Information Systems and Technologies | Today at ��Ƶ | ��Ƶ

��Ƶ employees honored during 2026 Staff Appreciation Day

Alexander Saunders (he/him) — Sun, 31 May 2026 15:48:45 +0000

��Ƶ President Connie Ledoux Book offered opening remarks during Staff Appreciation Day at the Schar Center on May 29, 2026. Photography by Ethan Wu.

��Ƶ celebrated the dedication, innovation and service of its staff during Staff Appreciation Day on May 29, honoring individuals and teams whose work exemplifies the university’s mission and values.

“Each of you exemplifies the spirit of ��Ƶ through your passion, innovation and teamwork–all of which has created an environment for excellence in learning, growth and success,” Melissa Clodfelter, associate vice president for Human Resources and chief human resources officer, shared in her welcoming remarks to hundreds of university staff who had gathered for the celebration inside Schar Center.

The Rev. Kirstin Boswell, ��Ƶ’s chaplain and dean of multifaith engagement and an assistant professor of religious studies, followed with the invocation, where she encouraged staff to recognize and celebrate those who were honored during the ceremony, as well as those whose contributions often go unseen.

“May we recognize the dignity in every role and the value in every contribution,” Boswell said. “And may all of us leave this gathering renewed in purpose, strengthened by community and grateful for the opportunity to contribute our gifts to something larger than ourselves.”

President Connie Ledoux Book provided updates on several university priorities, including progress on the Slattery Center, the university’s new center for health and wellness; the Roberts Academy at ��Ƶ for children with dyslexia; the merger of ��Ƶ and Queens University of Charlotte; and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching classification for community and civic engagement.

Book said Staff Appreciation Day is about sharing thanks with colleagues for helping one another accomplish goals. “I really love the strength of this community,” she reflected. “Today is a day for us to pause and take a day of gratitude for us to say ‘thank you.’”

Retirees

Kelly Elliston addresses staff members during the retirement recognition portion of Staff Appreciation Day at the Schar Center on May 29, 2026. Photography by Ethan Wu.

Two retirees elected to have someone speak on their behalf as part of the ceremony. Kelly Elliston retired on December 31 as the executive assistant to the president. In a pre-recorded video, Book thanked Elliston for her friendship, commitment, excellence and partnership.

Now retired, Elliston shared that she appreciates drinking coffee on the porch to the sounds of birds singing. She recalled Elizabeth Bowman’s acceptance speech after winning the 2025 professional hourly staff member of the year award, where Bowen described ��Ƶ as a ship with captains, wheels, nuts and bolts. “I’ve been one of those nuts for a really long time!” Elliston said to friendly laughter from the audience.

Julie Myers addresses staff members during the retirement recognition portion of Staff Appreciation Day at the Schar Center on May 29, 2026. Photography by Ethan Wu.

Julie Myers, assistant for information technology, was recognized in a prepared video by her supervisor, Pat Donohue, deputy CIO. Donohue said Myers played a key role in budgeting, personnel management, business efficiency, bringing structural, accountability and cost awareness and was so meticulous that she would have backup plans for plans. Myers thanked several staff members in the audience for their time worked together.

Myers encouraged the audience to continue to look forward and not back as they take on new challenges. “That is why the windshield is bigger than the rearview mirror,” she shared.

Read the stories of 2025-26 ��Ƶ retirees in the Today at ��Ƶ story.

Phoenix Awards

Four Phoenix Awards are presented each year to recognize outstanding innovation, collaboration and dedication to the university’s mission. Janet Williams, vice president for finance and administration and chief financial officer, announced the award winners.

Phoenix Innovation Award

Terrance Copling accepted the Phoenix Innovation Award during Staff Appreciation Day at the Schar Center on May 29, 2026. Photography by Ethan Wu.

Terrance Copling was named the 2026 Phoenix Innovation Award winner. The Phoenix Innovation Award is presented to a member of the ��Ƶ staff who has displayed innovation by creating, designing, improving or implementing a new idea or program that benefits the university or the community.

In his role as senior ERP application developer, Copling was recognized for designing a solution to allow ��Ƶ Benefits Hub, powered by PlanSource, to communicate directly with Colleague, a feat that was previously thought not possible. Copling’s innovation has eliminated manual data entry, which reduces errors, improves processing time and creates a smoother and more efficient experience for ��Ƶ employees.

Copling was described as someone who consistently demonstrates an ability to translate complex challenges into thoughtful and effective solutions – which he approaches with humility, patience and a palpable desire to help others succeed.

One nominator said about Copling, “He is the person colleagues turn to when a challenge seems unsolvable because time and again, he proves that with enough creativity and persistence, nothing is out of reach.”

When accepting the award, Copling shared his gratitude for the team effort, within his team and other partners on campus. “I couldn’t do this with you,” he shared.

Phoenix Rising Award

Andrew Moffa accepted the Phoenix Rising Award during Staff Appreciation Day at the Schar Center on May 29, 2026. Photography by Ethan Wu.

Andrew Moffa was named the 2026 Phoenix Rising Award winner. The award is presented to one newer member of ��Ƶ’s staff who has consistently displayed excellence in pursuit of ��Ƶ’s mission with an engaged mind in inspired leadership and global citizenship.

