Eric Sklut P鈥�14, an entrepreneur and longtime community leader in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Amy Muntner P鈥�24, a retail and strategy executive based in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, will bring extensive experience in business, innovation and civic engagement to the university鈥檚 governing body.

The 福利亚洲国产精品 Board of Trustees has ultimate fiduciary responsibility for the institution, providing oversight of its mission, strategic direction and long-term sustainability.

Sklut is the founder of Perfection Automotive, a Charlotte-based company known for producing custom trim components for high-end vehicles. His development of the BumperPlugs product line grew from an entrepreneurial solution to a gap in the luxury automotive market and has since become a widely used product among car enthusiasts.

In addition to his business success, Sklut has demonstrated decades of philanthropic leadership across the Charlotte region. He has served on numerous nonprofit boards, including and the , and has led major fundraising campaigns supporting community initiatives.

His efforts have helped generate more than $70 million for charitable organizations, including a recent campaign exceeding $23 million for a regional hunger relief initiative.

Sklut previously served on Elon鈥檚 Board of Trustees from 2015 to 2023 and has maintained a deep and sustained commitment to the university. He and his wife, Lori, have been transformative supporters of Jewish life and Jewish Studies at Elon, including naming the Sklut Hillel Center and establishing endowed faculty and scholarship support.

Their son, Mason, is a 2014 graduate of 福利亚洲国产精品.

Muntner brings a global perspective shaped by a career in consulting, consumer products and retail strategy. She began her career with Andersen Consulting before joining , where she advised major international corporations. Her additional leadership positions have included Executive roles with Toys 鈥淩鈥� Us and , where she led brand and business strategy initiatives.

Her work has spanned multiple international markets, including Asia and Europe, and has focused on strategic growth, partnerships and product development. At Sesame Workshop, she played a key role in cross-functional efforts to expand the organization鈥檚 reach and impact through new character development and brand initiatives, including the introduction of the popular

Muntner鈥檚 connection to Elon grew through her daughter Lucy鈥檚 enrollment as a member of the Class of 2024. She and her husband, Kevin, are members of the university鈥檚 1889 Society and have supported scholarships, Hillel and university priorities through philanthropic giving.

Their broader civic engagement includes support for international relief organizations, and education and community well-being in Scotland, Hong Kong and the United States.

福利亚洲国产精品 福利亚洲国产精品

福利亚洲国产精品 is a nationally recognized leader in engaged, experiential learning that prepares graduates to be creative, resilient, ambitious and ethical citizens of our global culture.

At Elon, more than 7,000 students learn through hands-on experiences and close working relationships with faculty and staff whose priorities are teaching and mentoring. The curriculum is grounded in the liberal arts and sciences with emphasis on global experiences and career development. More than 80 undergraduate majors are complemented by professional and graduate programs in law, business, education and health care. Elon is ranked No. 1 for excellence in undergraduate teaching by U.S. News & World Report.

Elon鈥檚 academic divisions include Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences; the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business; the School of Communications; the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education; the School of Health Sciences; and the School of Law, with programs in Greensboro and Charlotte, North Carolina.

For the second consecutive year, the university was is the only North Carolina private school featured by the magazine in its list of “25 Best Drama Schools in the World.” The University of North Carolina School of the Arts and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill also made the list.

The publication said it consulted with educators and industry insiders to determine the best schools for an acting degree. It also weighed overall training, cost, facilities, alumni success, industry connections and more.

The 16 students accepted to the undergraduate musical theater program go through a rigorous training process, which begins with classes in acting, voice and dance, and then allows students to explore individualized paths, including taking part in student-driven cabaret performances. Seniors also take part in a two-semester course on professional readiness and artistic identity, which includes bringing in casting directors and talent representation, with many students gaining representation or jobs out of this process. To that point, Campy Rodriguez, a current student in the senior class, is on Broadway in聽Aladdin, in addition to such alum as Taylor Trensch, who recently led the off-Broadway production of聽Bat Boy. Tuition and fees are close to $51,000.

福利亚洲国产精品鈥檚 Department of Performing Arts聽offers seven degree programs: Acting, Arts Administration,聽Dance Performance & Choreography,聽Dance Science, Drama and Theatre Studies,聽Music Theatre聽and聽Theatrical Design and Technology. Four programs require an audition or interview.

福利亚洲国产精品 福利亚洲国产精品

福利亚洲国产精品 is a nationally recognized leader in engaged, experiential learning that prepares graduates to be creative, resilient, ambitious and ethical citizens of our global culture.

At Elon, more than 7,000 students learn through hands-on experiences and close working relationships with faculty and staff whose priorities are teaching and mentoring. The curriculum is grounded in the liberal arts and sciences with emphasis on global experiences and career development. More than 70 undergraduate majors are complemented by professional and graduate programs in law, business, education and health care. Elon is ranked No. 1 for excellence in undergraduate teaching by U.S. News & World Report.

Elon鈥檚 academic divisions include Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences; the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business; the School of Communications; the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education; the School of Health Sciences; and the School of Law, with programs in Greensboro and Charlotte, North Carolina.

This work represents an important step forward in the planned merger, which is awaiting a vote from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. That accreditation approval is the first step in a two-step federal approval process before Elon assumes operational oversight of Queens.

As the approval process continues, Elon and Queens are planning to align a number of administrative and operational functions through shared services, beginning June 30. The goal of the shared services model is to strengthen the financial and operational foundation of the future combined institution while ensuring that students continue to receive strong support throughout the transition.

