Jonathan A. McElderry, dean of student inclusive excellence at Elon University, has officially begun his term as the 86th president of ACPA – College Student Educators International. In his opening address, he outlined his vision, emphasizing mentorship, representation and advocacy.
Jonathan A. McElderry, dean of student inclusive excellence and assistant professor, has officially begun his term as the 86th president of ACPA – College Student Educators International.
Following his year of service within that role, he is now serving a one-year term as president, becoming the first Elon staff member to lead the national association of student affairs professionals.
McElderry’s current role as dean of student inclusive excellence is just one of the many ways his career illustrates his dedication to fostering inclusive campus environments. Even before joining Elon, he championed student success, diversity and professional development, serving as the assistant dean of students and executive director of the Intercultural Center at Wake Forest University and as director of the Black Culture Center at the University of Missouri.
His leadership has been shaped by his experiences as a first-generation college student and his deep commitment to mentoring and empowering future generations of student affairs professionals. During his presidential address, McElderry reflected on these experiences, offering insight into the influential moments and individuals who helped prepare him for this international leadership role.
Overcoming Challenges and the Power of Mentorship
A first-generation college student from Richmond, Virginia, McElderry knew early on that education would open doors for him. However, attending George Mason University as a first-generation student, he often struggled to navigate the complexities of higher education. With the guidance of mentors, he overcame these challenges.
“As the first in my family to pursue higher education, I had no roadmap to follow—no one to guide me through the challenges of undergrad, then a master’s program, and finally, a doctorate,” McElderry said. “The path was often uncertain, but mentors guided me, opening doors I didn’t even know existed.”
Overcoming these challenges and his experiences at George Mason ultimately influenced his career, leading to his dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion in higher education.
“My work and leadership are deeply tied to my personal history and social identities. As a first-generation scholar, my journey reflects the broader struggles and achievements of my community,” McElderry said. “I understand firsthand the challenges that many students face, and this has fueled my passion for creating spaces where they feel seen, supported, and empowered.”
A consistent theme throughout his journey has been the value of mentorship and representation. From the impact of his mentors at George Mason to his own role in mentoring students and young professionals, McElderry’s commitment to fostering growth and support systems extends beyond ACPA. Throughout his career, he has worked to create spaces where students and professionals, especially those from marginalized communities, can thrive, develop their leadership identities, and feel a sense of belonging.
McElderry’s leadership has not gone unnoticed by his colleagues. Cameron Beatty, associate professor of higher education at Florida State University, reflected on McElderry’s leadership and mentorship during the opening remarks of his inauguration.
“Jonathan is more than a colleague to me—he’s a friend who anchors me, a peer mentor, a constant consultant in both my life and career and someone I deeply respect for his thoughtfulness and integrity,” Beatty said. “He has been a source of wisdom, a sounding board in moments of decision-making, and an inspiration for what authentic, values-driven leadership can look like in our field. Dr. West and I know that, as ACPA President, Jonathan will be this type of friend to our beloved association.”
Jordan S. West, associate vice provost at The George Washington University, echoed Beatty’s sentiment, reflecting on their time together at Morgan State University during the annual summer leadership meeting for the Pan African Network (PAN).
“Our time at Morgan was certainly memorable, and it was a clear moment for me in noticing Dr. McElderry,” West said. “It was evident to me, as Dr. Beatty shared, that Dr. McElderry is a true servant leader. I recall sitting next to him during a portion of our meeting when he led a discussion on ‘all leaders of PAN submitting to present at convention’ and signing people up accordingly.”
Mentoring with Purpose: Building Networks of Support in Higher Education
McElderry’s presidency will continue a legacy of mentorship, reinforcing the belief that lifting others as we climb is essential to building a stronger, more inclusive higher education landscape.