Moffa is the assistant director of the Kernodle Center for Civic Life. He was described as the “mentor people dream of having” and someone who “creates an environment where students feel valued and empowered” in several roles he plays, including advising students in ��Ƶ 101, mentoring members of the ��Ƶ Votes! Team and supporting students who work in the office.

One nominator shared that Moffa “embodies the essence of allyship: showing up consistently, listening deeply and helping students bring their goals and ideas to life.” Students said he is “an amazing support to any student he comes across” and “an open space for us.”

Moffa expressed gratitude towards the Kernodle Center and the Division of Student Life, as well the students he works with. “It comes back to the students that we work with,” he shared. “That’s why I’m here, that’s why I love showing up to work – it wouldn’t be the same without them.”

Phoenix Collaboration Award

(From left to right) Emily Krechel, Janet Williams, Jo-Rae Jennings, Kameryn Taylor and Noah Orr. ��ƵGROW accepted the Phoenix Collaboration Award during Staff Appreciation Day at the Schar Center on May 29, 2026. Photography by Ethan Wu.

The 2026 Phoenix Collaboration Award was presented to ��Ƶ Guided Reflection on Work Student Employment Mentoring Implementation Work Group, led by Alison Doherty, Jo-Rae Jennings, Emily Krechel, Noah Orr and Kameryn Taylor. ��ƵGROW is a framework designed to help students connect what they’re learning in the classroom with the skills they are developing in their campus jobs. Through brief conversations with their supervisors, students reflect on how their work supports their academic, professional and personal growth.

The award is presented to an ��Ƶ staff team or group that has fostered cooperation, collaboration and open communication across two or more departments/offices/centers on campus.

A nominator said about the group, “The team modeled the very competencies it seeks to cultivate in students: communication, teamwork, leadership, professionalism and adaptive thinking.”

��ƵGROW was designed to be the fabric of supervision and student employment university-wide. Due to the collaborative efforts, supervisors now have clearer expectations, stronger training and accessible tools to facilitate intentional developmental conversations, and student employees are more likely to recognize transferable skills, articulate growth and connect work to academics and future careers.

Emily Krechel, director of new student programs, addressed the audience with ��ƵGROW members standing near the podium. As chair of the workgroup, she described the team as “the most productive, efficient and collaborative people she has ever had the privilege of working with.”

Phoenix Community Engagement Award

Tammy Hill

Tammy Hill, student health insurance and immunization compliance project manager, was named the 2026 Phoenix Community Engagement Award winner. The award recognizes a member of the ��Ƶ staff who has demonstrated exemplary service to the university, local or global community through their engagement in volunteer organizations.

Hill is a leader within the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation and was described as someone who tirelessly contributes her time, expertise and energy to support cultural preservation, community engagement and organizational leadership.

Hill is profoundly dedicated to the preservation, protection and promotion of her tribal community’s history, culture and traditions. When she was 55, she pursued a degree in American history to deepen her understanding of Western expansion and the many successes of other tribes in the United States. She has served the OBSN as newsletter editor, a member of the Scholarship Committee and Tribal Secretary on the Tribal Council, and she is self-taught in the skills needed for her current role managing the tribal website, web store and trading post.

One nominator stated, “Whether supporting her tribal community, fostering cultural awareness or strengthening connections within the ��Ƶ community, she leads with humility, integrity and dedication. She demonstrates that service is not simply something she does — it is who she is.”

Hill has been at ��Ƶ for more than two decades and leaves an indelible mark on students and colleagues alike who fondly reflect on her guidance, warmth and genuine care. She was not present at the ceremony and Jana Lynn Patterson, associate vice president for Student Life/dean of Student Health & Well-Being/assistant professor, accepted on her behalf.

Blanche Garrison Memorial Award

Drema Holder accepted the Blanche Garrison Memorial Award during Staff Appreciation Day at the Schar Center on May 29, 2026. Photography by Ethan Wu.

Drema Holder was named the 2026 Blanche Garrison Memorial Award recipient. The award was established in memory of the late Blanche Garrison, an ��Ƶ Medallion awardee, who served the university with distinction as a staff member at Maynard House. This award was created through the generosity of President Emeritus Leo Lambert and Laurie Lambert and recognizes a staff member who has contributed significantly to shaping the student experience at ��Ƶ through their everyday commitments and actions to support, encourage and mentor ��Ƶ students.

Holder is the Moseley Center program assistant and was described as the epitome of graciousness and customer service, someone whose authentic kindheartedness, commitment and enthusiasm are vital to keeping her area of campus running effectively and making all who pass through its halls feel welcome.

One nominator shared that Holder “continually puts others before herself, uplifting students and advocating for them to receive the recognition they deserve.” Another nominator added, “If Moseley is the heart of campus, then Drema is the heart of Moseley.”

Holder shared that this is her 48th year in higher education and “all my students and all my coworkers have a special place in my heart.”

Staff Member of the Year Awards

Three Staff Member of the Year Awards are presented annually to university non-teaching staff – one for each of the following categories: facilities management, professional hourly staff and administrative staff. ��Ƶ President Connie Ledoux Book announced the award winners.

Staff Member of the Year – Professional Hourly

Sharon Holmes accepted the Professional Hourly Staff Member of the Year award during Staff Appreciation Day at the Schar Center on May 29, 2026. Photography by Ethan Wu.

