University Chaplain and Dean of Multifaith Engagement Rev. Kirstin Boswell opened the event with the invocation, followed by the tradition of the bell ringing by Student Government Association President聽Michael Swartz 鈥�27. The bell arrived in North Carolina in 1854 on one of the first North Carolina railroad trains. It was later used at Graham College, a predecessor institution to 乱伦视频 College.

During the event, three individuals with strong ties to the university were awarded the 乱伦视频 Medallion, the university’s most prestigious service honor: Jim Donathan, longtime associate director of academic advising and academic support; Mary Thornton, founder and president of Harvest Table Culinary Group; and Don Grady, associate professor emeritus of cinema and television arts.

Katy Rouse, professor of economics in the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business, was named the Trustee Chair for Excellence.聽For seventeen years, Rouse has taught 乱伦视频’s Principles of Economics and Intermediate Microeconomics courses, along with a capstone she built herself on educational disparities in the United States, earning student evaluations among the highest in her department for more than a decade.

She has personally mentored more than 30 senior and honors theses, co-authored research with undergraduates, chaired the Love School’s curriculum committee and published her teaching scholarship in the Journal of Economic Education.

“I truly believe that being a teacher scholar mentor at 乱伦视频 is one of the best careers I’m going to have,” Rouse said. “Every day we come to work, we have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on students during one of the most pivotal points in their lives.”

Mapping the course

During her annual Opening Day address, Book reflected on 乱伦视频鈥檚 progress while looking toward a year that will include the launch of new academic initiatives, continued work surrounding artificial intelligence, the opening of the Roberts Academy and the planned merger with Queens University of Charlotte.

Book centered her remarks around the idea of a map 鈥� the markers that show where 乱伦视频 has been and the guideposts that will help the university navigate what comes next. The theme was inspired by a visit this summer to 乱伦视频 students participating in the Summer Opera Workshop at the Accademia Europea di Firenze. The students came together for a historic production of 鈥淭he Light in the Piazza鈥� in Florence, Italy, where the musical is set.

As part of their work, students were also tasked with creating a map of the city, something that inspired Book.

鈥淭here is something powerful in this mapmaking assignment, and it left me wondering about our collective 乱伦视频 map,鈥� Book said. 鈥淗ow would we each draw it?鈥�

At the center of that map, Book said, is 乱伦视频鈥檚 mission. She highlighted several markers of progress during the past year, including the Odyssey Program surpassing 300 scholarships, record participation in undergraduate research, strong Fulbright success and new academic programs, including cybersecurity, Clinical Mental Health Counseling and the Charlotte PA program. She also celebrated the upcoming launch of the School of Engineering and Computing under inaugural Dean John Walz and the growth of the university鈥檚 nursing program.

Mapping new territory (together)

On Tuesday, Aug. 18, the first students of the聽Roberts Academy at 乱伦视频聽will arrive at the school’s temporary home in Trollinger House. The school will be the聽state’s only university-based private school for children with dyslexia. Book described the academy and the Center for Dyslexia and Engaged Learning as an opportunity that 鈥渨ill change lives from day one.鈥�

Among the most significant new territory is 乱伦视频鈥檚 planned merger with Queens University of Charlotte. Book noted that the institutions received accreditation approval this summer to proceed with their merger, with a single Board of Trustees now overseeing both universities. Sixteen administrative units are also becoming shared teams supporting the two campuses, while a federal review of the merger is expected to take 18 to 24 months.

Megan Isaac, professor of English, and Senior Vice President for Advancement and External Affairs Jim Piatt gave brief updates on the merger as part of the SOAR Strategic Planning Committee.

鈥淥ur two institutions will be stronger together, will better serve students together, and will have a brighter future together,鈥� Book said. 鈥淎nd now, we are working to build that vision together, to grow opportunity to advance learning 鈥� together.鈥�

Mapping a new look

Athletics Director Jennifer Strawley was also invited to the stage to announce a for the university鈥檚 athletics program, which had what Book called a 鈥渇ormidable year,鈥� with seven 乱伦视频 teams, the most in the university鈥檚 history, winning conference titles. A new physical mascot will be unveiled at the first College Coffee of the academic year on Aug. 25.

