More than 50 students and several teachers from ABSS CTEC Burlington joined Elon’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, Department of Exercise Science and Performing Arts to celebrate National Biomechanics Day, an annual global event held since 2016. All of the CTEC students were on the health science track, making the experience an opportunity to connect their academic interests with potential future pathways.

Students rotated through six stations focused on different aspects of biomechanics, each designed to highlight both fundamental concepts and practical applications.

At the static balance station, participants completed variations of the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS), testing their ability to maintain stability in double-leg, single-leg and tandem stances on both firm and foam surfaces. The neuromotor station focused on coordination and motor learning through activities like mirror tracing, maze completion and target-based drawing tasks. At the strength station, students measured grip strength using handheld dynamometers and observed muscle activation through electromyography (EMG).

Movement was further explored at the tandem gait station, where students walked heel-to-toe along a straight line. As they progressed from forward to backwards walking and added cognitive challenges like counting or spelling backwards, the tasks became increasingly difficult. At the jump station, participants measured their vertical and horizontal jumping ability, learning how lower-body power is assessed in sports and exercise settings. The final station challenged students to think like engineers. Using simple materials, groups built functional models of an elbow joint, aiming to replicate natural movement. The activity highlighted the relationship between biomechanics and design, with connections to prosthetics and rehabilitation technology.

Faculty from exercise science, performing arts and physical therapy, along with student volunteers, led the stations and guided discussions throughout the day. Their involvement created a collaborative environment where participants could ask questions, test ideas and explore new interests.

By the end of the event, students were left with a deeper understanding of how biomechanics applies to everyday movement, health, and performance; as well as a clearer picture of how those interests could shape their future.

Lumen Scholars will work closely with their mentors during the next two years to pursue and complete their projects. Efforts traditionally include coursework, study abroad, research both on and off campus, internships locally and overseas, program development, and creative productions and performances.

“It was another very competitive year, and the Lumen Advisory Board saw many good applications,” said Michael Carignan, director of the Lumen Prize and professor of history. “These 15 represent truly special talent and engagement. We look forward to watching the projects unfold over the next two years.”

The name for the Lumen Prize comes from Elon’s historic motto, “Numen Lumen,” which are Latin words meaning “spiritual light” and “intellectual light.” The words, which are found on the 51±ŹÁÏÍű seal, signify the highest purposes of an Elon education.

2026 Lumen Prize Winners

Tajallah Amirkhil
Mentor: Molly Green
Major: Public Health & Biochemistry
Project: Barriers and Resilience: Exploring Mental Health among Afghan Refugee Women in North Carolina

Emma Briceño
Mentors: Dan Burns & Tita Ramirez
Major: English (Creative Writing)
Project: The Desert Lighthouse, a Novel: an Exploration of Queerness and Safety through Body Horror, Immortality, and Genre Reinvention

Kelley Calvillo
Mentor: Renay Aumiller
Major: Dance Performance and Choreography
Project: The Body Knows: Developing a Feminist Framework for Distributed Choreographic Authorship

Chloe Cone
Mentors: Eryn Bernardy & Ahlam Armaly
Major: Biochemistry
Project: Solutions in the Soil: Unearthing Novel Antibacterial Compounds from Soil Microbes to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance

Sanai Crosby
Mentors: Lauren Kearns & Matt Wittstein
Major: Exercise Science & Dance Science
Project: Dance and Neural Activity: Examining Neural Activity Across the Choreographic Process and Performance Environments

Fleur Helmantel
Mentor: Scott Wolter
Major: Biomedical Engineering & Chinese Studies
Project: Development of Tissue-Mimicking Phantoms for the Treatment of Breast Cancer

Anna Keller
Mentor: Scott Morrison
Project: Perceptions and Practices of Outdoor Literacy: a Two-Part Mixed-Methods Study

Nevaeh Kimmie
Mentor: Katrina Jongman-Sereno
Major: Psychology & Economics
Project: To Code-Switch or Not to Code-Switch: Authenticity, Psychological Outcomes, and Social Judgement of Black College Students in Predominantly White Academic Spaces

Lisa Kranec
Mentors: Hwayeon Ryu & Efrain Rivera-Serrano
Major: Biomedical Engineering & Applied Mathematics
Project: Mathematical Modeling of Excessive Collagen Production in Cardiac Fibrosis

