Relationships in Action

Whether they begin in the classroom, at a campus job, in an organization or residence hall, mentoring relationships have a lasting impact on faculty, staff and students. They often define mentors’ and mentees’ Elon experience.

Cole Carney and his mentor, Cindy Fair, walking downa brick pathway with a brick arch in the background.

Cole Carney & Cindy Fair

“My mentor has helped shape my identity as an emerging scholar in the field of public health and has supported my plans for personal and professional development. Dr. Fair has challenged me to think critically about research and has worked alongside me to develop my project. Elon faculty are exceptional because of their genuine care for each student and their passion for lifelong learning. I never feel like someone just filling a seat. I always feel valued and empowered to share my thoughts.”

Cole Carney
Majors: Public Health Studies and Policy Studies

“Mentoring is the very best part of my job. It gives me the opportunity to work closely with a student as they explore a line of inquiry. Watching them realize that they can contribute to a field, develop new knowledge, etc. is deeply rewarding. I have developed meaningful and long-standing relationships with mentees. We have published articles together and presented at conferences around the world.”

Cindy Fair
Professor of Public Health Studies and Human Service Studies

Sam Goldberg and his mentor Evan Small posing for a photo outside.

Sam Goldberg & Evan Small

“Evan makes it easy for people to be themselves. He is always there and always knows exactly what to do. Anytime I have a problem or need help with something, I make a call to Evan.”

Sam Goldberg
Majors: Outdoor Leadership and Education and Media Analytics

“I believe that mentorship is the core of the Elon experience and the relationship-rich education we provide. Mentoring happens across the university ­­— often in informal ways — and allows for students, faculty and staff alike to grow and develop.”

Evan Small
Assistant Director of Campus Recreation and Wellness for Experiential Learning and Outdoor Adventures and Instructor in Wellness

Eukela Little walking outside along a brick sidewalk with her mentor, Buffie Longmire-Avital.

Eukela Little &
Buffie Longmire-Avital

“I’ve had two research mentors before associate professor Longmire-Avital, and she was my first Black woman mentor. That within itself created a sense of safety for me to show up as myself during those times.”

Eukela Little
Major: Psychology

“There was a moment where I was trying to push Eukela into this typical research box, and she was like, ‘That’s not what I wanted to do. I want to create workshops and immediately help people. I’m not about just writing the research up.’ … It woke me up in terms of how I’ve been following a certain pattern and gave me the courage to let that go. Eukela is a wonderful example of when you step back and let a student’s creativity and innovation lead you.”

Buffie Longmire-Avital
Associate Professor of Psychology

Catherine Stallsmith and her mentor, Jan Register, sitting in white rocking chairs on a brick patio.

Catherine Stallsmith &
Jan Register

“I call Jan my school mom because she cares about the needs that professors may overlook: Are you getting enough sleep, enough to eat, how is your mental health? These are all questions that I have been asked by Jan. If something is wrong, she can tell, and she wants to make sure I’m OK. In my times of hardest trials, I’ve called Jan. In my biggest celebrations, I’ve called Jan. Jan always knows what to say and a hug from her will always make me feel better. In weighing decisions about my future or my academic goals, she always keeps me at the center. She wants to know what will make me happy and what will set me up for success. She does not judge me and only wants what is best for me.”

Catherine Stallsmith
Majors: Political Science and International & Global Studies

“I think there are several ways to serve as a mentor. While academic mentorship is quite important, I believe everyone who interacts with students has the capability to play a role in their development. I provide mentorship in a workplace supervisory role ­­— many times I am the first supervisor a student has — and my hope is that my students are well-prepared for the important details that will impact their performance in post-college positions.”

Jan Register
Administrative Assistant for the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life

John Luke Farah & Mussa Idris

“I’ve formed professional relationships with professors who have become my friends. Their dedication outside the classroom truly sets Elon apart. These relationships will last long after I graduate.”

John Luke Farah
Majors: Anthropology and Journalism

“Mentoring is important because it allows me to integrate my teaching approaches and my scholarship into my work, one-on-one, with undergraduate students and their projects, which is very fulfilling.”

Mussa Idris
Associate Professor of Anthropology

Mentor Nicole Bergen and her mentee Andrea Sheetz talking and holding coffees while they walk down a sidewalk.

Andrea Sheetz & Nicole Bergen

“Nicole’s wisdom and advice has shaped my own sense of self, my personal relationships and my professional life. When I got my first job offer, I called my parents, and they were both busy at work. Nicole ended up being the first person I told, and she was able to walk me through it.”

Andrea Sheetz
Majors: Economics and Sociology

“I am truly grateful for the relationships I have shared with mentees here at Elon. Listening to them and their life experiences has challenged me in my own ideas about learning, work, racism, advocacy and faith. They have helped me see how important it is to continually bridge the gap between generations.”

Nicole Bergen
Program Assistant for the Kernodle Center for Civic Life