“The new Phoenix wears a gold sweater with a monogram ‘E,’ paying tribute to our first mascot, the Fighting Christian,” Strawley said. “The focused expression conveys the determination, confidence and purpose that defines our university community. The Phoenix continues to be fueled by the flames, symbolizing our rebuild from the ashes, and capturing the spirit and resilience of the 乱伦视频 community.”

Book acknowledged that the changing higher education landscape brings challenges, from enrollment pressures and federal regulations to declining public confidence. But she reminded faculty and staff that adapting to change has long been part of 乱伦视频鈥檚 history.

鈥淚 understand change can be daunting. Shifting national headwinds are challenging higher education,鈥� Book said. 鈥淔ortunately for us, 乱伦视频 has never succeeded by standing still. We鈥檝e joined together, developed new strategies and guided by our mission 鈥� built the number one institution for engaged learning and student success.鈥�

She closed by returning to the journey ahead, and the role faculty and staff play in shaping the lives of 乱伦视频 students.

鈥淚t is not simply education; it is a journey of human transformation,鈥� Book said. 鈥淭hank you for the everyday commitment, kindness and integrity that are our enduring guideposts.鈥�

Jim Donathan, longtime associate director of academic advising and academic support; Mary Thornton, founder and president of Harvest Table Culinary Group; and Don Grady, associate professor emeritus of cinema and television arts, heard from former mentors, friends and colleagues before being bestowed the honor by 乱伦视频 President Connie Ledoux Book.

Jim Donathan

Jim Donathan arrived to 乱伦视频 in 1994 as associate director of academic advising and director of academic support, drawn specifically to work with mentor Lela Faye Rich. He carried the largest advising load in his department, taught 乱伦视频 101 (now 乱伦视频 1010), and was known for his sustained support of students on academic probation and for mentoring students well beyond the classroom.

Rich, who served 乱伦视频 for 29 years and received the 乱伦视频 Medallion in 2008, read Donathan鈥檚 citation for the award.

鈥淛im Donathan is the only one on this stage that has two medallions. I just happen to be wearing one of them,鈥� Rich said. 鈥淚n the advising center, I was the loudmouth. I was a loud-mouthed advocate for students. Jim was the listener. The heart, the soul of academic advising. Without his total commitment to students’ success, to our academic advising staff, to mastering all those intricacies of creating an online degree audit. I would never have received this medallion.鈥�

Donathan advised 乱伦视频’s chapter of Kappa Alpha Order for 25 years and received the university’s Ward Family Excellence in Mentoring Award in 2012. His mentorship of one 乱伦视频 family led to the establishment of the聽Donathan-McAllister Endowed Scholarship in his honor. He retired in 2020, having shaped the academic support and mentoring experience for generations of 乱伦视频 students.

鈥淚 recently came across this quote from one of my favorite novelists, Pat Conroy: 鈥業 had read like a man on fire my whole life, because the genius of English teachers touched me with the dazzling beauty of language,’鈥� said Donathan when accepting the honor. 鈥溌衣资悠� does that for students. It touches them with the dazzling beauty of language. That might be the language of literature or biology, or political science, or art history, or so many other disciplines. Students can carry that language into their lives and into their future.鈥�

Mary Thornton

Mary Thornton is the founder and president of Harvest Table Culinary Group, the dining partner that has served 乱伦视频 since the company’s founding. She spent years in leadership roles at Aramark, including vice president of compliance beginning in 2007, before proposing in 2016 the creation of a culinary group built around healthy, sustainable food and transparency about where food comes from.

Harvest Table launched in 2018 as an independent division of Aramark, with 乱伦视频 among its earliest partner institutions alongside Wake Forest and the University of Rochester. Under her leadership, Harvest Table has emphasized locally sourced ingredients, chef-driven menus tailored to each campus, and deeper engagement with student communities.

鈥淗ighly respected for her work ethic, expertise, relentless commitment to excellence, Mary has demonstrated a deep understanding of 乱伦视频’s mission and the critical role dining plays in building community and contributing to a welcoming campus environment,鈥� said Janet Williams, vice president for finance and administration and chief financial officer.

Most recently, Harvest Table Culinary Group made a gift supporting 乱伦视频’s Slattery Center, reflecting the company’s ongoing commitment to student health and wellness. Her partnership has helped shape the dining experience for generations of 乱伦视频 students.