Jordyne Lewis
Mentor: Steve DeLoach
Major: Economic Consulting & Data Analytics
Refugees, Emotional Wellbeing, and Financial Inclusion in Uganda

Kendall Lewis
Mentor: Jen Uno
Major: Biochemistry & Mathematics
Project: Can the Microbiome Heal the Brain?Evaluating Butyrate’s Efficiency in Reducing Stroke Severity within the Context of Obesity

Ja’Mir Parham
Mentor: Zack Hutchens
Major: Astrophysics
Project: RESOLVE, ECO, and eRASS: Probing Galaxy Growth through Cold and Hot Gas

Danny Stern
Mentor: Karl Sienerth
Major: Chemistry
Project: From Backlog to Breakthrough: Use of Fluorescence Quenching for the Development of an Explosive Identification Database

Ainsley Thompson
Mentor: Yuko Miyamoto
Major: Biochemistry
Project: Decreasing Platinum Chemotherapy Resistance by Downregulating STAT3 and Upregulating PTEN in the SKOV3 Cell Line

Scout Winter
Mentor: Bill Evans
Major: Exercise Science
Project: Effects of a Whole-Food Plant-Based Diet on Insulin Resistance and Inflammation in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes

The students attending the meeting had access to a wide variety of symposia and tutorials, and they presented their research orally and in posters. Elon student research topics ranged from the impact of high-intensity interval training on body composition to menstrual cycle-based periodized training.

Grayce Bechtel ’28 presented her research as a thematic poster requiring her to orally summarize her study and then face questions from the attending group,.

“This was my first Southeast ACSM conference, and it added immensely to my undergraduate research experience,” said Bechtel. “I enjoyed sharing my research with an academic audience and learning about research studies happening at other universities”.

Student Adam Reisman, who presented a poster, said that he enjoyed the input from students and faculty on his research, giving him some ideas for further questions to pursue, and reinforcing the value of the work he has already completed.

“I am incredibly proud of our undergraduate exercise science students for their outstanding presentations at the SEACSM Annual Meeting,” said Tich Madzima, department chair. “Their dedication to scientific inquiry, professionalism and passion for advancing exercise science was on full display, and they represented our department with excellence. Colleagues at other institutions were very impressed with our students as always, particularly with second-year Scout Winter who gave an excellent podium presentation.”

Since his 2023 arrival at Elon, Kelly has hosted a ‘listening tour’ and spent time with each department to hear directly from faculty and staff about what they value. Kelly said that common themes soon emerged from those conversations and the new statement reflects dozens of discussions.

Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences new vision statement reads: “The Heart of an Elon Education: Ignite Curiosity, Engage Challenges, Transform Worlds.”

The mission statement then declares:

“Upholding the centrality of the liberal arts, we explore and apply disciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge for inquiry, creativity, discovery and problem solving in a complex and changing world.”

The statement lists core values that include accessibility, belonging, critical thinking, diversity, equity and inclusion, integrity, intellectual curiosity, problem-posing and respect for human dignity.

Community Reflections

• “There were several opportunities for different groups, departments, branches, interdisciplinary programs, to discuss versions on the table. It was in those conversations where we might learn how a word or phrase was heard within and across disciplines; where we found convergence, deeper awareness, and respect. The both-and of this process modeled what we value and genuinely captures our shared identity as Elon College.” – Caroline Ketcham, associate dean of Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences and a professor of exercise science
• “It was always important to us that this wasn’t a process where faculty were just asked to weigh in at the end, after the real decisions had already been made. From start to finish, it was grounded in listening to what faculty across the college say we do well and what values they believe guide our shared work. Our task wasn’t to invent a mission, vision and values, but to clearly articulate what faculty are already living and leading with. I think that’s why faculty can so readily see themselves and their departments represented in the final statements.” – David Buck, associate dean of Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences and an associate professor of psychology
• “Having shared goals and articulated values helps everyone in the college feel connected as a community, value each other’s work and prioritize our energies on initiatives that matter to us.” – Shannon Duvall, interim associate dean of Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences and professor of computer science
• “I appreciated the collaborative nature of it all, not just between the dean’s office and department chairs, but also extending to faculty members across Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences. It really did involve all of us. What particularly stood out to me were the conversations in our chairs’ meetings with the dean where we came to agreements on core values. It’s inspiring to see that distinctly different types of disciplines uphold the same core values.” – Joel Karty, chair of the Department of Chemistry and 51±ŹÁÏÍű’s Sydney F. & Kathleen E. Jackson Professor of chemistry
• “I appreciated being part of a process that felt genuinely collaborative. Our participation was not merely symbolic. It felt meaningful, and I experienced the dean’s office as truly listening. The process itself was also inspirational, and I feel bolstered in leading my own department through similar work. It was powerful to see such a broad, collective effort take shape into something tangible.” – Samantha DiRosa, chair of the Department of Art and a professor of art and environmental studies
• “The process of creating a new vision statement, mission statement and core values for Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences was both thoughtful and deeply collaborative. Over many months, department chairs worked together to reflect on what makes us distinctive and how best to express those qualities in guiding statements. The process intentionally sought input from across departments, ensuring that everyone in the college had the opportunity to contribute their perspectives. Personally, the time spent reflecting with fellow chairs on what makes each of our departments special fostered a deeper sense of shared purpose and collective commitment.” – Carrie Eaves, chair of the Department of Political Science and Public Policy and associate professor of political science and public policy