His theme for the presidency, “Mentoring with Purpose: Building Networks of Support in Higher Education,” underscores his lifelong commitment to ensuring that students and professionals feel seen, valued and empowered. In alignment with this theme, he has tasked a group of faculty and graduate students, led by Beatty and Salinas, to form a writing group that will examine the intersections of the strategic imperative for racial justice and decolonization. Additionally, Stephanie Hernandez, assistant professor of education and the Dr. Jo Watts Williams emerging professor at Elon and Emily Krechel, director of new student programs at Elon, will guest edit About Campus, which will focus on identity-conscious mentoring.
“This initiative focuses on identity-conscious mentoring that addresses the intersections of race, gender, sexuality, and other social identities, creating resources that help marginalized students and staff navigate systemic barriers,” McElderry said.
Another key focus of McElderry’s presidency will be workforce sustainability in higher education, emphasizing the importance of well-being for those who support students. He highlighted the direct correlation between student success and the well-being of the faculty and staff who guide them.
“Within ACPA, we believe that when the people doing the work are well-supported, students will thrive. Workforce sustainability is key to this, as the strength of our association lies in the well-being of its members,” McElderry said. “By fostering a consistent narrative around the value of the work being done within our community, we ensure that higher education professionals feel seen, valued and equipped to face emerging challenges.”
McElderry also highlighted several other key priorities for his presidency, including:
- Accessibility Audit Implementation: Implementing ACPA’s accessibility audit recommendations, led by the director of member belonging in the international office.
- 2026-2030 Strategic Plan Implementation: Strengthening ACPA’s brand identity, enhancing membership and investing in the student affairs profession.
- Task Force on Entity Group Funding & Expectations: Evaluating ACPA’s funding model to recommend ways to better support its identity-based and functional groups.
- Graduate Student & Graduate Prep Programs Initiative: Assessing student affairs graduate programs to improve engagement strategies for graduate students.
Additionally, McElderry’s presidency is not only a professional milestone but also a historic one. He is part of ACPA’s first all-Black male presidential trio, alongside incoming President-Elect Kelvin Rutledge and former President Stephen John Quaye. This milestone underscores the power of representation in leadership, ensuring that future generations see themselves reflected at the highest levels of the profession.
“I am my ancestors’ wildest dreams, and I stand here today knowing that I belong exactly where my feet are planted,” McElderry said.
A full-circle moment: Elon connection and support
McElderry also reflected on Elon’s role in his personal and professional journey, highlighting the unwavering support of university leadership. He expressed deep gratitude to President Connie Ledoux Book and Vice President for Student Life Jon Dooley, acknowledging their encouragement and advocacy.
“I often laugh because over the past year, I’ve joked that Jon seems more excited about this presidency than I am. But in truth, his unwavering commitment to my leadership journey and his role as a mentor and supervisor have been incredible,” McElderry said.
Interestingly, McElderry’s connection to Elon predates his current position, which he began in 2022. An Elon alumna, Chayla Haynes Davidson ‘98, introduced him to ACPA and played a pivotal role in his early professional development. Now, as ACPA president, McElderry sees his time at Elon as a full-circle moment, reinforcing the importance of mentorship, legacy-building and institutional support in professional growth.
“I strongly believe that everything happens for a reason, and my time at Elon feels like a full-circle moment,” McElderry shared. “My first introduction to ACPA came through an Elon alumna, Dr. Chayla Haynes Davidson, a dedicated member of the association and former Pan Chair, who hired me for my first leadership role as an orientation leader at George Mason University.”
Elon University also recognizes McElderry’s value and impact, celebrating his leadership and contributions to the institution.
“We are glad to celebrate Jonathan’s professional achievement as he steps into this important leadership role with ACPA, Jon Dooley, vice president for student life stated. “We are proud that he is representing Elon in this work, and we know his dedication and vision will make a significant impact on the student affairs profession while also enriching student life at Elon with positive impact for our students and staff.”
McElderry closed his address with a quote from the late Maya Angelou: “The ache for home lives in all of us. The safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.”
“We all long for a place, or a community, where we can truly be ourselves,” he said during his address.” “For many of us, past and present, ACPA has been that place. I’m grateful that I found my home in ACPA 15 years ago, and I am honored to serve as its 86th president.”