鈥淚 accept this medallion with humility and deep appreciation and as a reminder to continue serving others, leading with purpose and striving to make a positive difference,鈥� said Thornton, upon accepting the award. 鈥淭hank you very much for this incredible honor. It means more to me than words can express.鈥�

Don Grady

Don聽Grady聽served 乱伦视频 for 35 years. He arrived in 1985, before 乱伦视频 had a formal communications department, and taught broadcast courses and senior capstone classes throughout his career. He chaired the communications department from 1987鈥�1993 and again from 2004鈥�2009, became associate dean in 2010, and helped guide creation of the nation’s first undergraduate major in media analytics. He was twice elected to the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications and received the Broadcast Education Association’s Distinguished Education Service Award in 2022.

Gerald Gibson, the university鈥檚 first full-time communications professor and Grady鈥檚 undergraduate roommate at NC State University, read Grady鈥檚 citation.

鈥淒r. Grady distinguished himself as an outstanding teacher, mentor, and advisor, by teaching broadcasting, senior research capstone, … and study abroad courses, supervising as many as 50 internships a year,鈥� said Gibson. 鈥淢entoring students through research, internships, and professional employment, leading study abroad programs in Great Britain and Europe, and becoming much loved by students who sought him out for guidance, encouragement, and wise counsel, even long after graduation.”

Grady鈥檚 administrative leadership and personal investment in students and faculty helped build 乱伦视频’s School of Communications into a nationally recognized program. He retired in 2020, leaving a legacy colleagues describe as foundational to the school’s success.

鈥淪o many of our graduates (are) doing great work in media markets all over the country. 鈥㏕hey鈥檙e the reason we do this work,鈥� Grady said. 鈥淭oward the end of my time, it was my privilege to regularly teach the senior theory and research capstone course that gave students the opportunity to dig into why communication professionals do what they do, and how what they do ripples through the lives of individuals and society.”

The article, “,” was co-authored by Jennifer Stephens, director of Academic-Residential Partnerships and assistant professor of education; Jill McSweeney, assistant director of the Center for the Advancement of Teaching & Learning and assistant professor of wellness; Nina Namaste, professor of Spanish and assistant director of First-Year Seminars in the 乱伦视频 Core Curriculum; and Brandy S. Propst, director of 乱伦视频 1010 and assistant director of Academic Advising.

The collaborative nature of this work is, in itself, a unique reflection of 乱伦视频’s approach to the first-year experience, as it brings together offices across academic affairs and student life to create a unified and campus-wide ethos to the first-year experience, which they argue is essential but often missing in institutional approaches to the first-year experience.

The piece explores how institutions should view the first-year experience as a culmination beyond first-year seminars, and that in doing so, it requires us to see this as a unique pedagogical context that differs from teaching students in their sophomore to senior years of college. The authors present a framework for faculty development in First-Year Pedagogies, incorporating CATL’s Teaching for Equity and Inclusion work, and faculty, staff, and student data at 乱伦视频. The framework asks educators to think intentionally about who they teach, what they teach, and how they teach, all within a commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusivity.

The article outlines how other institutions can put this framework into practice, by sharing how over the last two years, 乱伦视频 has developed specific faculty development opportunities to bring together faculty and staff from across first-year experiences (e.g., residential learning communities, gateway major courses, advising seminars). The goal of this work has been to build shared values, language, and classroom strategies focused on preparing students to be engaged, autonomous, and self-directed learners during their college degree and supporting students through the numerous transitions they experience during their first-year at college.

This work reflects why 乱伦视频 has earned national recognition for the first-year undergraduate experience and emphasizes the importance of uplifting and supporting staff and faculty in order to continue to best support our first-year students.

Get ready for academic advising sessions and course registration

After Fall Break, students will meet with their academic advisor to prepare for Winter, Spring, and Summer 2026 course registration, which begins in early November. Take advantage of the opportunity now to use the resources from the Academic Advising office, prepare for your advising session, and know what you need to do for course registration.

Make a plan for the flu vaccine

Don鈥檛 get sidelined by the flu this fall. Students can get vaccinated during Fall Break or sign up now for one of the remaining flu vaccine clinics. Make a plan to finish the semester healthy by scheduling a shot in advance.