Kelly said he was pleased the final language resonated with the faculty in the college.

“The true measure of a successful attempt to lead a group or an organization towards a renewed vision, mission and core values is whether the words and sentiments ‘sound like us’,” he said. “When I heard that some faculty believed my presentation of our vision, mission and core values at our spring faculty meeting ‘sound like us,’ I knew that our work together in small and large group settings was a huge success. It means that stakeholders were heard and that the words resonate so much so that the tune or melody is familiar. The vision, mission and core values reflect truly who we are and where we are going with much intention.”

51±ŹÁÏÍű’s participants at the might avoid the term “three-peat” – since it is a registered trademark owned by former NBA coach Pat Riley – but the sentiment fits all the same. For the third consecutive year, an Elon student captured the top prize in the conference’s , continuing a remarkable run of national recognition for the Department of Sport Management.

Seven Elon students and two faculty members traveled to Temple University in Philadelphia for this year’s ASMA Conference, held Feb. 11–13, joining more than 300 academics and industry professionals for three days of research presentations, panels and case study competitions. All seven students presented original research, with four competing in the undergraduate research competition against peers from top sport management programs across the country.

This year’s top honor in the undergraduate research competition went to , who earned first place for her project, “Does Conference Realignment Pay? Evidence from NCAA Division I Institutions,” advised by Assistant Professor of Sport Management Alex Traugutt. Logue’s win follows first-place finishes by Lena Gunn ’25 in 2024 and Sarah Dawkins ’25 in 2025, marking three straight years atop the competition.

For Khirey Walker, assistant professor of sport management, the sustained success reflects more than strong results – it signals a culture of preparation, curiosity and confidence among Elon students.

“There is something truly special about watching our Elon students compete at the ASMA Conference and present research they have genuinely poured themselves into,” said Walker who accompanied the students with Traugutt to Philadelphia. “You can hear it in their voices when they present – this is not just any project to them, it is a reflection of who they are as future sport management professionals. To then see them compete in the research competition against some of the strongest sport management programs in the country and take home top honors three years in a row 
 that doesn’t happen by accident.”

Walker credited the students’ success to a culture of curiosity and the program’s high standards for undergraduate research.

“That’s a testament to the intellectual curiosity these students bring into the classroom and the standards set within the Elon sport management program,” Walker said. “Dr. Traugutt and I are extremely proud of this group and excited to continue bringing our students to ASMA.”

The 2026 conference offered Elon students a professional stage to present research on topics ranging from NIL policy and international student-athlete experiences to minor league hockey attendance patterns and the impact of conference realignment. The seven Elon presenters included:

• , “Are MLS Teams Spending Wisely? An Empirical Analysis of Player Performance and Salary Allocation” (advised by Traugutt)
• , “Beyond Borders: NIL Rights and the International Student-Athlete Experience” (advised by Walker)
• , “Building the Fan Base: Season Ticket Holder Perceptions and Attendance Motivations in Minor League Hockey” (advised by Traugutt)
• , “Does Conference Realignment Pay? Evidence from NCAA Division I Institutions” (advised by Traugutt)
• , “The Transfer Portal Era: Crowding Out High School Opportunities in Power Four Football” (advised by Traugutt)
• , “International Student Athletes in NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer: Motivations, Aspirations, and Issues” (advised by Walker)
• , “From Transactions to Insights: Modeling Attendance Patterns in Minor League Hockey” (advised by Traugutt)

For students, the conference offered more than a platform to present research — it provided meaningful professional exposure and a chance to connect classroom learning with real-world conversations in the field.

