kelsey Armstrong — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 15:35:09 +0000

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:

�þ�� (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 �þ�� 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.

��屹��:��Show up, bring a few copies of your résumé, 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:

Forget elonu-secure in your Wi-Fi settings
Select EduRoam as your new Wi-Fi
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!

Elon employees honored during 2025 Staff Appreciation Day

Alexander Saunders (he/him) — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 13:09:22 +0000

�þ�� celebrated the dedication, innovation and service of its staff during 2025 Staff Appreciation Day on Friday, May 30, honoring individuals and teams whose work exemplifies the university’s mission and values.

“Whether you directly support our students, contribute to our academic mission, care for our beautiful campus or ensure that our numerous services run smoothly, your exceptional efforts create an extraordinary environment for learning growth and success at Elon,” said Chief Human Resource Office Melissa Clodfelter during her opening remarks Friday.

Clodfelter joined Elon in spring 2025 as Chief Human Resources Officer. She thanked the attendees for a warm welcome to the university in her first months and set the tone for the ceremony.

“This is a day to celebrate the whole, to recognize that it takes all of us, the ones who open the doors in the mornings, who prepare meals and classrooms, who teach and tend, who organize and uplift, who listen, who build, who clean, who care,” said Rev. Kirstin Boswell, university chaplain and dean of multifaith engagement, during the event’s invocation.

Phoenix Awards

Four Phoenix Awards are presented each year to recognize outstanding innovation, collaboration and dedication to the university’s mission.

Phoenix Innovation Award

Lasse Palomaki was named the 2025 Phoenix Innovation Award winner. The award is presented to a member of the Elon staff who has displayed innovation by creating, designing, improving and implementing a new idea or a program that benefits the university or the community.

As associate director of career services for alumni, Palomaki has redefined professional development at Elon. From launching the Career Search Foundations course to leading the Elon in LA Bridges program, Palomaki’s work has expanded opportunities for alumni and aligned career services with the university’s strategic goals.

“In close collaboration with his supervisor and key campus partners, he has shaped the direction of alumni career services,” one nominator wrote.

Lasse Palomaki (right), associate director of career services for alumni, accepts the Phoenix Innovation Award during Staff Appreciation Day on May 30, 2025.

Phoenix Rising Award

Gia Pineda was named the 2025 Phoenix Rising Award winner. The award is presented to one newer member of Elon’s staff who has consistently displayed excellence in pursuit of Elon’s mission with an engaged mind in inspired leadership and global citizenship.

As director of short-term programs in the Isabella Cannon Global Education Center, Pineda manages nearly 50 programs with clarity, compassion and creativity. From helping students secure funding to ensuring accessibility for students with disabilities, Pineda’s dedication is unwavering.

One nominator recalled her steady presence during a program disrupted by the Los Angeles fires: “She helped us navigate urgent and difficult decisions regarding student safety and program continuity, always centering the health, well-being and dignity of our students.”

Gia Pineda, director of short-term programs in the Isabella Cannon Global Education Center, accepts the Phoenix Rising Award during Staff Appreciation Day on May 30, 2025.

Phoenix Collaboration Award

The Phoenix Collaboration award was presented to Nature RX, led by Kelly Harer, associate director of sustainability for education and outreach, and Tumi Shadreck, counselor/outreach coordinator. The team includes staff from Counseling Services, the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education and the Office of Sustainability. The award is presented to an Elon staff team or group that has fostered cooperation, collaboration and open communication across two or more departments/offices/centers on campus.

Since 2019, Nature RX has coordinated programming that promotes mental and physical well-being through outdoor experiences. During this time, more than 750 people have participated in programming, such as mental health heights, staff training, classroom presentations, event series, the signature stargazing of mental health events, and other partnerships with student organizations, residential neighborhoods and academic departments.

The group will make mental health benefits even more accessible with a new app funded by an Elon Innovation Grant, which will launch in 2026 and connect students, faculty and staff with green spaces and across campus more effectively.

“The collaborative nature of this project is what has enabled it to be effective,” one nominator wrote. “Nature Rx could not succeed if it was an individual staff member or department project.”

Kelly Harer, associate director of sustainability for education and outreach (far right), and Tumi Shadreck, counselor/outreach coordinator (far left), accept the Phoenix Collaboration Award for Nature RX during Staff Appreciation Day on May 30, 2025.

Blanche Garrison Memorial Award

The 2025 Blanche Garrison Memorial Award was presented to Susan Tripp, horticulturalist for Elon. The award was established in memory of the late Blanche Garrison, an Elon Medallion awardee, who served the university with distinction as a staff member at Maynard House. This award was created through the generosity of President Emeritus Leo Lambert and Laurie Lambert and recognizes a staff member who has contributed significantly to shaping the student experience at �þ�� through their everyday commitments and actions to support, encourage, and mentor Elon students.