Follow 乱伦视频 Social Media

The best way for students to stay informed about university events and activities includes not only , the University Events Calendar and the , but also these 乱伦视频 Instagram accounts offer timely updates on news, events and campus life:

• 鈥� main University account
• 鈥� all things Phoenix Athletics
• 鈥� making the most of your experience with events, tips and more
• 鈥� pop-ups, special events, and the latest from your favorite dining staff
• 鈥� focus on health and well-being
• 鈥� latest news from your student media

Residence Life student staff hiring (Spring & Fall 2026)

Applications close Thursday, Oct. 24 at noon on PhoenixCONNECT.

Residence Life is hiring Resident Assistants and Apartment Managers for Spring and Fall 2026! These roles are an excellent way to develop leadership skills, build community and make a positive impact on campus. Students interested in applying are required to attend one information session to learn more about the positions, neighborhoods, and the department:

• Monday, Oct. 13, 4 p.m. 鈥� LaRose 200
• Tuesday, Oct. 21, 12:30 p.m. 鈥� Moseley 215
• Thursday, Oct. 23, 2:30 p.m. 鈥� Zoom

For details about positions, neighborhoods and the department, visit the .

Get ready for Fall Break

Fall Break for undergraduate students begins after classes end on Wednesday, Oct. 15. Students can check their email inbox on Monday for a special email from Vice President for Student Life Jon Dooley, with information about how to secure their residential space, where to park their vehicle, and how to plan for a safe break. Residence halls do not close for Fall Break, so you are welcome to stay on campus 鈥� Monday鈥檚 email will have all the information you need about the adjusted schedule for campus services and operations.

Rebecca 鈥淏ecky鈥� Olive-Taylor and G. Smith Jackson were each presented with the 乱伦视频 Medallion by 乱伦视频 President Connie Ledoux Book in a ceremony attended by hundreds of faculty and staff inside Alumni Gym to formally begin the new academic year.

Rebecca 鈥淏ecky鈥� Olive-Taylor

Rebecca 鈥淏ecky鈥� Olive-Taylor reshaped the way 乱伦视频 supports student learning throughout her 42 years of meritorious service to the university.

Olive-Taylor began her 乱伦视频 career in 1978 as an English instructor. In 1990, she transitioned into the Office of Academic Advising, where she became assistant and later associate director.

In those roles, Olive-Taylor oversaw peer tutoring, advising center functions and the 乱伦视频 101 seminar, now called 乱伦视频 1010. Her leadership strengthened the university鈥檚 first-year signature program by recruiting and training faculty and staff, developing curriculum, managing budgets and creating assessment tools that ultimately led to increased student retention.

In 2007, Olive-Taylor was promoted to associate dean of Academic Support and Advising where she guided advising, learning assistance, accommodations, and new student registration. She also coordinated more than 100 sections of 乱伦视频 1010 annually and maintained the university鈥檚 degree audit system, ensuring students stayed on track to graduate.

Understanding the need for centralized services, Olive-Taylor envisioned and advocated for a new hub to unite academic support in Belk Library. Her efforts and collaborations helped secure a major gift that established the Koenigsberger Learning Center, which opened in 2018 with Olive-Taylor as founding executive director. She expanded programs, grew staff and coordinated with other support units to create a vibrant learning commons serving students, faculty and staff.

Known for her generosity and collaborative spirit, Olive-Taylor inspired colleagues, parents and students alike, building high-functioning teams and encouraging students to set ambitious goals. Before retiring in 2020, she was recognized with the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award for excellence of character and service to humanity.

Her devotion to 乱伦视频, colleagues said, was equaled only by her love for her family, including her husband, George Taylor, a retired professor of public administration and political science.

鈥淭he truth is, one individual may receive the medallion, but one individual did not do all the work,鈥� Olive-Taylor said in her acceptance remarks. 鈥淚 have been proud to lead and work beside competent, dedicated professionals who make up the Koenigsberger Learning Center. Some are retired now, but others are here, demonstrating not only competence, but a heart for college students.

鈥淲orking in tandem with Residence Life, the Registrar’s Office, 乱伦视频, and so many more, the KLC serves 乱伦视频 well. At the root of that service has been, and continues to be, an operating principle that what is best for student learning and well-being is also what鈥檚 best for 乱伦视频.鈥�

G. Smith Jackson

George Smith Jackson dedicated 28 years of loyal service in helping to shape 乱伦视频 into a national model for student-centered higher education and a community devoted to both academic excellence and human flourishing.