Sharon Holmes was honored as the 2026 professional hourly staff member of the year. Holmes is a program assistant in the Office of Alumni Engagement and described as someone who goes above and beyond to facilitate events, manage student workers and make alumni feel welcome.

Nominators shared that Holmes is a “mom away from home” for student workers and a valued source of support and friendship for her colleagues.” Another team member added, whatever the team needs, she will do without question and with the biggest smile you will ever see.”

She was further described as “the welcoming voice on the phone, the smiling face when alumni stop by her office and the helpful hand when students have questions.”

Upon receiving the award, Holmes shared that working at ��Ƶ is meaningful to her because she is from Alamance County. She expressed her appreciation to her team members, saying, “They are truly a pleasure to be around, to work with and to collaborate with. It’s a joy to support them.”

Staff Member of the Year – Administrative

Ross Wade accepted the Administrative Staff Member of the Year Award during Staff Appreciation Day at the Schar Center on May 29, 2026. Photography by Ethan Wu.

Ross Wade was named the 2026 administrative staff member of the year. He is ��Ƶ’s interim associate vice president for the Student Professional Development Center.

Wade was recognized for steering his department through a period of critical transition with “remarkable grace transparency and intentionality.” He is described as having thoughtful, future-focused leadership and lauded for restoring a sense of direction and vigor to the team and introduced policies that have substantially improved workflow efficiency.

One nominator stated that “He leads by example — rolling up his sleeves, staying engaged and demonstrating through his own actions what dedication to this work actually looks like.”

Wade expressed the challenges of stepping into a leadership role during a time of transition for SPDC. “I stumble through it every single day with the grace and the help from the SPDC team,” he shared. “Thank you so much for your patience, kindness and ideas.”

Staff Member of the Year – Facilities Management

Carol Pulliam accepted the Facilities Management Staff Member of the Year Award during Staff Appreciation Day at the Schar Center on May 29, 2026. Photography by Ethan Wu.

Carol Pulliam received the facilities management staff member of the year award. She is the custodian for Sato Commons.

Nominators used an array of sentiments to describe why Pulliam is, as they describe, one of the most important members of her building’s team: exceptionally detail-oriented, proud of her work and orderly. “She ensures every facet of the physical space reflects the excellence for which ��Ƶ is known,” a nominator said.

Pulliam was not only recognized for her immaculate work, but also her willingness to submit FixIt requests and helping students set up research posters.

Another nominator shared that her genuine warmth truly sets her apart. “Her willingness to engage people on the floor in meaningful conversations helps make our floor more connected and caring.”

Addressing her staff peers, she expressed, “thank you, God, and thank you to all the people that made this possible – I love each and every one of you.”

Small operational shifts drive big sustainability goals

Alexander Saunders (he/him) — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 15:03:44 +0000

��Ƶ’s Sustainability Master Plan 2025 continues an ambitious goal: carbon neutrality by 2037. Across the university, implementation teams are collaborating to turn that vision into action.

One of those teams, purchasing & technology, shows how sustainability can fit naturally into the work people already do by working towards 1) reducing the campus printing footprint by digitizing self-service options and encouraging electronic resources, 2) sourcing technology that uses environmentally conscious best practices and manage its lifecycle responsibly, and 3) educating and engaging the campus community about sustainable technology practices.

Those strategies might sound complex, but the team says most of the work builds on existing processes and collaborations. Adding sustainability often means asking one more question or making one small adjustment.

“We regularly partner with purchasing on contract management and business agreements,” said Pat Donohue, one of the team leads and the university’s deputy chief information officer. “Adding a request for sustainability transparency from our vendors is a natural improvement of existing processes to align with university strategic objectives. This is an example of how bold strategy can often be a minor adjustment in organizational behavior.”

Patrick Schwartz is the assistant director of procure to pay at ��Ƶ and one of the team leads for the purchasing & technology implementation team. He added, “Just by being part of this team, the collaboration between our two departments was already strong, and it strengthens every day.”

When IT evaluates vendors, the team already asks about data security, storage and compliance. Now, they also ask vendors to disclose their carbon footprint and energy consumption. It is a simple step that helps ��Ƶ make informed decisions about the products and services it uses.

In addition, Schwartz said the purchasing team can see the purchasing trends on the backend and, leveraging their strong relationship with IT, work together to assure that vendors are providing products to campus that are environmentally and fiscally sustainable and responsible.

Collaboration creates momentum

Collaboration has been key to success. Conversations about sustainability often uncover other opportunities to improve processes, strengthen partnerships and share resources.

��Ƶ downtown Farmers Market

Edith Smith shared one of those ideas. She serves as a purchasing agent at ��Ƶ and is a member of the purchasing & technology implementation team. She worked with Amazon to ensure that the first products displayed when employees search for a product are those that have sustainable qualities. In addition to this, Smith and others are looking into ways to encourage the university to increase its partnership with local vendors to reduce environmental impact and support the local economy.

“It can be difficult to put a list of vendors together for a campus with decentralized purchasing, but for me, it’s important to ask how we can encourage our colleagues on campus to use local vendors more regularly and to work with vendors that will cut emissions,” said Smith.

