Launched just weeks before the global pandemic, the Boldly Elon strategic plan aims to bring the university’s decades of innovation and proven engaged and experiential learning practices to higher levels of success in the next 10 years. elon.edu/boldlyelon

Theme: LEARN

We will make bold innovations in relationship-driven learning and mentoring, launch a distinctive school of engineering, add nursing programs and advance students’ data competency.

Associate Professor of Anthropology Mussa Idris and his mentee, John Luke Farah, work together

At Elon, students develop lifelong relationships with faculty, staff and peers that lead to future success.

Goal highlight: Advancing Mentoring

Elon was selected for the inaugural cohort of the Learner Success Laboratory by the American Council on Education. Based on extensive research, surveys and interviews, the report from Elon’s steering committee has laid the groundwork for future efforts on mentoring.

Next step: A 35-member Mentoring Design Team has been charged with envisioning an infrastructure to ensure every student has multiple pathways, skills and agency to build a network of meaningful, mentoring relationships with peers, faculty and staff. elon.edu/mentoring

INNOVATIONS ACCOMPLISHED

  • Students at work in Dr. Sirena Hargrove-Leak’s classroom in the Innovation Quad at Elon University
  • Nursing students at the School of Health Sciences in the Francis Center
  • The stairwell in Innovation Quad features a translucent glass that responds to light differently depending on the angle from which it is viewed
  • A group of Elon students celebrates making it to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro
  • Engineering department/accreditation
  • Nursing program
  • Innovation Quad: Founders Hall and Innovation Hall
  • New academic programs
  • Top-35 undergraduate business programs
  • No. 1 ranking in study abroad for the 17th straight year

Theme: THRIVE

We will build a healthier and more diverse, equitable and inclusive community, where all students faculty and staff experience belonging and well-being.

Students participate in the Donning of the Kente ceremony at Alumni Gym on the campus of Elon University.

Beginning with the Class of 2027, students will complete a 4-credit​ course designated as an Advancing Equity Requirement.

Goal highlight: Equity in the Curriculum

In May 2022 faculty approved the groundbreaking Advancing Equity Requirement of the Core Curriculum beginning with the Class of 2027. In courses across the disciplines, students will explore and deepen their understanding of their own and others’ identities and learn about the historical, political and cultural causes of racism in our society.

INNOVATIONS ACCOMPLISHED

  • Division of Inclusive Excellence
  • Anti-racism and anti-discrimination education
  • Enhanced bias response system
  • Equity-minded hiring protocols
  • Vision for comprehensive wellness center
  • 24/7 access to medical and mental health care
  • Housing master plan
  • Staff and faculty professional learning and advancement tracks
  • Greenhouse gas emissions below 2008 levels

Theme: CONNECT

We will develop lifelong alumni personal and professional learning and networks; partner with our local communities to enhance education, health and economic development; and win athletics conference championships and lead our conference in academic performance.

A professor works with a student in the Elon in Los Angeles space that allows for collaboration between students, local professionals and alumni

Plans for Regional Learning Centers in major U.S. cities are being developed based on the Elon in LA model.

Goal highlight: Learning Centers Across the Nation

Staff and faculty across the university are developing plans for Regional Learning Centers in major U.S. cities. Based on the Elon in LA (Los Angeles) model, these centers will provide hubs for courses, internships, research, professional development and networking for current students and alumni, and also serve as regional recruitment centers for admissions counselors to meet with prospective students and their families.

INNOVATIONS ACCOMPLISHED

  • Members of the Class of 1972 pose with their Golden Alumni medallions
  • Members of he men's soccer team at Elon University celebrate after a win
  • Psychology major Sierra Alizzeo ’22 is interning with the Burlington Parks and Recreation Department, as part of the Campus Alamance program
  • Alumni engagement strategic plan
  • Alamance Scholars: a new pipeline for K-12 teachers
  • Year-of-Service Fellows
  • Campus Alamance: paid local summer internship program
  • Leading the CAA in academics
  • CAA championships in cross country, track and field, and soccer
  • New indoor baseball performance facility

Theme: RISE

We will position the university globally, expanding our admissions footprint, raising resources to support increased access and financial aid, and sharply defining our international reputation and value.

Members of the Class of 2026 receive an acorn as part of Convocation for New Students

U.S. News & World Report ranked Elon No. 65 among national universities in graduation and retention measures in 2021.

Goal highlight: Student Success

With strong four-year graduation and student retention rates, Elon continues to improve in key measures of student success. U.S. News & World Report ranked Elon No. 65 among national universities in graduation and retention measures in 2021.

INNOVATIONS ACCOMPLISHED

  • Prospective students and families walk across Young Commons during a tour
  • An aerial view of Schar Center, the home of the basketball and volleyball programs at Elon University
  • A group of Odyssey Scholars gather for a group photo to thank donors
  • The Koenigsberger Learning Center, a two-story expansion of Carol Grotnes Belk Library, opened at the beginning of the 2018-19 academic year and is home to the university's Academic Advising, Learning Assistance and Disability Resources programs. Many common spaces are open for students to use.
  • Exceeding the $250 million Elon LEADS Campaign goal
  • More than 230 new Odyssey, Elon Engagement and Fellows scholarships
  • Naming of the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education
  • 10 new facilities transforming the campus
  • Expanding the Elon admissions footprint with more than 18,000 applications and increasing scholarship awards

Median earnings of Elon graduates

With higher than average median earnings of $64,238, graduates who enrolled at Elon 10 years ago and received federal aid have a 0% student loan default rate.

47,891Midpoint for four-year schools
64,238Median earnings of Elon graduates

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard

Elon graduates are in high demand. Among members of the class of 2022, 91% were employed, in graduate school, completing a fellowship or providing service within three months of graduation.