Jackson joined 乱伦视频 in 1994 as dean of students and coordinator of the 乱伦视频 Experiences, and four years later was named vice president for student life. He led 15 departments dedicated to student development, wellness, leadership and engagement. Under his guidance, 乱伦视频 increased its residential population from 1,800 to 4,000, adding new facilities including the Oaks, the Station at Mill Point, the Colonnades and the Global Neighborhood.

A champion of holistic learning, Jackson founded the Kernodle Center for Service Learning and Community Engagement, expanded living-learning communities and helped implement the 乱伦视频 Experiences transcript. He also guided the creation of the Call to Honor ceremony and advanced the residential campus initiative that now defines 乱伦视频鈥檚 educational model.

Beloved for his calm leadership and deep compassion, Jackson鈥檚 commitment to diversity and inclusion led to the creation of the Center for Race, Ethnicity and Diversity Education, the Gender and LGBTQIA Center, and the vision for the Numen Lumen Pavilion.

Smith鈥檚 contributions have been honored with the Residence Life Golden Key Award, the Phillips-Perry Black Excellence Lifetime Service Award, the LGBT Alumni Community Enrichment Award, and the Civic Engagement Professional of the Year Award from what was then known as North Carolina Campus Compact. His legacy endures through the Outstanding Student Mentor Award and the National Residence Hall Honorary that bear his name

After stepping down as vice president in 2017, Jackson designed and founded 乱伦视频鈥檚 Master of Arts in Higher Education program, leading it until his retirement in 2022. Alongside his wife Ren茅, a retired 乱伦视频 career services administrator, he also established two experiential learning funds supporting undergraduates and graduate students.

In 2018, 乱伦视频 named the G. Smith Jackson Residence Hall in the Global Neighborhood in recognition of Smith鈥檚 prolific contributions to the growth of the university and his commitment to student success.

鈥淲hen I arrived at 乱伦视频 in January of 1994, I found a place unlike any other,鈥� Jackson said in his acceptance remarks. 鈥淚 saw that Academic Affairs and Student Life were not divided, but instead, they were united in the common purpose of creating a seamless learning environment with students at the center and the world as the classroom.

鈥淭hat was really exciting to me, and over the years, 乱伦视频 has far surpassed my greatest hopes. I was welcomed by highly talented senior staff, an astonishing team whose high expectations and belief in me stretched me to grow. I felt at home in the best division of student life anywhere.鈥�

Jackson offered parting advice for his 乱伦视频 friend and colleagues.

鈥淪ince retiring, I鈥檝e lived more in the present, and have reflected on what matters most,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hree aspirational values have shaped my thinking and outlook on life. First, let compassion be the first response no matter how difficult the circumstance. Two, remember, there is goodness in every person. Let鈥檚 be open to affirming it and to receiving it.

鈥淭hird? Simply be grateful for what we have.鈥�

Historically, stands for the National Association Student Personnel Administrators, recently, the association has updated its name to NASPA, Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education. The association is dedicated to advancing the student affairs profession and supporting student success through advocacy, research and professional development. With more than 15,000 members representing all 50 states and 25 countries, NASPA is a leading voice in the field, fostering innovation and excellence in student affairs practice and leadership.

Jon Dooley, vice president for Student Life and associate professor for education, was named a member of the class of 2025 Pillars of the Profession. recognizes individuals who have served as leaders, teachers and scholars within student affairs and higher education. Nominated by their colleagues, students and peers, selected individuals have provided service to NASPA through regional and/or national leadership, created lasting impact at their institution and have demonstrated a long-standing record of excellence and impact in student affairs and/or higher education throughout their career. Nominators of selected individuals also raise at least $3,500 in their honor to support the NASPA Foundation鈥檚 work to advance research and scholarship in student affairs. Each donation invests in the student affairs profession, the next generation of student affairs leaders, and individuals like Dooley who do this vital work daily on college campuses around the world.

With over 30 years of experience in student affairs, Dooley held leadership positions at Marquette University and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. As vice president for student life, he oversees 16 departments and supports student learning, mentoring, health and well-being, inclusive excellence, multifaith engagement, civic engagement and the residential campus experience

鈥淚 am deeply humbled and grateful to my 乱伦视频 colleagues for nominating me and to the NASPA Foundation for naming me one of the 2025 Pillars of the Profession,鈥� said Dooley during his acceptance remarks. 鈥淭his recognition is as much about the communities and individuals who shape us as it is about the honorees themselves. Reflecting on my own career in student affairs, I鈥檓 reminded of the countless students, colleagues, mentors and friends who have inspired me to grow as an educator and professional.鈥�

Another notable accomplishment was Brandy Propst, director of 乱伦视频 1010 and adjunct assistant professor of education, being named the award runner-up. Supported by the NASPA Foundation, this award honors exceptional doctoral research completed by individuals currently working in or planning to pursue a career in student affairs.