“The focus on sustainability gave us a framework to accelerate improvements we were already pursuing,” said Donohue. “It has been a clear example of how bringing together diverse mindsets with a shared purpose can improve service delivery, streamline business processes and create long-term value for the university.

Schwartz agrees with this sentiment and adds that the team is educating people to consider which sustainable products are offered by vendors.

“None of us can do this work on our own,” he added.

Fiscal responsibility meets sustainability

One of the most significant changes was extending the lifecycle of university-owned laptops and desktops to five years.

A computer and two display monitors inside an ��Ƶ employee’s office.

“We ensure an extended lifecycle by applying updates and doing necessary maintenance on the equipment throughout its usable lifecycle,” said Rebecca Black, director of campus technology support and member of the purchasing & technology implementation team.

When the lifecycle of the technology ends for us, it goes through a chain of disposal through an agreement with ethically responsible vendors, who repurpose the equipment or its components.

“The equipment we recover doesn’t just go into a waste facility. It has another, purposeful life afterward,” she added.

Donohue added that the proceeds from selling depreciated equipment is reinvested to subsidize advanced support of ��Ƶ computers.

“This benefits our community through faster repairs and maintenance while allowing campus technology support specialists to focus on high-value service delivery than hardware break/fix efforts. It’s a win-win,” he said.

The same principle applies to reducing the number of printers on campus. Fewer devices mean less energy consumption and less paper use, but the change also reflects a cultural shift. Convenience often competes with sustainability, and the team acknowledges that change takes time.

“There’s a fine line between doing what’s easy and convenient and making an extra, impactful effort towards sustainability,” Beck said. “We’re in the moment where this is a necessary priority.”

Schwartz added, “This is one of the best examples of how our work aligns together. We evaluated paper processes on campus and moved purchase card request forms and Adobe signatures to digital processes.”

In addition to the paper and cost-savings, Schwartz and Smith say that these processes also simplify and better organize employee workflows.

“When we thoughtfully scale technology resources in ways such as consolidating printers and encouraging digitization, we also reduce costs and free-up resources that can be reinvested into new innovations that benefit the university,” Beck said. “These efforts will also help us operate more efficiently and enhance the quality of services for our ��Ƶ campuses.”

About the Sustainability Master Plan

The Boldly ��Ƶ Strategic Plan calls on ��Ƶ to “Engage the campus in sustainable practices to become carbon neutral by 2037 – invest in renewable energy, reduce campus energy consumption 20 percent, purchase offsets to make the global study program carbon neutral and continue to build LEED certified buildings – and prepare students to lead lives that build a sustainable future.” The 10-year Sustainability Master Plan 2025 is a roadmap for that bold commitment.

A big week at ��Ƶ: Phoenix Athletics, ��Ƶ Day and spring arts

Kelsey Armstrong — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 15:08:02 +0000

March is here, and this is going to be a great week! ��Ƶ Day is this Thursday, so check out all the student events listed below – including the SUB Comedy show with Leslie Jones; get your free ticket at the SUB office in Moseley this week before they’re gone.

Here are my Phoenix Five tips for the week ahead:

Cheer on the Phoenix – ��Ƶ Athletics Calendar

Spring is a great time to cheer on your classmates as they compete on the court and the field. Visit the for all the details about competitions coming this week:

Men’s Basketball vs. UNCW – Tuesday, March 3, 7 p.m., Schar Center
Lacrosse vs. High Point – Thursday, March 5, 5 p.m., Rudd Field
Women’s Soccer vs. Appalachian State – Thursday, March 5, 7 p.m., Rudd Field
Baseball vs. North Carolina A&T – Friday, March 6, 4 p.m., Saturday, March 7, 2 p.m., and Sunday, March 8, 1 p.m., Latham Park
Softball vs. North Carolina A&T – Friday, March 6, 4:30 p.m., Saturday, March 7, 2 p.m., and Sunday, March 8, 1 p.m., Hunt Softball Park
Men’s Soccer vs. Belmont Abbey – Friday, March 6, 7 p.m., Rudd Field
Men’s Tennis vs. Georgia State – Saturday, March 7, 1 p.m., Jimmy Powell Tennis Center
Women’s Basketball vs. UNCW – Saturday, March 7, 7 p.m., Schar Center
Men’s and Women’s Tennis vs. South Carolina State – Sunday, March 8, 1 p.m., Jimmy Powell Tennis Center

Reminder: OnTrack Contact Info Review (March 2-31)

We hope to never need to reach out to your emergency contact, but when we do, it’s important we can connect with them quickly. Beginning Monday, March 2, when you log in to OnTrack, you’ll be prompted to review your contact and emergency information as part of a new twice-yearly process to help ensure your information is updated and accurate. You can complete the process immediately when prompted or choose Skip for Now and return later.

��Ƶ Wind Ensemble Carnegie Hall Preview

Wednesday, March 4, 7:30 p.m., Alumni Gym

The ��Ƶ Wind Ensemble will be making their Carnegie Hall debut next week. But before they go, you can hear them perform a special preview concert featuring conductor Jonathan Poquette and solo guitarist Carey Harwood. Don’t miss this exciting evening of music!