“ASMA is more than a poster presentation,” said Anabella Shpak ’26, a sport management and business analytics double major. “It’s about networking with others in the field, listening to dissertations and presentations of professionals in their area of interest. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity, and if any student has the opportunity to do undergraduate research and attend ASMA in the future, I would highly recommend it!”

Lucy McAfee ’26, a sport management and exercise science double major, said presenting at a national conference as an undergraduate helped her better understand the professional relevance of her work.

“I valued the opportunity to engage in conversations with professionals in the sport industry and learn from other researchers’ work,” McAfee said. “And I am extremely grateful that Elon – specifically the Department of Sport Management – promotes opportunities like this for students.”

For Maddy Baird ’27, the competition and feedback process reinforced her academic and career interests.

“Engaging in meaningful conversations, receiving thoughtful feedback, building connections, and learning from fellow students and faculty as they presented their research made this conference both inspiring and impactful,” the sport management and data analytics double major said. “Experiences like the ASMA Conference continue to fuel my passion for sport management, data analytics, and research.”

Through the upper-level course Exercise Testing and Prescription, students will work one-on-one with volunteer participants from the Elon community. Students will conduct fitness assessments, learn about participants’ health histories and goals, and design customized exercise programs. Throughout the semester, students will meet individually with participants at times that are mutually convenient to help guide progress and make adjustments as needed.

National Physical Activity Guidelines recommend that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week, along with two sessions of resistance training. While these recommendations provide a general framework, they often leave individuals wondering how to tailor exercise to their own lifestyles, schedules and health goals.

“The exercise necessary to improve fitness takes time from other things, and exactly what to do to get the benefits you want can be hard to figure out,” said Liz Bailey, assistant teaching professor of exercise science. “The best exercise program for most individuals is one that is designed to meet individual goals and takes into consideration individual likes/dislikes, time and access.”

Research consistently demonstrates the benefits of improved cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal fitness. Higher fitness levels are associated with a reduced risk of premature death and improved symptoms of mild depression. At the same time, prolonged sedentary behavior — such as sitting more than seven hours per day — has been linked to increased risk of conditions including diabetes and dyslipidemia.

“We want to empower participating individuals so they can access some of the many benefits increased fitness can bring,” said Liz Bailey, assistant teaching professor of exercise science. “The opportunity to work with an individual is also a valuable learning  experience for the students and me, so participants have the potential to make a lasting impact on us as well.”

Community members interested in participating or learning more are encouraged to contact Liz Bailey, assistant teaching professor of exercise science, at ebailey@elon.edu.

Ten 51±ŹÁÏÍű sport management majors will be inducted into the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA) , recognizing their exceptional academic achievements and commitment to professional development in the sport industry. The induction ceremony will take place in February during COSMA’s annual conference in St. Augustine, Florida.

Membership in Chi Sigma Mu is reserved for top-performing students enrolled in COSMA-accredited programs, a distinction Elon’s Department of Sport Management earned in 2024. That accreditation places Elon among a distinguished group of 36 programs across the United States. Fellow accredited institutions include Liberty University, Louisiana State University, Ohio University and Troy University.

As a COSMA-accredited program, Elon follows a rigorous nomination process to identify eligible students. Faculty members at accredited institutions may nominate up to 10 undergraduate students for honor society consideration. To qualify, sport management majors must complete at least 60 credit hours, maintain a minimum 3.4 GPA, and demonstrate exemplary academic performance, volunteer service, professional development engagement, and efforts to foster a strong sense of community within their program.

This year’s inductees reflect that standard of excellence across the sport management program. Elon’s inductees include Emerson Baker ’26, Alli Gerson ’26, Shelby Keel ’26, Carlos Rafael Levy Lanado ’26, Meghan Logue ’26, Lucy McAfee ’26, Zeke Petrou ’26, Lauren Winslow ’27, Will Wranek ’26 and Mia Zebley ’27.

“We’re excited to have 10 outstanding Elon students inducted into the 2026 COSMA honor society,” said David Bockino, associate professor of sport management. “The students selected for this honor have excelled in the classroom, taken advantage of Elon’s global footprint, and launched innovative undergraduate research projects. They represent the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, and are the future leaders of the sport industry.”