鈥淭his next stage is about building the foundation for a stronger future,鈥� said Jeff Stein, chief integration officer and executive vice president. 鈥淟eaders from both institutions are working collaboratively and deliberately, and drawing on the strengths, talents and traditions of Elon and Queens to design shared functions that serve students well and position the combined institution for long-term success.鈥�

The shared services model will bring together teams in areas such as admissions and financial aid, advancement, career services, communications and marketing, finance, human resources, information technology, academic advising, facilities, library services, study abroad and other key administrative functions. These areas support the daily operations of both campuses and play an important role in the student experience. Leaders have emphasized that the design process is not simply about combining existing structures, but about creating stronger teams and practices that reflect the best of both institutions.

The merger also builds on Elon鈥檚 growing presence in Charlotte, including the expansion of Elon Law and future graduate programs. Queens鈥� deep roots in the city, distinctive undergraduate experience, Division I athletics program and legacy of civic engagement will remain important parts of the combined institution鈥檚 future. Athletics programs at Elon and Queens will continue to operate as distinct and separate Division I programs.

For employees, the transition will include direct communication, HR support and detailed information about next steps. Queens employees whose roles are part of the shared services areas will transition to 福利亚洲国产精品 employment at the end of June and continue in similar roles. Queens employees who transition will move to Elon鈥檚 benefits program.

A small number of positions will not continue as part of the shared services structure. Employees in those roles are receiving direct support, including information about open positions at Elon in which they are eligible to apply and career transition resources.

The transition plan also includes onboarding, professional development and culture-building opportunities designed to help newly integrated teams build relationships and establish shared practices. Planned supports include department retreats, leadership workshops, employee resources, buddy programs and ongoing opportunities for feedback and questions.

Throughout the process, Queens will continue to have dedicated leadership guiding campus operations, helping ensure continuity for students, employees and the Charlotte community while federal approvals are pending.

For Elon and Queens, this stage of the work is both practical and forward-looking. It is about aligning systems and teams, but also about shaping a shared future grounded in student success, institutional strength and a commitment to Charlotte.

鈥淭he promise of this merger is not only that two institutions will come together,鈥� Stein said. 鈥淚t is that, together, we can create something stronger 鈥� an institution with deeper resources, broader opportunities and an enduring commitment to the students and communities we serve.鈥�

Beginning this fall, Queens will align its undergraduate academic calendar with Elon’s undergraduate calendar. The most notable change will be the reintroduction of Winter Term at Queens, a short, intensive session in January that allows students to focus on a single course or study abroad experience.

鈥淛-Term gave Queens students something rare 鈥� three weeks each January alongside our closest friends to discover who we were through service, career exploration, and international travel,鈥� said Queens alumna Staci McBride 鈥�92. 鈥淲e forged lifelong memories while living our motto, 鈥楴ot to be served, but to serve.鈥� I am thrilled that this transformative tradition will now be part of the student experience again, and I can鈥檛 wait to see the lasting bonds and impact it will have on their lives.鈥�

A highlight for many students is the intentional opportunity to study abroad in January. Both institutions have thriving study abroad programs, from Elon鈥檚 nationally ranked participation rate to .

鈥淛-Term gives students the opportunity to engage deeply in a single course, often in a global context, and to complement their learning in ways that are not possible during a traditional semester,鈥� said Nick Gozik, dean of global education at Elon. 鈥淓xpanding this approach to Queens creates a meaningful opportunity as the two institutions come together.鈥�

For LMA Alexander, executive director of the Pulliam Center for International Education at Queens, this new term brings fresh possibilities for JBIP. 鈥淭he John Belk International Program is a cornerstone of the Queens undergraduate experience,鈥� she said. 鈥淨ueens has a long tradition of dynamic, multi-disciplinary faculty-led programs, and the addition of J-term will create new opportunities for innovative programming in collaboration with our Elon colleagues.鈥�

In another integration move designed to expand opportunity for students, the two institutions have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to formalize a priority-admission pathway for Queens undergraduates to Elon鈥檚 School of Law. Both teams are actively working to share more details with students in the coming weeks.

J-Term gives students the opportunity to engage deeply in a single course, often in a global context, and to complement their learning in ways that are not possible during a traditional semester. Expanding this approach to Queens creates a meaningful opportunity as the two institutions come together.

– Nick Gozik, dean of global education at 福利亚洲国产精品

Evidenced through the service and experiential learning emphasized on both campuses, Queens and Elon share a commitment to civic engagement. This core belief will come to life through the Deliberative Citizenship Network (DCN), which recently invited both schools to join its inaugural cohort.

鈥淭he DCN highlights some norms or expectations that surround effective dialogues,鈥� said Naeemah Clark, associate provost for academic inclusive excellence at Elon. 鈥淎ctive listening, empathic and ethical discourse, and evidence-based argumentation are essential elements that are at the heart of a liberal arts education.”

Margaret Commins, chair of the political science, international studies and sociology department, shared, 鈥淲e鈥檙e excited about the opportunity to work with a national cohort to learn best practices for integrating deliberation into the curriculum and co-curriculum, and for working with our Elon colleagues to develop creative campus and cross-campus programming in this area.鈥�

The DCN program will bring together two faculty members, one staff member, and 10 students from each participating school. The program will teach best practices and innovative ideas that can be woven into and beyond the classroom. 鈥淪tudents who can demonstrate these skills will be better learners and leaders in their post-graduation lives,鈥� Clark added.

The Elon team will be led by Dillan Bono-Lunn, assistant professor of political science and public policy and faculty fellow for civic engagement; Bob Frigo, assistant dean of campus life and director of the Kernodle Center for Civic Life; and Andrew Moffa, assistant director of the Kernodle Center for Civic Life.

The DCN participants won鈥檛 be the only ones working together this summer. With an expected June vote on the merger by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, many administrative departments at Queens are preparing to integrate effective July 1, 2026, officially becoming employees of Elon.