��Ƶ Day 2026

Thursday, March 5, ALL DAY

��Ƶ Day is THIS Thursday! That means food, games, prizes and activities all day. Check out how you can celebrate the university’s annual day of giving:

Check out the schedule .
Wear maroon and gold! Get 10% off spirit apparel and gifts in the Barnes & Noble Campus Bookstore and online (code: THANKYOU26), including on clearance items.
Post about #��ƵDay on social media.
Follow SUB on IG to “Phind the Phoenix.” Win the scavenger hunt to get a Phoenix bobblehead AND give $200 to the campus fund of your choice!

Stay tuned for more information throughout the week.

“Roots & Horizons” Spring Dance Concerts

Friday, March 6, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, March 7, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, March 8, 2 p.m., McCrary Theatre, Center for the Arts

Experience the Spring Dance Concert, inspired by the Akan concept of Sankofa, meaning “to go back and get it,” which emphasizes the importance of learning from the past to move forward. The show features work choreographed by women and performed by ��Ƶ students. Tickets are free to ��Ƶ students.

A shared approach to leave planning begins in 2026

Daniel Statum — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 20:45:04 +0000

Starting in 2026, ��Ƶ will introduce a leave requests and approvals process that offers a shared, university-wide approach to planning time away from work.

Currently, many teams manage leave in various ways. Some teams use spreadsheets, some use email and all processes include retroactive entry in OnTrack. This updated approach encourages planning when possible, which will create shared expectations between employees and supervisors, and improve how we communicate about time off across departments.

While time away cannot always be planned, this new tool makes it easier for employees to be proactive and collaborative with their leave planning and reporting. The goal is to reduce ambiguity, strengthen coordination and build confidence in how time off is submitted, reviewed and tracked.

Employees and supervisors will use OnTrack to request and approve time away. Requests will be submitted and tracked in a single, consistent system, helping ensure that time away is visible, timely and clearly understood by everyone involved.

This process is designed to support:

Thoughtful planning between employees and supervisors
A shared understanding of time-off timelines
Coordinated scheduling that supports team operations
Confidence in how time away is managed across the university

Time off matters — for each of us, for our teams, and for the way we work together. By using a consistent, transparent system to plan time away, teams can communicate more easily, and employees can feel confident and supported whenever they need to take time off.

Janet Williams, vice president for finance and administration and chief financial officer

Employee > Leave.” Below it, two summary boxes show Vacation Hours (12 used, 212.16 balance) and Sick Hours (39 used, 206 balance). To the right of the summary boxes is a table listing a submitted sick leave request for 8 hours on September 26, 2025. On the far right side of the page, a large blue “Request Leave” button is highlighted. Farther down, a detailed leave table shows multiple leave categories with columns for Starting Balance, Earned, Used, Adjustments, Balance, and Actions. Leave types displayed include Vacation, Sick/Emergency, Personal Leave, Bereavement, and Volunteer Leave, each with corresponding hour balances. A vertical navigation bar appears on the left side of the screen, and the top header displays the ��Ƶ logo and account options such as Sign Out and Help." width="730" height="346" class="wp-image-1034456 size-large" />

The updated Self-Service Leave interface provides a clear view of leave balances, request history, and available actions.

A view of the Self-Service Leave page, showing vacation and sick leave balances alongside recent leave requests in the updated interface.

Training and support

��Ƶ is committed to ensuring staff are supported throughout this transition. Leading up to the January and February launches, Human Resources is offering multiple training options to help employees and supervisors engage with the new process and feel informed and prepared. Staff can explore:

Step-by-step training guides – Currently available in document form and coming soon to a centralized page on the HR website. Direct links will be shared in upcoming campus emails.

Video walkthroughs of the process in action

Bi-Weekly-Paid Staff Video Walkthrough is coming soon

Live training + Q&A sessions

Supervisors
- Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 10:00 a.m. – Register + Add to Calendar
- Monday, Dec. 15 at 2:00 p.m. – Register + Add to Calendar
Monthly-Paid Staff
- Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 2:00 p.m. – Register + Add to Calendar
- Monday, Dec. 15 at 10:00 a.m. – Register + Add to Calendar
Bi-Weekly-Paid Employees: Sessions coming in January

“We understand that adjusting to something new takes time, ” said Melissa Clodfelter, associate vice president for human resources and chief human resources officer. “Our focus is on making this feel manageable and supportive, whether that means walking through it together in training, or giving you tools you can use on your own terms.”

Missed the preview sessions?

Employees can still watch the Nov. 12 sessions and submit their thoughts:

Feedback from pilot and preview participants has already shaped training materials, and every additional voice helps strengthen the experience.

Questions

For questions at any time, contact hr@elon.edu or visit the .

Facilities and Technology Merger Team co-leads offer insight into work

Eric Townsend — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 18:10:48 +0000

The early months of the merger planning process between ��Ƶ and Queens University of Charlotte required long hours and deep analysis by administrative leaders from two institutions aligned in values and mission.

For the administrators who are assessing the facilities and technology of both campuses, that work also has forged new friendships since September’s announcement of the intended merger. What began as a daunting assignment quickly became an opportunity for Brad Moore and Kenitra Horsley to learn from one another and imagine what a combined institution might offer its students.

Kenitra Horsley and Brad Moore

Both leaders describe the sprint team as a place where intense work has produced genuine connections. They’ve spent weeks comparing systems, walking campuses, studying student needs and exploring the physical and technological foundations that define their respective universities.