Alex Traugutt, assistant professor of sport management, echoed that sentiment, noting that induction into Chi Sigma Mu captures a fuller picture of student excellence, one shaped by involvement, service and leadership as much as classroom success.

“Inductees must demonstrate exceptional classroom performance, meaningful contributions through service to the institution and community, active engagement in professional development, and leadership that enriches the program,” Traugutt said. “This honor not only celebrates our students’ outstanding achievements but also positions them among an elite group of future professionals. We appreciate the positive impact they have had on our program and are excited to see how they will continue to represent Elon sport management as leaders in the industry.”

Inductees

Click the inductees’ names to access their LinkedIn profiles.

• Major: Sport Management
• Graduation Year: 2026
• Hometown and State: Concord, NC
• In Their Words: I have enjoyed sport management because of how much the professors have gone above and beyond. They have pushed me to be the best version of myself, while also offering guidance and support. My love for the sport industry has grown every semester, and I can’t wait to see where my future in sport takes me.

• Major: Sport Management
• Graduation Year: 2026
• Hometown and State: Dresher, PA
• In Their Words: My experience with the Department of Sport Management has allowed me to explore a wide range of disciplines all centered around sport. The coursework has encouraged me to explore new interests while gaining transferable skills. The strong sense of community and support from both peers and faculty has made this program a meaningful and rewarding part of my college journey.

• Major: Sport Management and Media Analytics
• Graduation Year: 2026
• Hometown and State: Williamston, NC
• In Their Words: The Department of Sport Management has given me a community where I could grow personally and professionally. From faculty and supportive peers who genuinely care about my success to courses that push me to be my best, this program has helped me reach my full potential. I am, and will always be, incredibly grateful for this department and the future it has prepared me for.

• Major: Sport Management
• Graduation Year: 2026
• Hometown and State: Mexico City, Mexico
• In Their Words: I have truly enjoyed studying in the Department of Sport Management because of its strong emphasis on real-world application. Through opportunities such as undergraduate research in the Sports Media Lab, presenting at NCUR, and courses built around real industry scenarios, I was able to apply what I learned in meaningful ways while also building strong, lasting relationships with faculty.

• Major: Sport Management
• Graduation Year: 2026
• Hometown and State: Charlotte, NC
• In Their Words: Studying sport management at Elon has been so meaningful because of the incredible faculty who constantly support and challenge me. They have opened my eyes to the vast opportunities within the industry and helped me turn a passion for sport into a realistic and attainable career. Their mentorship and encouragement consistently push me to aim higher and work harder to make a lasting impact through sport.

• Major: Sport Management and Exercise Science
• Graduation Year: 2026
• Hometown and State: Walnut Creek, CA
• In Their Words: I started sport management later in my college journey, beginning my first class junior year. Throughout all of my classes, the faculty challenged me to think critically about sport and its broader impact. I am extremely grateful for the opportunities the department provides, including internships and undergraduate research that support both academic and professional growth.

• Major: Sport Management
• Graduation Year: 2026
• Hometown and State: Durham, NC
• In Their Words: The Department of Sport Management has been instrumental in shaping me as a student, researcher, and future sport professional. I have been provided with meaningful and unique opportunities to grow, from participating in the Elon in Charlotte Sport Experience to conducting performance analysis research with the Elon men’s basketball team. The mentorship I’ve received from the sport management faculty has made my undergraduate experience invaluable.

• Major: Sport Management and Strategic Communications
• Graduation Year: 2027
• Hometown and State: Cherry Hill, NJ
• In Their Words: The Department of Sport Management has provided me with invaluable opportunities, from interning with NASCAR and the ACC through the Elon in Charlotte program to conducting sport-focused undergraduate research. Through these hands-on experiences and the guidance of passionate faculty, I have developed both professionally and personally. The department’s support has helped shape my academic interests and prepared me for a future career in the sport industry.

• Major: Sport Management and Finance
• Graduation Year: 2026
• Hometown and State: Lexington, VA
• In Their Words: My time in the Department of Sport Management opened doors I never imagined. The faculty provided access to internship opportunities both externally and within Elon’s Athletic Department, and their guidance enabled me to engage in meaningful undergraduate research. The encompassing curriculum equipped me with the knowledge and confidence to pursue my passions and navigate the sports industry. I am extremely grateful for the mentors and relationships in the department.