The first phase of integration brings new employee benefits 鈥� along with understandable questions from staff. To help ease the transition, Jeff Stein and Pamela Davies, co-chairs of the integration team, are holding coffee chats 鈥� open hours where any Queens employee can sign up to learn more about the process and ask their questions. The plan is to extend these coffee chats to Elon employees as well.

鈥淢ergers are hard work,鈥� Stein said. 鈥淵et it’s been exciting to see how collaborations across Queens and Elon have already produced new opportunities and pathways for students 鈥� an early signal of what becomes possible when we work together to build what students need next.鈥�

Visiting 福利亚洲国产精品 in the next academic year:

• David Brooks, bestselling author, staff writer for The Atlantic and longtime New York Times columnist – Sept. 25, 2026
• Hanif Abdurraqib, author and cultural critic (Common Reading Lecture) – Sept. 29, 2026
• Lance Cpl. Kyle Carpenter, Medal of Honor recipient and author – Nov. 11, 2026
• Danielle Coke Balfour, artist, author and social justice advocate – Jan. 13, 2027
• Tim Tebow, Heisman Trophy winner, former NFL quarterback and philanthropist – March 9, 2027
• Heather Cox Richardson, historian and bestselling author – April 6, 2027

All programs are free to 福利亚洲国产精品 students, faculty and staff with ID. Venues will be announced closer to the dates of the programs. Tickets for the public for Fall Convocation go on sale starting in August.聽Admission: $15 via聽.

福利亚洲国产精品鈥檚 Cultural Calendar聽for Fall 2026 will be available later this year with additional speakers and a wide range of musical, theatrical, artistic and other intellectual and creative events.

福利亚洲国产精品 the 2026-2027 Speakers at 福利亚洲国产精品

David Brooks

Sept. 25, 2026

Fall Convocation

3:30 p.m.

A bestselling author and longtime New York Times columnist, Brooks is a leading observer of American culture, politics and civic life. He serves as a staff writer at The Atlantic, a commentator on PBS NewsHour and a senior fellow at Yale University鈥檚 Jackson School of Global Affairs. Over decades in journalism, his columns have become some of the most widely read in the nation, offering insight into political dynamics, social trends and the challenges facing modern democracy.

Brooks is the author of multiple bestselling books, including 鈥淗ow to Know a Person,鈥� 鈥淭he Second Mountain,鈥� 鈥淭he Road to Character鈥� and 鈥淭he Social Animal,鈥� which explore moral development, human connection and the search for meaning. His work emphasizes the importance of community, empathy and the cultivation of both inner character and outward relationships as essential to a flourishing society.

Hanif Abdurraqib

Sept. 29, 2026

Common Reading Lecture

7:30 p.m.

An acclaimed essayist, poet and cultural critic, Abdurraqib is widely recognized for his lyrical and deeply personal writing that explores music, identity and the intersections of culture and lived experience. His work blends criticism with memoir, offering readers a nuanced perspective on art, belonging and the forces that shape contemporary life.

Abdurraqib is the author of several award-winning books and is known for his ability to connect cultural analysis with broader questions about race, community and memory. 鈥淭here鈥檚 Always This Year: On Basketball and Ascension鈥� was selected as Elon鈥檚 Common Reading for 2026-27.

Lance Cpl. Kyle Carpenter

Nov. 11, 2026

Carol Ann Walker International Lectureship

11 a.m.

A United States Marine and the youngest living recipient of the Medal of Honor, Carpenter is recognized for extraordinary heroism during his service in Afghanistan. In 2010, he sustained life-threatening injuries after throwing himself on a grenade to protect a fellow Marine, an act of valor that led to years of recovery and more than 40 surgeries.

Following his recovery, Carpenter set and achieved ambitious personal goals, including completing a college degree, running a marathon and traveling internationally. He is the author of the memoir 鈥淵ou Are Worth It: Building a Life Worth Fighting For,鈥� which chronicles his journey of resilience and purpose. Today, he speaks widely about leadership, perseverance and finding meaning in adversity, encouraging others to overcome challenges and pursue lives of impact.

Danielle Coke Balfour

Jan. 13, 2027

Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Address

12 p.m.

An artist, entrepreneur and author, Balfour is the founder of Oh Happy Dani, an illustration-based educational platform that uses visual storytelling to make complex ideas about racial justice and advocacy accessible to broad audiences. Through her work, she has built a community of hundreds of thousands who engage with her content on social media and beyond.

Her creative approach to 鈥渁rtivism鈥� combines design, storytelling and education to inspire individuals to take meaningful action in their own communities. She is the author of 鈥淎 Heart on Fire: 100 Meditations on Loving Your Neighbors Well鈥� and a companion workbook that encourages reflection and everyday advocacy. Through partnerships with major brands and speaking engagements across the country, she promotes a message of hope, empathy and sustained engagement in social change.

Tim Tebow

March 9, 2027

Baird Lecture

7 p.m.

A Heisman Trophy winner and two-time national champion, Tebow gained national prominence as a quarterback at the University of Florida before being selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. He later played professional baseball and has become a prominent sports analyst, author and motivational speaker.

Tebow is a seven-time New York Times bestselling author and founder of the Tim Tebow Foundation, an organization that serves vulnerable populations in more than 70 countries through initiatives focused on faith, health and human dignity. Through his speaking and philanthropic efforts, Tebow encourages audiences to pursue their passions, lead with integrity and make a positive impact in the lives of others.

Heather Cox Richardson

April 6, 2027

James P. Elder Lecture

6:30 p.m.

A professor of history at Boston College, Richardson is a leading scholar of American political history with expertise in the Civil War, Reconstruction and the evolution of the Republican Party. Her work examines the intersections of politics, economics and social change, helping audiences better understand the forces shaping the nation鈥檚 past and present.

