The sophomore assumes the top leadership position after falling in love with the student-run organization’s community and its yearlong collaborative project.
Coral Clark ’25 did not envision herself becoming editor-in-chief of Phi Psi Cli, Elon University’s student-run yearbook, when she arrived on campus. But after joining the organization during her first year under the oaks, she grew to love the community she found and the yearlong project they collectively worked on. With that in mind, she decided to take a leap of faith.
“I knew a lot about the yearbook because of my job as student communications manager,” Clark said. “I saw what makes the organization special, what awards they won, and how fun it was, and this seemed like a natural path forward. So I just kind of went for it.”
Phi Psi Cli, which welcomes all academic majors to participate, begins work on its 107th edition this fall. Founded in 1913, the publication is the oldest student organization on campus.
While Clark assumes a position typically filled by a junior or senior, she said she has high expectations. She said she hopes to produce a book Elon students can be proud of, while also providing an inclusive space for all students.
“One thing I love about our book is that you have one goal, and the goal is at the end of the year,” Clark said. “There are smaller deadlines along the way, but overall you’re just working toward the overarching goal of completing the book.”
Colin Donohue, School of Communications director of student engagement and alumni affairs, said he is incredibly proud of Clark for accepting the leadership role and looks forward to seeing her help the staff “record a moment in time” this year.
“It’s hard to believe she’s only a sophomore, considering during her short time at Elon she’s already demonstrated thoughtful leadership, deep creativity and intense determination in her work and her studies,” Donohue said. “She is exactly the kind of student who will thrive running a student media organization because she understands the importance of the work she and her staff will complete. I can’t wait to see the book they release to Elon next year.”
Heading into the fall, Clark said she is focused on recruitment, and she hopes to be an example to other students who serve on yearbook that they don’t need to major in communications. Clark enrolled initially as a public health major and added strategic communications as a double major earlier this year.
“I am public health first and communications second, which I think is a unique position to be in leading a student media organization,” Clark said. “I think that is going to benefit the yearbook, just having those different perspectives.”
For more information about Phi Psi Cli, visit www.elonyearbook.com or @elonyearbook on Instagram.