Propst鈥檚 dissertation, grounded in Sista Circle Methodology and Black Feminist Theory, examines the workplace experiences of Black women student affairs professionals at historically white institutions (HWIs), focusing on critical incidents involving white women colleagues. Findings from her study highlight how these interactions often result in structural violence and racialized harm while ultimately influencing their career trajectories. The study also identifies the tools, strategies and support systems Black women use to navigate and succeed in these environments.

With nearly 20 years of experience in higher education, Propst has expertise in new student programs, first-year experiences, student success and retention and graduate admission and enrollment management.

“I鈥檓 very grateful for the support and celebration of my award from my 乱伦视频 Student Life colleagues during NASPA! My dissertation research is very personal to me, so I am truly appreciative that my work was recognized for such a prestigious award,鈥� Propst stated. 鈥淭his award has elevated my work as a Black-Feminist scholar-practitioner as I continue to center my scholarship and service to the field on the experiences and needs of Black women student affairs professionals.”

Along with Dooley and Propst, several 乱伦视频 staff members presented at the conference.

Presentations included:

• Luis Garay, director of the Gender and LGBTQIA Center, who co-presented 鈥淲hat is Motivating You?: The Experiences of and Considerations for BIPOC Mid-level Professionals Pursuing a Doctoral Degree.鈥�
• Megan Noltemeyer, assistant to the vice president for Student Life and director of strategic initiatives, and Jonathan McElderry, dean of student inclusive excellence and assistant professor, who presented 鈥淓quity & Excellence: Transforming Student Life at 乱伦视频.鈥�
• Lak茅 Laosebikan-Buggs, director of inclusive excellence for graduate and professional education, who was a featured speaker during a pre-conference workshop 鈥淪triking a Balance: Understanding the Connection and Impact of Wellbeing and Emotional Intelligence.鈥�
• Propst, served as faculty co-lead for 鈥淪owing Seeds – Providing a Counterspace for Leadership Development and Advancement鈥� during the African American Women鈥檚 Summit Pre-conference.
• Stephanie Hernandez Rivera, assistant professor in the Master of Higher Education program and the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education Emerging Professor.
• Cassandra North G鈥�25 and Ellie MacMillan G鈥�26, who presented 鈥淟aying Self Bare: Facilitating Student Learning Through Artistic Expression.鈥�

Another prominent presentation was Dooley, McElderry and Noltemeyer鈥檚 鈥淪trategic Planning as a Process to Advance Divisional Excellence,鈥� providing insight on the Division of Student Life鈥檚 process in developing its five-year strategic plan.

鈥淚t was an honor to share the student life strategic planning work we鈥檙e doing at 乱伦视频 alongside colleagues at NASPA. We had the opportunity to connect with higher education professionals from across the country as we partner on engaged learning and work to create transformative student experiences,鈥� Noltemeyer expressed. 鈥淚鈥檓 proud of the innovation and collaboration happening in Student Life and the 乱伦视频 community, and I鈥檓 excited for what the future holds for student life as we finalize the five-year plan.鈥�

Echoing Noltemeyer, McElderry shared his excitement in highlighting the work of the division of student life and celebrating the accomplishments of 乱伦视频 staff.

鈥淚 thoroughly enjoyed sharing the remarkable work that our division is doing at 乱伦视频,鈥� said McElderry. 鈥淭he university was well-represented by presentations from several division employees, MHE faculty and graduate students in the MHE program. Moreover, it was an honor to celebrate Jon鈥檚 recognition as a 2025 Pillar of the Profession.鈥�

The recognition and accolades received during the NASPA conference illustrate 乱伦视频鈥檚 commitment to professional development, strategic planning and promoting excellence in higher education.

The sessions will take place on聽Wednesday, April 23 from 4:30 to 5 p.m. EST and聽Monday, May 5 from 4 to 4:30 p.m. EST聽

Students interested in attending one of the sessions should email Macy Mills (mmills11@elon.edu) for the Zoom link by noon of the session date that they would like to attend.