She is the author of several award-winning books, including the bestselling 鈥淒emocracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America,鈥� which explores the nation鈥檚 ongoing struggle to uphold its own ideals. Richardson also writes 鈥淟etters from an American,鈥� a nightly newsletter that reaches millions of readers with analysis of current events in historical context. She hosts two video series,聽鈥淛ourney to American Democracy鈥� and聽鈥淎merican Conversations,鈥澛燽oth of which are available on YouTube and Facebook. Her聽articles and reviews have been published in the聽Washington Post, the聽New York聽Times, and聽The Guardian, among others.

The introductory meeting, to be held via Zoom on April 24, will focus on relationship-building and information sharing between the two student government associations. Conversations will include a discussion of how both associations are structured, how often they meet, and how they鈥痳epresent鈥痵tudent interests on their campuses.

Leaders鈥痺ill also鈥痚xchange perspectives on campus traditions, highlighting the events and experiences that define student life at each university. The discussion is expected to聽begin the process of聽identifying鈥痮pportunities for honoring and sharing those traditions across both communities.

The meeting聽is聽serves聽as an early step in aligning student leadership efforts.
Michael Swartz鈥��27, president of 福利亚洲国产精品鈥檚 Student Government Association, and鈥疛essica Paredes鈥��27, president of Queens University鈥檚 Student Government Association, answered questions this week in the lead-up to their first meeting.

The duo described their expectations ahead of the conversation and the role of student leadership in shaping what comes next for students on both campuses as the merger progresses.

Describe the role you envision for your Student Government Association as both universities begin to merge operations over the next several months.鈥�

Michael Swartz:鈥�I see SGA as being鈥痑n important鈥痓ridge between the decisions happening at the highest levels of the university and Elon students. Students sometimes feel a little聽uninformed,聽and at both institutions,聽SGA can be a part of that solution, as well as sharing with administrators and faculty what students think.

Jessica Paredes:鈥�The role I envision for Queens University’s Student Government Association is to reflect our motto of “Not to be served, but to serve.”鈥疘 want to help lay the foundation of service so that when we progress in our relationship with Elon, it goes beyond our campuses into our cities.

Can you share some of the ideas鈥痽ou鈥檝e鈥痟eard from classmates when鈥痶hey鈥檝e鈥痶alked about the merger that鈥痚xcite鈥痽ou as a student leader?鈥�

闯别蝉蝉颈肠补:鈥�One of the things that I’ve heard from my peers that really excited me is the possibility of being able to take classes on either campus.鈥疘 think this鈥痠s an awesome idea that can allow for even more networking,鈥痗areer鈥痑nd friendship opportunities for both Queens and Elon鈥痵tudents. Another idea that is exciting is being able to cheer for Elon’s football team! Through organized field trips to Elon’s campus, Queens students can support a team they have close ties to!

Michael:鈥疶here’s鈥痑 lot of curiosity I hear from friends and peers.鈥疶hey鈥檙e鈥痶hinking about locations and spaces and potentially taking classes at a different location or pursuing their degree in a place that might make more sense, whether that be in Charlotte for Elon students, or for Queens students in Charlotte to come to Elon.鈥疕aving options, I think, is a鈥痭ew,鈥痸aluable asset.

What opportunities for collaboration between the SGAs do you already see that you want to explore first?鈥�

Michael:鈥疘t makes sense to not plan any huge steps this first year.鈥疻e鈥檒l鈥痺ant to start a little smaller and think about how we can interact via Zoom, like鈥痺e’re鈥痙oing Friday, and really meet the people that are spearheading the change on our campuses. Going from there, hosting retreats together and getting connected in person as soon as possible is a great idea.

闯别蝉蝉颈肠补:鈥�Between Queens University’s SGA and Elon’s SGA, I foresee collaborative opportunities such as creating new traditions, whether that is taking regularly scheduled trips to each other’s institutions, hosting joint listening sessions for all students鈥痑nd inviting each other to participate in select board of trustee meetings so that they are hearing from both student populations.

What are the most important qualities or traits of your campus culture that may be important for the other SGA to understand when you work together?

惭颈肠丑补别濒:鈥�A lot of things at Elon are聽relationship-driven.鈥疘鈥檓鈥痶hinking about our small class sizes.鈥疶hat’s鈥痯robably not鈥痷nique to Elon, but鈥痠t’s鈥痵omething that is so defining about the student experience here, having those connections. Understanding how鈥痠nvolved students are鈥痠n a lot of different things is also important. Many students鈥痙on鈥檛鈥痟ave one passion or place where they spend all their time.鈥疶hey鈥檙e鈥痠nvolved in many activities and in diverse parts of campus.

闯别蝉蝉颈肠补:鈥�Queens is unique in the connections it has with its community and throughout the鈥痗ity鈥痮f Charlotte.鈥疘 think it’s very crucial to understand that Queens is career readiness聽driven.鈥疧ur SGAs can discuss what our jobs are when it comes to connecting Elon students to Charlotte, and Charlotte to Elon.

Define 鈥榮uccess鈥� in the context of collaboration. Where do you want your SGAs to be a year from now?鈥�

Michael:鈥疐or me, success means things feeling more normal than they do now, and this merger鈥痭ot being鈥痵omething鈥痶hat’s鈥痟appening to students, but something that鈥痶hey’re鈥痑 part of. I think that collaboration a year from now will also feel more natural.

闯别蝉蝉颈肠补:鈥�Success to me looks like being on the same鈥痯age,鈥痑nd everyone feels their ideas have been heard or even acted on! I want Queens University’s SGA to be in a space where our student body feels鈥痗onfidence鈥痑nd pride in being a part of our mission. I hope the same thing goes for Elon.