In the process, Moore – ��Ƶ’s associate vice president for facilities and chief facilities officer – and Horsley – chief of staff and chief information officer at Queens – developed not only professional insight but a shared sense of possibility.

As the members of both boards of trustees continue to review the terms of the definitive merger agreement, which is expected to be finalized before the end of the calendar year, a recent conversation with Moore and Horsley offers a look at what it means to merge two complex organizations and how collaboration can spark both practical solutions and a new vision for what the future could hold.

Can you share very briefly your responsibilities with the sprint team and what you’ve discovered since September in this role?

Kenitra Horsley: We’ve been delving into the inventory of tools and technologies on both campuses to better understand our learning environments and overall campus landscapes. What I’ve discovered is that each institution uses many applications and technologies, which is very common in higher education. However, we’ve found very little overlap in the actual tools we use. Some of that may be due to scale, evaluation processes, or campus size, but the result is the same. We’ll need to look closely at each application to decide what’s the right and best fit for the merged institution.

Brad Moore: The other members of the sprint team have been focused on people — students, faculty, and staff — and on purpose: the transformation and education of students. Kenitra and I have been focused on place. That includes the physical campuses but also how the campuses operate, whether that’s technology, auxiliary services, campus safety and police, facilities or grounds. We’ve learned that some things we do very similarly and some we do very differently. It’s been a good exercise to stop, pause, and look at what we do, why we do it that way and whether there’s a better way.

Why are these discoveries valuable in the early stages of the merger?

KH: Our goal is to have a thriving merged institution. That means understanding our environments and how we enable teaching and learning. Our spaces, campus safety, technology and auxiliary services are all support components that help the institution thrive and deliver programming. It’s important that we have clear sight lines on our environments and how we can advance them.

BM: I would say the same. Our missions are similar, and people thrive when their basic needs are met: shelter, food, security, and safety. When we provide that experience, students can focus on their studies and well-being. It’s important to figure out what’s working and what’s not. Through this process, we’ve seen things that are working well, things we can learn from each other, and things we can improve moving forward.

What might people not immediately recognize about the role of facilities and technology in the success of a university campus?

KH: Brad said it best. When people have the resources and environment to support them, they’re able to grow and do the exploration and transformation we want for our students.

BM: The campus fosters community and encourages enrollment. It’s a powerful tool for delivering the mission and vision of a university. At ��Ƶ, we often say we all work for admissions — and the campus is a key player. There are students at both institutions who say “I chose Queens” or “I chose ��Ƶ” because of the beautiful campuses. This is not by chance. Leaders at both institutions have invested in the grounds and buildings knowing the importance of the campus in enhancing the student experience.

KH: I’d echo that. In my role as interim VP for enrollment, I’m acutely aware that technology, dining, and campus services shape the very first impressions prospective students have. Their ability to connect easily, enjoy quality dining options, and experience a positive visual environment all directly influence both enrollment and retention.

Can you talk more about how campus systems are most visible when there’s a hiccup, but invisible when everything works as it should?

KH: Exactly. In the technology space, name recognition isn’t always a good thing—if people know your name, it could mean something isn’t working and they’ve had to call you more than once. The best technology supports the work without becoming the focus. As we merge the campuses, our focus is ensuring the experience feels seamless to the entire community. It’s a job where success often goes unnoticed, because when everything works without disrupting your day, that’s the real win.

BM: That applies to facilities, too. You get calls when there are issues. Fortunately, we work with a campus community that also recognizes and appreciates the efforts to ensure that things work well.

What is the importance of the work you’re doing on the sprint teams for both campuses, independent of its impact on the merger process?

BM: It’s a great question. This is a good way to assess the work we’re doing. We’re all so busy that we’re constantly sprinting, both for the merger and in our daily jobs. Sometimes you have to stop and ask, “Am I going in the right direction?” This has helped us do that.

KH: The real benefit is understanding how space impacts the student experience and whether we’re maximizing our spaces to their optimal level. It’s unbiased discovery — having conversations and sharing things we may not have talked about in a long time. You may have something in the back of your mind, but daily responsibilities prevent you from pausing to consider it.

BM: Being on Queens’ campus allows me to provide a third-party perspective on the campus. And the same is true when they visit our campus. That’s been helpful for identifying first impressions and the factors that drive enrollment and retention.

What’s one thing you’ve discovered about the other campus that’s an innovative solution or idea you hadn’t considered before?

KH: The one innovative solution that impressed me is the solar flower outside ��Ƶ’s engineering space. It was born out of a student project — creativity and exploration that produced a real solution. It’s impactful for sustainability, and it made me think more intentionally about sustainability in the context of facilities. Working alongside Brad has helped me look at these elements more holistically, considering not only what we can bring but what our students can create through their work.

BM: There’s a lot I’ve learned working with Kenitra and the sprint team. Queens has strong connections to Uptown Charlotte and the businesses there. Their campus is different from ours. It’s more landlocked and compressed. They think about expansion upwards, where we have space to grow outward. Comparing those approaches has been interesting and beneficial for both institutions.

One final question to help the community understand who you are on a personal level: do you have a favorite Thanksgiving tradition as we head into the holiday season?