Tripp was recognized for her engagement with students in the Gender & LGBTQIA Center and the Phoenix Free Collegiate Recovery Program, meeting students for lunch and class projects, and for generally being a welcoming and friendly presence on campus.

“For young people that are discovering who they are and maybe who don’t always feel they have majority views … I just think it’s important to slow down and pay attention. And it’s what I do,” said Tripp after receiving the award.

Susan Tripp, horticulturalist for Elon, accepts the Blanche Garrison Memorial Award during Staff Appreciation Day on May 30, 2025.

Staff Member of the Year Awards

Three Staff Member of the Year Awards are presented annually to university non-�þ�� staff – one for each of the following categories: facilities management, professional hourly staff and administrative staff. Elon President Connie Ledoux Book, announced the award winners.

Staff Member of the Year – Professional Hourly

Elizabeth Bowen was honored as the professional hourly staff member of the year. She serves as the executive assistant to the vice president for enrollment and assistant vice president and dean of �þ�� admissions.

Described as the glue that holds her team together, Bowen brings foresight, flexibility and a spirit of service to every aspect of her work. In her role, Bowen manages a wide range of responsibilities—from coordinating travel and overseeing safety plans to operating technology during meetings and to fielding questions from prospective students. One nominator even said that without her, counselors wouldn’t have enough publications for travel, cars wouldn’t be properly checked out, office supplies would run out and the admissions email account would be bogged down with thousands of emails.

Bowen addressed the audience after receiving the nomination to express gratitude for the award recognizing “the little things that we do.”

“Elon is kind of like a ship – we are familiar with the captain and the wheel, but it’s what all the people in this room are, the little nuts and bolts, that you don’t see…without those, she ship would fall apart,” she said.

She ended the speech by saying, “from one nut to all the others, thank you!”

Elizabeth Bowen, executive assistant to the vice president for enrollment and assistant vice president and dean of �þ�� admissions. accepts the Staff Member of the Year Award – Professional Hourly during Staff Appreciation Day on May 30, 2025.

Staff Member of the Year – Administrative

Doug McIntyre

Doug McIntyre was awarded the administrative staff member of the year. He serves as the ERP application architect.

Working at Elon for over 30 years, McIntyre was recognized for his historical institutional knowledge and profound understanding of university operations.

With more than three decades of service to Elon, McIntyre has become a cornerstone of the university’s technological infrastructure. His role extends far beyond his title. Colleagues describe him as a historian, mentor, data integrator, system expert and developer—someone whose deep institutional knowledge and collaborative spirit have shaped the university’s operations in profound ways.

Known for thriving under pressure and never settling for “good enough,” McIntyre approaches his work with a calm, thoughtful energy. He is often the first to respond to urgent system issues—sometimes before the rest of campus has even started the day.

“His sense of responsibility and care for the university’s operations never turns off,” one nominator noted.

Claudia Sparks, associate director of enterprise solutions, accepted the award on McIntyre’s behalf. She added a brief praise of her colleague, mentioning that he is dedicated, always figuring things out and generally a good person to work with.

Claudia Sparks, associate director of enterprise solutions, accepts the administrative staff member of the year award on behalf of Doug McIntyre, ERP application architect, during Staff Appreciation Day on May 30, 2025.

Staff Member of the Year – Facilities Management

Dee Fuller won the 2025 Facilities Management Staff Member of the Year award. She serves as a custodian for Elon and is responsible for the care of Alamance Building.

Fuller was recognized for being accommodating for people in the building and for creating a welcoming atmosphere that uplifts students, faculty and staff who interact with her. She was praised for routinely going above and beyond the scope of her job description and ensuring every detail is attended to with the utmost care and precision.

“I was not expecting this, but I am truly honored, and I thank everyone who who’s involved in this , and I’m just grateful and thankful,” said Fuller after receiving the award.

Dee Fuller accepts the Facilities Management Staff Member of the Year award during Staff Appreciation Day on May 30, 2025.

Gratitude Expressed Towards the Service of Elon Retirees

Rebecca Kohn, provost and vice president for academic affairs, honored staff members who are retiring this year:

Ann Flaherty, director of leadership & development
Betty Garrison, business research librarian
Marietta Herbin, custodian
Annie Hester, program assistant for The Oaks
Rene Sellers, student account specialist
Cindy Sweeney, senior associate director of career services for the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business
Rex Terrell, carpenter
Karen Walter, senior associate director of financial aid and liaison to athletics

Faculty fellow for technology bridges academic insight and IT strategy

Daniel Statum — Mon, 19 May 2025 19:44:26 +0000

Understanding how technology supports �þ�� starts with understanding the people who use it.

