Elon dedicates bench in memory of staff member Jennifer Fish

On what would have been Jennifer Fish’s 54th birthday, Elon University faculty, staff and students gathered for the dedication of a bench in Fish’s memory — the former associate director of the Teaching Fellows program passed away unexpectedly in May.

During the dedication, a scrapbook made by the Teaching Fellows for Fish’s family and a basket of snacks was placed on the new bench. Fish’s husband, Grant, and daughter, Samantha, attended the dedication.

“We don’t have cake, but we do have snacks because, as you know, she was famous for her snacks, so please take a snack in her memory,” said Ann Bullock, Dr. Jo Watts Williams dean of education. “We miss her every day. It was a blessing to have her in our school and at Elon.”

Bullock and Professor of Education and William S. Long Professor Jeff Carpenter chose the location of the bench, which sits in the shade garden next to the Mooney Building directly facing Fish’s former office.

“We liked the idea of her being able to see the Teaching Fellows suite from her bench,” said Carpenter. “At every Teaching Fellows event, there was food. There were always snacks. It’s a metaphor for her always wanting to nourish people in various ways.”

Carpenter worked closely with Fish when he served as Teaching Fellows director. He acknowledged that relationship when accepting the William S. Long Professorship during Opening Day on Aug. 19.

“I would not be on this stage today if it wasn’t for a collaborator of the past ten years, during my time as Teaching Fellows director, Jennifer Fish,” said Carpenter at Opening Day. “I really wish that she was here to see me receive this award because she poured a lot into me and I miss you, Jennifer.”

Fish was a valued member of the Teaching Fellows program leadership team for 15 years. Remembered as “Mama Fish” by current and former students, Fish worked to make the Teaching Fellows program better and to ensure students had the support they needed to succeed.

“I feel her still with me and the School of Education staff who care about us,” said Lindsey Hefty ‘25, a Teaching Fellow who worked closely with Fish.  “I’m excited about the bench to have a place to honor her memory and I’m glad it looks at the office because she loved Teaching Fellows her whole life and gave so much to us. I’m happy that we’re commemorating her in this way.”

We miss her every day. It was a blessing to have her in our school and at Elon.

-Ann Bullock, Dr. Jo Watts Williams dean of education

As the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education sought to fill Jennifer’s role in the Teaching Fellows program, staff say she was watching over them.

“We all struggled with that because, to think about who could take her place, who could come in and fill that void,” said Erin Hone, director of the Teaching Fellows program and senior lecturer in education. “The search was the most seamless search I’ve ever been on; everything just fell into place, and I truly feel that was Jennifer, who loved this place, who loved her fellows and who loved the School of Education, I feel that was Jennifer saying, ‘Here you go, here’s the next one.’”

Rev. Kirstin Boswell, university chaplain and associate dean of multifaith engagement, led the dedication, offering words of comfort to the crowd gathered Friday morning.

“Jennifer’s presence touched many lives, offering a sense of belonging, warmth and hope wherever she went,” said Boswell. “This bench stands not only as a place of rest but as a reflection of her unwavering dedication to the well-being of others across all walks of life and beliefs.”

Boswell shared two poems by Madeline L’Engle and W.S. Merwin – both were also shared at Fish’s memorial service in May.

“Jennifer, your absence has gone through us like a needle in thread,” said Boswell, quoting Merlin’s ‘Separation.’ Everything we do is stitched with its color. May this bench be a place of comfort, of rest, of solace, of peace, of joy for all as she was for so many.”

Several sources of support are available from the university, including chaplains in the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life. Faculty and staff may utilize Elon Work-Life Resources for support.

Students can access counselors in Counseling Services or through TimelyCare, supportive staff in Student Care and Outreach, or 24/7 crisis resources from the crisis counselor on-call at 336-278-2222, TalkNow from TimelyCare, or the Student Life administrator on-call through Campus Safety and Police at 336-278-5555.