• Major: Sport Management and Media Analytics
• Graduation Year: 2027
• Hometown: Chadds Ford, PA
• In Their Words: The Department of Sport Management has been instrumental in developing my professionalism and preparing me for a career by offering valuable opportunities to grow. The hands-on experiences, coursework, and networking have prepared me for success in the sport industry. What truly sets the program apart are the incredible professors who strive to create lasting relationships with students through mentorship and support. I will forever be grateful for this department.

A faculty leader known across campus for her work in student mentoring, curriculum innovation and wellness-centered teaching has been named the next director of 51±ŹÁÏÍű’s Honors Program.

Professor Svetlana Nepocatych from the Department of Exercise Science will bring to her new role extensive experience in undergraduate and graduate mentoring, interdisciplinary program development and faculty engagement. She begins her duties on June 1, 2026.

“An active scholar and mentor, Dr. Nepocatych’s proven leadership on curriculum committees, interdisciplinary initiatives, and her service as Faculty Fellow for Wellness and Well-Being reflect her deep commitment to faculty and student success and her inclusive, wellness-centered approach will no doubt enrich the Honors Program and its community,”  said Rebecca Kohn, 51±ŹÁÏÍű’s provost and vice president for academic affairs.

The Honors Program offers a rigorous, four-year academic experience designed for high-achieving students from all majors. The program combines small, discussion-driven courses, close faculty mentorship, undergraduate research, and global engagement to nurture critical thinking, communication, and ethical leadership.

Honors Fellows receive academic and financial support, including significant merit scholarships, specialized coursework, dedicated living-learning communities, and grants for thesis research and study abroad.

Nepocatych’s responsibilities as director of the Honors Program will include:

• Program leadership and development
• Oversight and assessment of the Honors curriculum
• Coordination and support of the Honors theses process
• Recruitment and selection of incoming Honors Fellows
• Communication with students about Honors policies, expectations, and events
• Support for Academic Advising
• Chairing the Honors Advisory Committee

Nepocatych’s work with Honors Fellows, particularly through the senior thesis process, has been a defining part of her tenure at the university since joining the faculty in 2011. Many of her students have presented nationally or co-authored scholarly work, an accomplishment she said highlights both their achievement and the visibility of the Honors Program.

“I’m excited to step into the role of Honors Program director,” Nepocatych said. “The program’s commitment to academic excellence, undergraduate research, and mentoring creates a transformative experience for students. I’m especially looking forward to supporting Fellows in thriving both academically and personally, with a focus on wellbeing, purpose, and belonging, by partnering with colleagues across campus to strengthen a program that reflects the best of Elon’s engaged learning mission.”

A thread of Nepocatych’s own scholarship focuses on evidence-based mentoring frameworks, and she is currently pursuing certification through the International Coaching Federation to deepen her work in student support.

Beyond her mentoring experience, Nepocatych has led academic initiatives across disciplines, serving as coordinator of a Food Studies minor, a faculty leader in the Department of Exercise Science and a Faculty Fellow for Wellness and Well-being. She has developed curricula, led assessment efforts and built programming that integrates wellness, inclusion and resilience into classroom practice.

Nepocatych’s leadership roles have included directing grant-funded research projects, chairing curriculum committees, coordinating new academic program proposals and supporting faculty through workshops and development programs.

Nepocatych will this spring shadow Professor Steve Bednar, who is concluding his four-year term as director of the Honors Program, formally stepping into the role.

A North Carolina registered dietician, Nepocatych earned her Ph.D. in human performance, a Master of Science in human nutrition, and a Master of Arts in human performance from the University of Alabama. She graduated from Wright State University in Ohio with her Bachelor of Arts in health and physical education.

I’m especially looking forward to supporting Fellows in thriving both academically and personally, with a focus on wellbeing, purpose, and belonging, by partnering with colleagues across campus to strengthen a program that reflects the best of Elon’s engaged learning mission.

– Professor Svetlana Nepocatych

Search Committee for the Director of the Honors Program

• Jen Uno, Associate Professor of Biology and Associate Director of CATL (search chair)
• Lori Hubbard, Assistant Professor of Nursing
• Katrina Jongman-Sereno, Assistant Professor of Psychology
• Brian Kremer, Associate Professor of Performing Arts
• Jane O’Boyle, Associate Professor of Strategic Communications
• Will Pluer, Assistant Professor of Engineering
• Katy Rouse, Professor of Economics

More than just cooking, the afternoon was about community. As participants ate together, they exchanged personal stories of connection and belonging, reminders that food carries meaning beyond the plate. These conversations highlighted how meals can foster understanding across cultures, build friendships,and strengthen a sense of belonging at Elon.