If you cannot attend either session, please email Macy Mills and she can provide a video recording.

The spring 2026 LA tentative courses include:

COM 4000 Media Law and Ethics
CTA聽3670 Master鈥檚 Class: Directing
CTA 3700 Advanced Writing: The Writers鈥� Room
BUS/COM聽3985 Internship
MGT 3230 Principles of Management
BUS 2210 Legal and Ethical Environment
MKT 4701 Entertainment Marketing

The early action deadline is May 15. Students can apply here.聽Enrollment is limited. Questions? Contact the GEC 336-278-6700.

Academic Advising Tips

As course registration begins for the 2025-26 academic year on Tuesday, April 15, now is the time to schedule a meeting with your advisor. Check your email for a message about how to sign up for an appointment. You can also find their information in OnTrack under the Advising tab (the same page where you view your class schedule).

To help you get ready for your advising session, here are some key tips:

• Use MyProgress as a critical guide to identify the courses you need. Additionally, use the Office of Academic Advising鈥檚 videos to assist you.
• Prepare your questions in advance of your advising meeting. Add them into the Notes section of the Advising tab so your advisor can review them before you chat.
• Waitlists are meant to improve your schedule, not to build it. Do not count on getting into a class from the waitlist.
• Review My Progress after class registration is completed. Ensure that the classes you chose check the boxes that you had intended. Then, update your schedule as needed.

Multifaith Calendar of Religious Celebrations

Holi (Hindu)

Friday, April 11, 4 p.m., Speaker鈥檚 Corner (rain date April 25)

Join the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life for Holi, a Hindu spring festival of color and sharing love. Holi marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. The 乱伦视频 community gathers to throw colored powder on one another to celebrate the earth returning to color and life and good triumphing over evil. There will also be crafts, food and other ways to celebrate the holiday. Visit the for more information. If you plan to throw color, please wear old clothing that can get dirtied by paint.

Passover (Jewish)

Jewish Life Passover Seder, Saturday, April 12, 5:30 p.m., 乱伦视频 Community Church

The Jewish holiday of Passover (Pesach) celebrates freedom & commemorates the exodus of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt. It begins at sunset on Saturday, April 12 and continues through Sunday, April 20. The 乱伦视频 community will celebrate the Passover holiday together with a Seder, a special ceremonial meal, on the first night of Passover, Saturday, April 12, at 5:30 pm at the 乱伦视频 Community Church. All are invited 鈥� by Monday, April 7.

鈥嬧�婼pring Music Concerts

Support your talented classmates this spring as performing arts groups host their final concerts of the year throughout the months of April and May.聽 Two concerts will be held this week; visit the for more information and future concert dates.

Jazz Ensemble Spring Concert

Friday, April 11, 7:30 p.m., McCrary Theatre, Center for the Arts

Join 乱伦视频鈥檚 Jazz Studies program for the Jazz Ensemble Spring Concert. The program will include an exciting selection of traditional and contemporary jazz music performed by the 乱伦视频 Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combos.

Camerata Spring Recital

Sunday, April 13, 3 p.m., 乱伦视频 Community Church Sanctuary, 271 N. Williamson Ave.

The 乱伦视频 Camerata presents a recital of South African songs from traditional selections to pieces by contemporary songwriters. Featuring guest percussionist Bashir Shakur.

鈥嬧�婸hoenix Athletics Calendar

There are several athletic contests this week as the spring sports teams continue their seasons. Check out the Athletics Calendar and make your plans to cheer on your Phoenix classmates!

• Softball 鈥� hosts College of Charleston, Sunday, April 6, noon, Hunt Softball Park
• Baseball 鈥� hosts UNC, Tuesday, April 8, 6 p.m., Latham Park
• Women鈥檚 Tennis 鈥� hosts UNC Greensboro, Wednesday, April 9, 2 p.m., Powell Tennis Center
• Lacrosse 鈥� hosts Stony Brook, Friday, April 11, 5 p.m., Rudd Field
• Baseball 鈥� weekend series vs. Towson, April 11-13, Latham Park

While at the conference, Abby Davidson, Kenzie Woody and Julia Hawthorne had the opportunity to present a poster on 乱伦视频 1010: The First-Year Advising Seminar. Their selection to present is an exciting recognition of the program鈥檚 impact and the work being done at 乱伦视频 to support first-year students. As a university consistently ranked #1 in the nation for First-Year Experiences by U.S. News & World Report, 乱伦视频 takes pride in the success of 乱伦视频 1010, a required seminar course designed to help first-year students transition into college life.