A fun question to end the interview: What might surprise your SGA counterpart to learn about you?鈥�

闯别蝉蝉颈肠补:鈥�I am鈥痑 very open鈥痓ook and have built connections with most of the people in our SGA. However, I think a surprising thing about me is that I am always learning from them. The President title bears a lot of weight, but if聽it鈥痺eren鈥檛鈥痜or the Senate showing up and giving new perspectives, my job would be鈥痺ay less鈥痜un.

惭颈肠丑补别濒:鈥�I’ve鈥痓een on the Queens campus more times than I can count because my mom went there as a鈥痵tudent鈥痑nd she currently works there in their advancement department. I spent my childhood traveling from Davidson, North Carolina, to Charlotte, hanging out around Queens and seeing it grow in its own way before I had any idea at all I was going to end up at Elon. I used to say that I鈥痙idn’t鈥痺ant to go to鈥痑 school鈥痺here my mom works.鈥疘t鈥檚鈥痜unny that, one way or another, that happened.

A generous gift from Elon Trustee Bill Slattery and his wife Tish Slattery P鈥�24 P鈥�28 will name the university鈥檚 new center for health and wellness and also create 14 additional scholarships in the Odyssey Program to assist talented students with significant financial need.

Elon President Connie Ledoux Book and the Board of Trustees announced the Slatterys鈥� gift at the board鈥檚 spring meeting April 10-11. Book thanked the Slattery family for their generosity and leadership in supporting a center that will integrate academics, wellness, campus recreation and fitness programs to ensure students gain the skills they need to thrive on campus and throughout every stage of their lives.

鈥淭he Elon community is deeply honored to name the HealthEU Center in recognition of the Slattery family,鈥� Book said. 鈥淭his extraordinary investment from Bill and Tish Slattery will help Elon meet its mission to transform the mind, body and spirit of every student, and prepare healthy graduates ready to share their gifts with the world.鈥�

The ability to address the health and well-being of students early in their lives inspired the Slatterys to make their gift.

鈥淢y career at the intersection of science and investment often requires decades to witness the outcomes of success,鈥� Bill Slattery said. 鈥淗ealthEU is an opportunity to intervene with our students at an early age and engage in these activities in a more structured, thoughtful way, and hopefully reduce some of their adversities in life.鈥�

鈥淚 believe social media has impacted students greatly, and institutions like Elon that provide centers like HealthEU will be at an advantage going forward,鈥� Tish Slattery said. 鈥淗ealth and wellness encompass so much more than just the physical aspect. I鈥檓 incredibly grateful that we鈥檙e able to impact Elon with this gift.鈥�

Slattery Center is a central component to the university鈥檚 broader HealthEU initiative that focuses on six dimensions of health and wellness: community, emotional, purpose, financial, physical and social. The three-story center will feature new classrooms, student-faculty research spaces, multiple floors for wellness and fitness activities, and the Mark and Kim Tyson Counseling Center, which will provide individual and group therapy, as well as workshops and outreach programs.

Through coursework, as well as workshops and training programs focused on health and wellness, Slattery Center will impact all students as they progress through their education and learn essential skills and practices related to wellness and well-being. The center is a key priority of the Boldly Elon strategic plan that will guide the university to 2030. Scheduled to open in fall 2026, Slattery Center will be located within Elon鈥檚 Innovation Quad, home to the university鈥檚 engineering and other STEM programs.

The Slatterys鈥� gift will also endow the William and Tish Slattery Odyssey Program Scholarship, funding 14 new scholarships in the program that gives bright, passionate students with high financial need and/or no family history of college attendance access to Elon鈥檚 nationally recognized engaged learning programs.

These new investments bring the total number of Odyssey Program scholarships to nearly 300, more than halfway to the university鈥檚 goal of having a total of 400 Odyssey Scholarships, or 100 scholars per class, as called for in the Boldly Elon strategic plan. Housed in Elon鈥檚 Center for Access and Success, the Odyssey Program is nationally recognized as a model for need- and merit-based initiatives, with a nearly 100% first-to-second-year student retention rate and an 87% graduation rate, well above the national average.

The Slatterys have been impressed by the educational experience Elon delivers to students. Their daughter Madelyn graduated in 2024, and their son James is an Elon sophomore.

鈥淚鈥檝e been very happy to see the school excel at its academic responsibility in education while equally addressing students鈥� needs as people at the social level,鈥� Bill said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a pleasant, inviting and warm place that cares for its students.鈥�

鈥淔rom the moment you step foot on Elon鈥檚 campus, you feel a great sense of community,鈥� Tish said. 鈥淭he close relationships that students have with their professors makes Elon stand out among its peers.鈥�

Bill Slattery is a partner at Deerfield Management Company,聽Therapeutics. Prior to joining Deerfield in 2000, Slattery served as a senior healthcare analyst for 10 years at Amerindo Investment Advisors in New York, where he oversaw biotechnology investments. He has also held various positions in research, including those at National Medical Enterprises, Johnson & Johnson, and HMSS. He is the former chair of Red Door Community, which supports those impacted by cancer and their families.

Bill was elected to Elon鈥檚 Board of Trustees in 2024. Tish is a member of the Slattery聽Family Foundation and served in administration at Amerindo Investment Advisors. Recently, Tish was named chair of the Miss Hall鈥檚 School Arts Advisory Council. The couple reside in Rye, New York.

Members of the Board of Trustees joined with President Connie Ledoux Book and Director of Athletics Jenn Strawley on April 10, 2026, to rededicate a building that has served multiple purposes for more than half a century and two separate locations on campus.

Alumni, parents and friends have contributed $3 million to the expansion of the university鈥檚 golf complex, which also includes the W. Cecil Worsley III Golf Training Center. The expansion represents a significant investment in the future of both men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 golf and places the university鈥檚 training facilities among the best in collegiate golf.