KH: For me, it’s cooking and baking. My husband loves to fry turkeys, and I love to bake. For Thanksgiving, we make cakes and fry turkeys for friends and our church family. Leading up to Thanksgiving, we’ve fried as many as 5-6 turkeys and an equal number of cakes. It’s always fun.

BM: I don’t know that we have a particular tradition, but I love this season—the gathering of families, making memories, pausing, reflecting, and being thankful for our blessings. The food is great and trying new recipes is fun, but it’s really a time to stop, reflect, and make memories with your family.

A familiar connection with a wider reach: ��Ƶ fully transitions to eduroam in January

Daniel Statum — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 20:01:20 +0000

��Ƶ is making an important update to this fall, shifting from elonu-secure to eduroam, a trusted wireless network used by thousands of colleges and universities across the US and around the world.

This transition will provide the same secure and reliable connection the campus community is used to, just under a new name. Faculty, staff and students can begin connecting to eduroam now and should make the switch before elonu-secure is retired after December 2025.

Chloe Berkowitz-Pereyra ’26 works in Belk Library, switching between her eduroam-connected laptop, phone, and tablet to complete coursework.

“My transition with eduroam was seamless,” said Melissa Clodfelter, associate vice president for human resources and chief human resources officer, who used eduroam regularly at Wake Forest University before joining ��Ƶ. “When I arrived at ��Ƶ, it connected automatically. It was one less detail to manage during onboarding and provided a sense of familiarity during my transition.”

“I first used eduroam while I was studying abroad in Australia,” said Chloe Berkowitz-Pereyra ’26. “I didn’t have a choice while I was at the University of the Sunshine Coast —it was the only option— but it worked great. When I came back for J-Term, my phone and laptop immediately connected to ��Ƶ’s eduroam, which I didn’t even know existed at the time. I remember my MacBook acted a little funny, so I restarted it, and I haven’t had any problems since.”

To ensure a smooth experience, users should remove (“forget”) elonu-secure from all their devices before connecting to eduroam. This step helps prevent conflicts between networks and ensures devices connect automatically when on campus or visiting other .

An illustrated map highlights eduroam’s worldwide reach, connecting ��Ƶ to thousands of institutions across more than 100 countries.

In addition to local convenience, eduroam extends ��Ƶ’s connectivity globally. Members of the university community can securely log in at more than 10,000 participating institutions worldwide without needing new passwords, portals or required setup.

“I first used eduroam while visiting other universities for conferences,” said Robert Johnson, director of event and space management. “Once it was activated at ��Ƶ, I appreciated experiencing it with fresh eyes. It’s a small change, but it makes a big difference in how easily we can move, connect, and collaborate across institutions.”

��Ƶu-secure will be deactivated after December 2025, with eduroam becoming ��Ƶ’s primary Wi-Fi network starting in January 2026. Devices that can’t connect to eduroam, such as smart TVs, smart sticks, gaming systems, or printers, should continue , which provides the same fast, secure network connection for those devices.

If you have questions or need help connecting, contact the Technology Service Desk at (336) 278-5200 or .

Eric Hall receives National Science Foundation GRANTED Funding

jchapman7 — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 20:21:27 +0000

Eric Hall, assistant provost for scholarship and creative activity and professor of exercise science, received a subaward from the University of San Diego for their NSF GRANTED project, (NSF Award Search: Award # 2528426) Building Research Data Infrastructure for Emerging Research Institutions Using an Open-Source Model Design. This will be a three-year project.

The goal of this project is to create an open-source model for developing research data infrastructure for small Emerging Research Institutions (ERIs) who aspire to grow their research enterprise from both sponsored programs and research productivity perspectives. Project objectives include: 1) Creating interactive tools like a Research Publications Dashboard and a Sponsored Programs Dashboard for informed decision-making, 2) Developing a Forecasting Model to predict institutional return on investment through sponsored programs, and 3) Providing customizable tools for adapting the open-source data model. The design will integrate with the institution’s existing databases, providing a comprehensive view of research productivity and funding activities.

An open-source model reduces start-up costs and technical skill requirements, benefiting small ERIs. Data output from the dashboards will be incorporated into the forecasting model, integrating historical data and real-time inputs. Unlike generic models, this forecasting model is specifically designed to address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by small ERIs. The model will be created by University of San Diego and then validated through partnerships with peer institutions (��Ƶ and Pepperdine University), ensuring credibility and knowledge sharing. It is designed to be scalable and adaptable, supporting long-term strategic planning and aligning research priorities with funding trends.

Doug Purnell and Scott Sawyer will be working with Hall on this project.

��Ƶ’s Information Security Director named president of new Cloud Security Alliance chapter

Daniel Statum — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 14:51:11 +0000

Gary Sheehan, Information Security Director

Gary Sheehan, ��Ƶ’s information security director, has been named president of the newly formed Piedmont Area Chapter of the , a global organization dedicated to promoting cloud security best practices.

The chapter, which joins CSA’s Triangle and Charlotte chapters as one of three in North Carolina, will serve as a regional hub for education, collaboration, and leadership in secure cloud computing. Sheehan’s appointment expands his leadership in the national cybersecurity community and elevates ��Ƶ’s presence in the evolving landscape of cloud and information security.