That’s been the focus of Eric Bauer’s first year as faculty fellow for technology: listening to faculty, amplifying their perspectives and helping align IT services with academic needs.

An assistant professor of biology, Bauer stepped into the three-year faculty fellowship in August 2024. He serves as a liaison between faculty and the Office of Information Technology (IT), offering insight into how technology can enhance �þ��, learning and student success.

Eric Bauer began his three-year term as faculty fellow for technology in August 2024, serving as a connector between academic insight and campus IT strategy.

“Faculty and IT bring different strengths to the table, but we’re working toward the same goal: supporting students,” Bauer said. “This role has helped me see the overlap and find new ways to collaborate more intentionally.”

Since his appointment, Bauer has conducted over two dozen one-on-one interviews with faculty in Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences. His goal: understand how instructors are using technology, where challenges emerge and how IT can better support their work. He’s now expanding those conversations to include the Schools of Communications, Martha and Spencer Love School of Business, Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education, and the School of Health Sciences, creating a broader picture of instructional technology across campus.

“The goal isn’t to offer immediate answers,” Bauer said. “It’s about surfacing perspectives that can help IT better understand where technology is meeting faculty needs and where there’s room to grow.”

A focus on student learning and emerging technology

While faculty conversations remain at the heart of Bauer’s work, he’s also exploring how emerging tools—particularly AI—can extend academic support for students.

He is in the early stages of collaborating with Learning Assistance, investigating how technologies like generative AI could help students build foundational skills like time management, study strategies and information literacy.

As part of his work exploring AI in education, Eric Bauer tests generative tools that could help students build foundational skills like time management, study strategies, and information literacy.

“I’ve seen how much students struggle with basic academic habits, especially in their first year,” Bauer said. “If we can use tools like AI to help them strengthen those habits early on, it could have a real impact on their academic experience.”

Bauer is also in conversation with Teaching and Learning Technologies (TLT) and other IT teams about the evolving role of AI in platforms like Moodle 4.5. While Teaching and Learning Technologies has chosen not to enable Moodle’s generative AI features at this time, Bauer sees value in how TLT is taking a thoughtful approach to ensure alignment with Elon’s AI Principles.

His exploration of generative AI aligns with this intentional approach, as he seeks to better understand which tools support learning and where guidance can help faculty integrate them mindfully.

As with all of his work, the focus is not on chasing new tools, but on identifying which technologies solve real problems and align with Elon’s values and �þ�� goals.

A connector between faculty and IT

Bauer’s experience as an educator and researcher informs his approach to the fellowship, as does his prior use of instructional technologies such as 3D printing, Microsoft 365 and adaptive testing platforms.

Through his role, he’s gained a deeper appreciation for the scope of IT’s work and what goes into maintaining the digital infrastructure that faculty rely on every day.

The scale and complexity of IT work has been eye-opening. Most faculty only interact with tools like Moodle or Microsoft Teams, but there’s an entire infrastructure running behind the scenes. Learning more about that has deepened my appreciation for the role IT plays in our work.

Eric Bauer, assistant professor of biology and faculty fellow for technology

“Eric brings a grounding perspective,” said Kelly Reimer, senior director of �þ�� and learning technologies. “He asks the kinds of questions that connect tools to real �þ�� challenges. That’s what we were looking for: someone who could help bridge strategy with everyday practice.”

That bridge works both ways. Bauer is helping IT teams understand faculty workflows and needs while helping faculty better understand how IT systems are built, maintained and rolled out across campus.

Looking ahead

Bauer joins a line of previous faculty fellows for technology, including Kyle Altman, associate professor of physics, who helped lead Elon’s transition to hybrid �þ�� during the COVID-19 pandemic. Other former fellows include:

Todd Lee, professor of mathematics;
Antonio Izzo, associate professor of biology
Randy Piland, senior lecturer in communication design.

Moving forward, Bauer will continue his outreach across academic schools, contribute to professional development programming, and support conversations around responsible, student-centered technology use.

“There’s a genuine sense of collaboration across IT teams,” Bauer said. “They’ve been incredibly welcoming and open to conversation. I’m excited to keep learning—and to keep building connections that help us all do our work more effectively.”

Faculty members who are interested in connecting with Bauer about classroom technology, digital tools, or instructional support are encouraged to reach out to him. He welcomes conversations with colleagues from all disciplines and perspectives.

Technology | Today at Elon | �þ���