Holland House now provides student-athletes with a premier clubhouse environment to learn, train and compete, with new practice and team spaces, and state-of-the-art technology that allows students to pursue excellence academically and athletically.

The complex expansion project also encompassed renovations to the driving range, including the creation of a 17,000-square-foot tee box, and renovation of the short-game area with reconstruction of the bunkers.

Holland House was renovated to create a centralized home base for the golf program. The clubhouse includes locker rooms, coaches鈥� offices, quiet spaces for academic study, team engagement spaces and player meeting rooms, strengthening team culture and promoting student growth off the course.

The final phase of the project includes upgrades to the existing W. Cecil Worsley III Golf Training Center, a dedicated indoor practice facility that allows players to train in adverse weather conditions. The center opened in 2009 and includes multiple indoor heated hitting bays, a computerized swing analysis center, indoor putting facility and an outdoor lighted driving range.

Worsley, a 1986 Elon graduate and former member of the golf team, served on the Board of Trustees from 2015 to 2023. He and his wife, alumna JoAnna Sutton Worsley 鈥�87, are the parents of W. Cecil Worsley IV, a 2014 Elon graduate.

Another critical component of the project was the addition of Trackman Range, a technology that tracks every shot hit by a golfer, giving coaches and student-athletes immediate access to data to improve performance and create greater practice efficiency.

“The repurposing of Holland House marks a transformational moment for Elon Athletics. It is special to take a building rich with institutional history and create a best-in-class home for our golf student-athletes that honors our past while boldly investing in our future,鈥� Strawley said. “Facilities like this represent our aspirations brought to life, and they only become possible through the generosity of many. I am profoundly grateful to everyone who made this possible, and equally excited for the impact this will have for our golf student-athletes.鈥�

Built in 1963 as the official residence for President Earl Danieley and his family, Holland House stood along Haggard Avenue as a symbol of leadership, hospitality and community at Elon. The home quickly became part of campus lore, including a memorable student protest led by Student Government Association President and future Elon Trustee Noel Allen 鈥�69 and joined by Danieley himself.

In 1973, President Fred Young and his family continued the tradition of welcoming students, alumni and distinguished guests, making the house a center of connection and celebration. In 1985, trustees honored longtime supporter Shirley Thomas Holland by naming the building in his memory, cementing its place in Elon鈥檚 history.

After the presidential residence moved in 1988 to today鈥檚 Maynard House, Holland House entered a new phase, serving a variety of campus needs, from development and alumni relations to academic programs and student engagement. In 2009, the building was carefully relocated across campus, where it served as home to the Catholic Campus Ministries Newman Center. Work is now under way to build a new Newman Center.

鈥淭oday is a wonderful moment for Elon, for Phoenix Athletics, and for our investment in golf and the futures of these student-athletes,鈥� Book said in her dedication remarks. 鈥淎nd it holds a special distinction: this is the first new athletics facility opened under Athletics Director Jenn Strawley.鈥�

Book described the renovated Holland House as a testament to the strength of the programs built by men鈥檚 head coach Don Hill and women鈥檚 head coach Chris Dockrill.

鈥淎nd to our student-athletes: I know that every donor agrees that this is for you,鈥� Book said. 鈥淓very locker, every building, every asset here was about creating a championship home for Phoenix golf, and we鈥檙e very excited for the next chapter to unfold and to cheer you on as you make history.鈥�

Jennings Glenn 鈥�25 G鈥�26, a member of the men’s golf team, and Elon Trustee Debra Del Vecchio P鈥�22 P鈥�24 also delivered remarks during the ceremony, which was held on the front lawn of Holland House.

鈥淭hese past five years have been super special to me. I鈥檝e met so many incredible people and built such lasting relationships and created memories I鈥檒l carry with me for the rest of my life,鈥� said Glenn, who thanked donors on behalf of the team. 鈥淭his is really the best place in the world to be a student-athlete and that鈥檚 because of you. Thank you. It鈥檚 been amazing to watch this program grow and for me to be a part of it all.鈥�

Del Vecchio thanked Book and the Board of Trustees for their unwavering commitment to students and for an institutional decisiveness that led to the expansion project. She then praised the golf teams for their dedication to the sport and to the university.

鈥淚t is all or nothing, a commitment and true discipline needed to be a student-athlete,鈥澛� Del Vecchio said. 鈥淎t times I’m sure it can be quite challenging, juggling classes, assignments, and a rigorous playing schedule. But here you are. Know that we recognize and are extremely proud of all of you. You are the face of Elon, especially when you walk out on the golf course. You are not only representing yourself but Elon as well.鈥�

Women鈥檚 team captain Ashley Lafontaine 鈥�26 of Ottawa, Canada, delivered remarks during a dinner program that followed the ribbon-cutting.

鈥淭his space gives us something we鈥檝e never truly had before: a home that鈥檚 entirely our own,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a space where we can train, study, connect, and grow together all under one roof. It creates an environment where everything we need to succeed, both as athletes and as people, exists in one place.

鈥淏ut more importantly, it sends a message. It tells every current and future Elon holder that they are valued. That their experience matters. That this program is worth investing in. And for future players, I hope this becomes more than just a facility. I hope it becomes their safe space. Their meeting place. Their place to celebrate wins, work through losses, and build the kind of relationships that last far beyond their four years here.鈥�

In the past week, administrators and staff from Queens traveled to Elon for a day of meetings and tours, the integration team members from both organizations met on the Elon campus, and admissions leaders welcomed counselors from across the country for a joint fly-in experience that included both campuses.

At the same time, excitement around Queens鈥� first Division I NCAA Men鈥檚 Basketball Tournament appearance has drawn national attention and engagement from students, alumni and fans, with media focus on the historic run of success by members of the Royals men鈥檚 basketball team in its first year of eligibility.