The course focuses on three main goals:
1. Engaging in academic planning
2. Fostering academic and personal Success
3. Connecting with the 乱伦视频 community

During the presentation, attendees learned about what makes 乱伦视频 1010 successful鈥攊ts curriculum, advising-as-teaching approach, instructor and peer educator training, assessment strategies and the impact on student retention. The session offered practical takeaways for institutions looking to develop or enhance their own first-year seminar programs.

By sharing best practices at NACADA, 乱伦视频鈥檚 academic advising team continues to contribute to national conversations on student success while learning new ideas to bring back to campus.

鈥溌衣资悠� has long been a place where individuals have made a difference, by going above and beyond,” said Gozik. “The GEC and 乱伦视频 could not continue to do such important work without the passion and care offered by faculty, staff and students as exhibited by this year鈥檚 award winners.鈥�

Recipients of the 2024 awards include:

Elizabeth (Libby) McKivigan 鈥�24聽was recognized as the recipient of the Dean鈥檚 Award for Excellence in the category of 鈥淪tudy Away Student鈥�. As an international business dual degree (IBDD) student, who completed her last two years at NEOMA Business School in Reims, France, she was recognized for her many contributions to the IBDD program.

鈥淚n my years of having peer-educators, no one has fostered community across cultures more effectively than Libby,” said Mark Kurt,聽assistant dean of global education and professor of economics.

While in France, McKivigan assumed a leadership position among dual degree students, while also working to develop her language fluency in French. She immersed herself in local culture through clubs and organizations at her host institution as well.

鈥淪tudying abroad with the dual degree program has completely changed my life,” said McKivigan. “I am from a very small town in Pennsylvania and always wanted to see the world and engage with new people, cultures and languages and the dual degree program has given me that amazing opportunity.鈥�

Hao (Howard) Chi 鈥�22 G鈥�24聽was awarded the Dean鈥檚 Award for Excellence in the category of 鈥淚nternational Student鈥�. Chi鈥檚 award acknowledged his many contributions to 乱伦视频 as an undergraduate student in psychology and international & global studies, where he completed a capstone project entitled, 鈥淎 Framework for Study Abroad Experience: The Transition to Adulthood鈥�. During his time as an undergraduate student, Chi served as an International Student Ambassador. This award also recognized his time as a student in the master of arts in higher education program, where he completed a graduate apprenticeship with Undergraduate 乱伦视频 and internships at both Duke University and 乱伦视频, including within the GEC.

Chi鈥檚 recommender explained that: 鈥淗oward represents the very best that international students have to offer to 乱伦视频. He is passionate about international education and high-impact practices and has contributed to both of those areas throughout his time as a student at 乱伦视频.鈥�

Kathy Ziga, director of academic advising, was awarded the Dean鈥檚 Award for Staff Excellence for her dedication to integrating global perspective and understanding the work of the Academic Advising team. It was noted that Ziga and her team have collaborated consistently and creatively with the GEC to provide student information sessions, cross-train staff in both offices, share professional development opportunities around inclusive advising practices and support international exchange partners.

鈥淜athy has revolutionized how the international community (degree seeking, exchange, etc.) is served academically at 乱伦视频,” said Kristen Aquilino, director of international student services. “Knowledge of serving the international community is integrated throughout her team’s work and values. Kathy’s leadership has committed her unit to fully owning the inclusive efforts and unique support required to serve this awesome community.”

Martin Kamela, associate professor of physics and chair of the department of physics, was awarded the Dean鈥檚 Award for Faculty Excellence. Born in Poland and raised in Canada, Kamela has taught at the university level in both Canada and the United States. Kamela was recognized for his work in developing three short-term, faculty-led programs in Brazil and India, serving as a faculty in residence for the 乱伦视频 in London semester program; serving on numerous committees including the Isabella Cannon Global Education Center Advisory Committee (GECAC), and his involvement in the Asian Studies and Periclean Studies programs.

鈥淢any of us across the GEC are fully aware of how immense Martin’s impact has been across international education at 乱伦视频 when it comes to the GECAC, faculty, staff and student involvement in global engagement, support of the international faculty/staff and student community and more,” said Aquilino.