The former adviser to four American presidents concluded his tenure this fall as chair of the Elon Law Board of Advisors with an evening banquet that celebrated his many contributions to Elon University over the past quarter century.
David Gergen’s many roles throughout an accomplished career at the highest levels of American government include:
- Adviser to four presidents (Nixon, Ford, Reagan, and Clinton)
- Founding director of the Harvard Kennedy School’s Center for Public Leadership
- Political analyst for CNN
- Chief editor of U.S. News & World Report
- Bestselling author
- Native North Carolinian with a deep love for his home state
Gergen has also been a loyal friend and unwavering advocate for Elon University.
Since his earliest visit to campus a quarter century ago, Gergen has delivered two Commencement addresses, served as the first Isabella Cannon Distinguished Visiting Professor of Leadership and inaugural chair of the Elon University School of Law Board of Advisors, and contributed his voice to countless programs that have promoted leadership, service, and civility in public life.
“David is certainly one of our nation’s most steadfast and principled leaders over his lifetime of distinguished service,” said Elon University President Connie Ledoux Book. “Beyond what David has done for our country, here at Elon, we owe him a very special debt of gratitude. What began as a speaking engagement at Elon, way back in 2000, led to a relationship that has had such a profound impact on our university.”
Book’s remarks were part of a Sept. 12, 2024, celebration that coincided with Gergen’s final campus visit as chair of the Elon University School of Law advisory board.
With dozens of board colleagues, university administrators, law students and graduates, and family by his side, an evening banquet at The Inn at Elon included the announcement of a professorship that will preserve Gergen’s campus legacy for generations of future Elon University students and faculty.
Recipients of the newly established David R. Gergen Distinguished Professorship in Public Service will receive a salary supplement and a fund to support their work working with students who share a passion for public service.
“This professorship ensures your inspired legacy will carry forward here at Elon,” Book said when announcing the new professorship on behalf of the Elon University Board of Trustees. “Thank you for your unmatched service. Thank you for your vision for Elon Law. This is indeed a law school with a difference and we are proud to say that difference is due in large part to the leadership of David Gergen.”
Throughout Gergen’s two decades chairing the advisory board, Elon Law has:
- Adopted a seven-trimester, 2.5-year curriculum that graduates students a half year earlier than traditional law school calendars
- Launched the part-time Elon Law Flex Program in Charlotte for working professionals
- Received accolades from the American Bar Association for excellence in legal professionalism education
- Climbed to #4 in the nation in PreLaw Magazine’s annual rankings for practical training
Elon Law’s top award for one member of each graduating class also bears his name. The David Gergen Award for Leadership & Professionalism has been bestowed since 2009 on law graduates whose activities represent the twin principles of leadership and professionalism.
Gergen, in brief remarks following the announcement of the professorship, emphasized the importance of public service. He expressed hope in younger generations who will soon assume mantles of leadership.
“Building the community. Having a sense of purpose. Learning to work with each other. Learning to let the other guy take credit. There are so many things that need to be done to make an effective leader,” he said. “We do need heroes.”
The evening celebration included reflections from President Emeritus Leo M. Lambert. It was Lambert and Elon Trustee Bobby Long who approached Gergen two decades ago with their idea to establish the Elon University School of Law.
“David Gergen is the embodiment of what the public is craving in civic leadership today,” Lambert said. “There are a lot of smart people with prestigious degrees in public life today who are missing some of the essential characteristics of great leaders that David Gergen possesses in abundance.
“He is kind. He is optimistic. He is principled and lives out the American ideals of justice and equality. He is a good listener and brings in the opinions of others. He is fair and diplomatic. He has a wonderful sense of humor. I have never seen him resort to name calling, rudeness, or ugly behavior. He models humility.
“In sum, David is the kind of person you can point to and tell your children and grandchildren, ‘Be a leader like David Gergen.’”
Elon Law Advisory Board Leadership Updates
Ellen Gregg, a retired trial attorney from Womble Bond Dickinson in Winston-Salem, succeeded David Gergen as chair of the Elon University Board of Advisors beginning with the board’s fall meeting on September 13, 2024.
Gregg’s distinguished career included successful litigation of cases at all levels of state and federal courts including class actions, and medical malpractice, wrongful death, civil rights and complex product liability claims. At Womble Bond Dickinson, she held numerous leadership roles and was active in the Winston-Salem community through the United Way, Habitat for Humanity and the American Heart Association.
The Board of Advisors also celebrated two longtime members who concluded their service at the end of the board’s fall meeting on Elon University’s main campus.
Chief Justice (Ret.) Jim Exum of the North Carolina Supreme Court and Ronny B. Lancaster, a retired senior vice president of public affairs and government relations for Assurant, Inc., were honored for their longtime service and contributions to the growth of Elon University School of Law.
Exum was among the charter members of the Board of Advisors when the first students enrolled at Elon Law in 2006. Lancaster had served on the board since 2013.