Together, these moments reflect steady progress as both institutions continue building relationships, sharing information and preparing for a combined future.

Daylong Visit Strengthens Campus Connections

Administrators and staff from Queens, representing a dozen offices and divisions, made day trips to Elon on March 18 and 19 for presentations, lunches and one-on-one conversations with their counterparts.

For the March 18 visit, the Queens team was comprised primarily of staff who had not yet visited the Elon campus. The group arrived mid-morning by bus and began with a welcome in the Great Hall of Sato Commons. An admissions presentation offered an overview of Elon鈥檚 student experience before guests departed for guided campus tours.

The group reconvened at noon for lunch in the McEwen Dining Engagement Space, where conversations focused on shared priorities and institutional strengths. Afternoon meetings with Elon colleagues provided time for more focused discussion across divisions.

Queens Staff Reflections on Their Visit to 福利亚洲国产精品

• 鈥淢y visit to Elon was truly inspiring. There鈥檚 a clear, shared passion for student success there that mirrors our own at Queens. I鈥檓 excited to see how our collaborative efforts will drive exceptional outcomes for our students.鈥�
  Angela Tsuei-Strause
  Executive Director, Vandiver Center for Career Development
• 鈥淪eeing the beautiful campus and hearing the story of success was not the best part of the visit – the best part was meeting my new colleagues in Accounting, Payroll and Purchasing. Elon and Queens have so much in common and after visiting today my head is full of ideas about how staff at each campus can support each other to meet the challenges facing higher education.鈥�
  Donald F. Barton
  Controller, Finance Office
• 鈥淭his visit affirmed that the future of higher education is strongest when collaboration leads, grounded in shared innovation, renewed efficiency, and a deep commitment to the health and well-being of the whole person in a globally connected community.鈥�
  Kristin Toki膰
  Assistant Director for International Student Services
  Myrta Pulliam Center for International Education

A Counselor Fly-In to Elon and Queens

Elon hosted high school and independent counselors from across the United States in an annual program intended to broaden knowledge and awareness of the university鈥檚 unique academic attributes and its brand promise for students and families.

In addition to presentations by academic leaders and tours of campus facilities, this year鈥檚 experience included a visit to Queens for nearly two dozen counselors who work with students to identify which colleges are right for them.

Evan Sprinkle, 福利亚洲国产精品’s dean of undergraduate admissions, said that expanding the counselor program to include a visit to Queens was only natural given the interest families have expressed in the planned merger.

鈥淎 lot of people are curious,鈥� Sprinkle said. 鈥淭here are questions we鈥檝e received since it was announced and it only made sense to include Queens on an expanded itinerary. When we complete our merger, there will be lots of opportunities on both campuses that might encourage counselors to send applicants our way.鈥�

Counselor Reflections on Their Fly-In Experience

• 鈥淭his visit is important to understand the merger and to get a sense of what both campuses feel like and what it will look like as they come together. It always helps to be in a place, look people in the eye and ask them questions. I鈥檓 excited to have a chance to see the Queens campus up close again. I’ve been there before, and I have students who are there. And my early impressions of Elon鈥檚 campus are that it is amazing. The community is big, but also very caring, and you can see there has been a lot of investment in facilities.鈥�
  Jessica Hardy
  Director of College Counseling
  Charleston Collegiate School 鈥� Johns Island, South Carolina
• 鈥淚t鈥檚 valuable to get your feet on the ground and see what鈥檚 actually happening on campus. It gives you the chance to understand the school so you can share it accurately with students. One thing that really surprised me was how many specialized programs are available in communications, nursing and other majors, and that students can pursue a lot of different interests here. And we鈥檝e heard about the (Elon-Queens merger) but we wanted to understand what it will look like and what it means for students. Getting that level of detail has been helpful.鈥�
  Marissa Margosian
  Associate Director of College Counseling
  Severn School 鈥� Severna Park, Maryland

Celebrating Selection Sunday in Style

Not even the rain could dampen the enthusiasm at Queens on March 15 when a crowd of more than 1,000 students and fans packed Curry Arena for an NCAA Men鈥檚 Basketball Selection Sunday Celebration.

Dressed in navy and gold, supporters of all ages shared in the electric energy, enjoying food and refreshments while waiting for CBS to reveal the bracket on a massive 23-foot screen.

The crowd erupted in cheers when it was announced that the No.15 seed Queens Royals would face No. 2 seed Purdue University Boilermakers in the first round of the West region of the NCAA Tournament. The game will take place Friday, March 20, at 7:35 p.m. ET at Enterprise Center in Saint Louis.

Students are invited to the Trexler Student Center for an on-campus viewing party featuring food, games and prizes. For alumni and fans across the country, the action will be broadcast live on truTV.

Additionally, official have been organized in Charlotte, Raleigh, Atlanta, Charleston, Washington D.C., and New York City to ensure that Royals fans can cheer together from coast to coast.

For the latest information regarding Queens鈥� historic NCAA bid, visit

Campus safety

As a reminder, several 24/7 services are available throughout this time.

• Campus Safety & Police can be reached at 336-278-5555. They can also assist with connections to the Student Life on-call administrators.
• On-call crisis counselors are available at 336-278-2222.
• SAFEline is available at 336-278-3333 for confidential support with identity-based bias, sexual violence, or interpersonal violence 鈥� they can also be a confidential resource to access on-call violence responders.
• TimelyCare free virtual medical and mental health service, is available 24/7 throughout the break from anywhere in the United States.