This event also reflected several dimensions of HealthEU:

• Social and community wellness: Strengthening relationships across faculty, staff, and students through shared activities.
• Purpose and emotional wellness: Providing space for storytelling and reflection, reinforcing the meaningful role food plays in our lives
• Celebrating farm-to-table practices and mindful eating grounded in fresh, locally grown food.

Together, these dimensions show how food can nourish not only our bodies but also our relationships, our sense of purpose, and our overall well-being.

The food studies minor hosts events like this one to bring people together around food, culture and sustainability. Learn more about the Food Studies minor and upcoming events by visiting the food studies minor website.

With expertise across multiple disciplines, the new faculty have demonstrated passion for teaching and pursuing research or creative projects in mentorship with students.

“We are fortunate to welcome these outstanding scholars to Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences,” said Hilton Kelly, Dean of Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences. “During the interview process, I appreciated each scholar’s enthusiasm, expertise, and creativity, as well as their pronounced dedication to teaching, research and student success. These are scholars who will make significant contributions to the College, the university, and their chosen fields.”

New Professors and Staff for 2025-26 in Elon College, the College of Art and Sciences

• Brian Brew, Assistant Professor of Political Science & Public Policy, earned a PhD from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He will teach American Government and Campaigns and Elections.

• Charles Doan, Assistant Professor of Psychology, earned a PhD from Ohio University. He will teach Cognitive Psychology.

• Meleena Gil, Assistant Professor of English, earned a PhD from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. They will teach Writing: Argument and Inquiry.

• Celia Hameury, Assistant Professor of Engineering, earned a PhD from McGill University. She will teach Grand Challenges Engineering I.

• Dan Hartung, Assistant Professor of Music, earned a DMA at the University of Texas at Austin. He will teach Concert Band, Marching Band and Percussion Ensemble.

• Jessica Hightower, Assistant Professor of Performing Arts, earned an MFA from The Ohio State University. She will teach COR 1100: The Global Experience.

• Zackary Hutchens, Assistant Professor of Physics, earned a PhD from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He will teach University Physics I.

• Negesti Kaudo ’15, Assistant Professor of English, earned an MFA from Columbia College Chicago. She will teach Writing: Argument and Inquiry and Introduction to Creative Writing.

• Justin Miller, Assistant Professor of Performing Arts, earned an MFA from The Ohio State University. He will teach Scenic Design, Scenic Art and Drafting and Modelmaking.

• Emma Moesswilde, Assistant Professor of History & Geography, earned a PhD from Georgetown University. She will teach The World in the 20th Century.

• Breanna Mueller, Assistant Professor of Exercise Science, earned a PhD from Auburn University. She will teach Physiology of Exercise.

• Nikita Shepard, Assistant Professor of History & Geography, earned a PhD from Columbia University. They will teach Contested Democracy/US since 1865 and Sexuality in the U.S.

• Rodney Tigaa, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, earned a PhD from the University of Nevada, Reno. He will teach Inorganic Chemistry and General Chemistry I.

• Andre Waschka, Assistant Professor of Mathematics & Statistics, earned a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley. He will teach Statistics in Application.

51±ŹÁÏÍű Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences

Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences provides the foundation for the study of the liberal arts and sciences at 51±ŹÁÏÍű. The college is comprised of 21 departments across three branches: the arts and humanities; natural, mathematical and computational sciences; and social and behavioral sciences. It hosts Elon’s chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest honor society celebrating excellence in the liberal arts and sciences.

Committed to the growth of students’ intellectual curiosity, intercultural competence and critical thinking, the college champions disciplinary knowledge and interdisciplinary applications to reflect upon, respond to and offer solutions to complex problems in an interconnected and changing world.

With more than 45 majors and 65 minors, the college is 51±ŹÁÏÍű’s largest academic division. Two-thirds of the nearly 1,600 students who graduate from Elon annually do so with at least one major or minor in the college. Within a year, over 90% of college graduates report employment in their chosen field or enrollment in top post-graduate programs.

College faculty are prolific and preeminent scholars and creators in their fields, recognized for expertise at national and international levels. Each year, its more than 300 full-time faculty publish hundreds of articles, chapters, and books, and they present at scores of conferences and events. Their scholarship results in grants and fellowships from the National Science Foundation, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Institutes of Health and other prominent centers of research.