Residence halls and university apartments

• Residence halls (not apartments) close at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 21. Student staff will be entering all spaces during closing to complete closing room checks.
• Residence halls (not apartments) reopen at 10 a.m. on Sunday, March 29.
• Information about requests to stay late or return early can be found on the Break Housing page of the Residence Life website.
• Offices remain open during the break during regular weekday business hours, 8 a.m. 鈥� 5 p.m., except when University offices are closed.

Secure your residence

Whether you live on-campus or off-campus, make sure you secure your room, apartment or house.聽 Other important steps to take before you leave:

• Unplug all appliances
• Hide or relocate valuables and move expensive items away from windows
• Secure any non-perishable food in airtight containers or cabinets; discard any perishable food from your refrigerator
• Empty all trash; if you live off campus, secure your trash and recycling containers
• Check all water faucets to make sure they are completely off
• Set your thermostat for 50-55 degrees
• If you have a hidden spare key outside of your residence, make sure you remove it
• Make sure all doors and windows are shut and locked

Students residing in off-campus residences may want to request a Vacation Home Check, a service provided by the Town of Elon Police 鈥� .

Parking & Transportation

If you are planning on leaving your vehicle on campus during Spring Break, you may leave it in your permitted lot or you may park it in the South Campus lots or the Innovation Quad lot. FY permits must remain in the FY permitted lots. Make sure your vehicle is locked and you take any valuables with you.

Elon Express and Campus Transportation

• All Elon Express routes will stop service at the end of shifts on Friday, March 20. Elon Express will resume their normal schedule on Monday, March 30.
• A modified Elon Express route from Gateway Parking Lot to Inman will run on Sunday, March 29, from 3 p.m. 鈥� 9 p.m.
• Schedules and routes are available online.

Campus services

Below are the hours for student service operations during Spring Break. Please note that University offices are closed on Friday, March 27.

Belk Library

• Belk Library will have reduced hours: Friday, March 20, will close at 5 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 21,聽 9 a.m. 鈥� 5 p.m.
  • Sunday, March 22,聽 10 a.m. 鈥撀� 6 p.m.
  • Monday, March 23 – Friday, March 27聽 8 a.m. 鈥撀� 5 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 28,聽 9:00 a.m. 鈥撀� 5 p.m.
  • Sunday, March 29, 10 a.m. – Midnight
• Visit the for information about the library鈥檚 adjusted hours.

Campus Bookstore

• The Barnes & Noble Store will be open for reduced hours during Spring Break:
  • Saturday, March 21: 10 a.m.鈥� 2 p.m.
  • Sunday, March 22 and Monday, March 23: Closed for inventory
  • Tuesday, March 24-Friday, March 27: 10 a.m.鈥撀� 4 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 28: 10 a.m.鈥� 2 p.m.
  • Sunday, March 29: Closed
• Regular operating hours will resume on Monday, March 30.
• Visit the for information about hours or online shopping.

Campus Recreation聽

• Campus Recreation facilities will have adjusted hours from Friday, March 20, through Sunday, March 29.
• The PARC fitness center will remain open from 4 a.m. to midnight daily throughout Spring Break.
• Visit the and scroll to 鈥淪pring Break Hours鈥� for adjusted hours of operation.

Counseling Services

• Counseling Services will be open by appointment with the following adjusted hours:
  • Monday, March 23: 8:30 a.m. 鈥� 5 p.m.
  • Tuesday, March 24: No clinical appointments
  • Wednesday, March 25: 8:30 a.m.鈥� 5 p.m.
  • Thursday, March 26: 8:30 a.m. 鈥� 5 p.m.
  • Friday: CLOSED
• Throughout Spring Break, students will have 24/7 access to on-demand mental health support through TimelyCare. Information on how to download TimelyCare and access Talk Now is available on the Counseling Services website.
• The Crisis Counselor-on-Call remains available 24/7 by calling 336-278-2222.
• Call 9-1-1 for any psychological emergency that is life-threatening or involves imminent danger to self or others.
• Visit the for information about hours and appointment times, links to online resources, and information about emergency and crisis resources.

Dining Services

• A list of adjusted locations and hours for Spring Break is located .聽 Regular dining hours will resume on Monday, March 30.
• Elon Dining is proud to partner with the University to provide a daily meal to students who are remaining on campus over Spring Break. Please bring your Phoenix Card to swipe in at McEwen Dining Hall.
• Menus and hours for dining locations across campus are always available on the .

Mail Services

• Mail Services will have adjusted hours during spring break:
  • Saturday, March 21 and Sunday, March 22: Closed
  • Monday, March 23 鈥� Thursday, March 26: 8:30 a.m. 鈥� 5 p.m.
  • Friday 鈥� Sunday, March 27-29: Closed
• Regular operating hours will resume on Monday, March 30.
• Visit the Mail Services website for updated hours and operations.

Moseley Center

• Moseley Center will have adjusted hours during Spring Break:
  • Saturday, March 21: 聽9 a.m. 鈥� 1 p.m.
  • Sunday, March 22: Closed
  • Monday, March 23 – Friday, March 27: 8 a.m.鈥� 5 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 28: 9 a.m. 鈥� 1 p.m.
  • Sunday, March 29: 11 a.m. 鈥� midnight
• Visit the Moseley Center website for information about adjusted hours.

Student Health Services

• Student Health Services will be closed to patients on Friday, March 20 at 3 p.m., through Sunday, March 29. Regular operating hours will resume on Monday, March 30 at 8:30 a.m.
• Students in search of care during the dates above can call the Elon Faculty Staff Wellness Clinic at 336-278-5569 to make an appointment during the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 23-26 and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 27.
• TimelyCare medical telehealth service is available 24/7 throughout the break. For information on how to access the service, visit the Student Health Services website’s appointments page.
• Students who are experiencing a medical emergency should call 9-1-1 for immediate assistance.
• Visit the Student Health Services website for information on hours and appointment times.