“This opportunity supports ��Ƶ’s broader commitment to digital safety, innovation, and collaboration,” said Sheehan. “As our systems and data continue to live and grow in the cloud, ��Ƶ’s involvement in these national conversations helps ensure that our approach to cybersecurity remains forward-thinking, community-driven, and rooted in industry best practices.”

The CSA is the world’s leading organization focused on defining and raising awareness of best practices to ensure a secure cloud computing environment. It brings together experts from industry, education and government to provide research, training, and community support, including one of the most widely adopted cloud security certifications worldwide.

As chapter president, Sheehan will:

Build and grow regional membership
Promote cloud security awareness and education in the Piedmont region
Lead community events and training programs
Encourage professional development and collaboration across sectors
Represent ��Ƶ in a broader network of IT and cloud security leaders

“I’m looking forward to building new partnerships with professionals across the region, and bringing that knowledge and perspective back to ��Ƶ,” Sheehan added. “Strong communities are what make strong security possible.”

The Piedmont Area Chapter will host its inaugural meeting on Sept. 10, welcoming members from across higher ed, industry and government.

Celebrating exceptional leadership: Highlights from the Supervisor’s Appreciation Dinner

Kameryn Taylor — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 19:23:09 +0000

��Ƶ students, staff, and faculty gathered for the annual Supervisor’s Appreciation Dinner on March 5, an ��Ƶ tradition designed to celebrate the many student supervisors across campus who play a vital role in mentoring and supporting student employees.

Started by Rene Jackson, former PACE director and the Student Professional Development Center career advisor) over a decade ago, senior student employees take turns sharing reflections on their journey and the impact their supervisor has had on their experience.

Supervisors of student employees wear many hats. They guide, encourage and challenge students to grow professionally and personally, all while managing a wide range of responsibilities within their departments. Their influence often extends far beyond the workplace, leaving a lasting impact on students’ lives.

Excellence in Student Supervision Award

This year’s dinner introduced the inaugural Excellence in Student Supervision Award, honoring supervisors nominated by student employees for exceptional mentorship and leadership.

Nominated by student employees and selected by a committee of campus staff/faculty members, this award recognizes outstanding supervisors who go above and beyond in their mentorship and leadership.

The first recipients of the award include Nicole Bergen, the program assistant for the Kernodle Center for Civic Life; Jeana Schickedantz, program assistant in the English Department and Justin Nichols, Microsoft power platform developer.

Their student nominators shared messages about the impact of these staff members:

“I leave work every day feeling like I’ve learned something new.”

“Her presence in my life throughout my college career has been invaluable and a mentorship I will take with me for the rest of my life.”
“She is instrumental in breaking down barriers… a tremendous leader of her students.”

New identity management system improves information security and digital access at ��Ƶ

Daniel Statum — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 17:21:06 +0000

Managing accounts and accessing campus systems is about to get easier. This spring, ��Ƶ is introducing a new Digital Identity and Access Management (DIAM) system designed to enhance security, streamline logins and simplify access to essential services for faculty, staff and students. The rollout begins this month in select departments, who have been notified, with broader campus implementation to follow.

A Seamless, Secure Experience

The new DIAM system gives faculty, staff, and students a single, secure way to access university services by centralizing account management across digital platforms.

This upgrade makes managing accounts easier while enhancing security to protect personal information and prevent unauthorized access. By consolidating identity management, users will have faster, more secure access to the tools and resources they need.

“We don’t expect anyone to notice any major changes at launch, but this sets the foundation for significant improvements over the next year,” said Alan Allred, information security engineer. “This is just the beginning. We’re laying the groundwork for a digital experience that’s smoother and more secure than ever.”

Improved Campus Services

This system makes onboarding easier for new students and employees while improving digital access at every stage—whether you’re a student, employee, retiree or alum. With behind-the-scenes improvements, this upgrade minimizes tech-related issues, making it easier for everyone to work, teach and learn without disruptions.

Additionally, the system strengthens security during transitions, such as when someone moves from student to employee or employee to retiree, ensuring that access is updated appropriately to protect university data. These updates keep ��Ƶ aligned with higher education industry standards and best practices for digital security while making everyday interactions with campus technology more seamless.

A Collaborative Effort

The successful launch of the new Identity and Access Management is the result of years of planning and collaboration across multiple departments. ��Ƶ’s IT experts, campus administrators and information security specialists worked together to design a system that prioritizes both digital security and ease of access, ensuring a consistent frictionless process for faculty, staff and students.

Looking Ahead

As ��Ƶ continues to evolve, the new Identity and Access Management system will be a foundation for future innovations in security, efficiency and ease of access. Soon, new self-service features will make it easier than ever to reset passwords, request guest accounts and manage access independently—putting more control in the hands of campus users.

In the coming months, more updates will be shared about the specific services being enhanced and how they will improve everyday workflows for faculty, staff and students. After rollout, this system will keep evolving, introducing new tools that strengthen security and make digital access more efficient across the campus.

“This system is an exciting step forward in our mission to create a more secure, efficient, and user-friendly campus environment,” said Allred. “It will empower our community to focus on what matters most—learning, teaching and research—while we handle the technical details behind the scenes.”

Departments will receive communication ahead of their transition to ensure faculty and staff are fully prepared for the change. Additional details on timelines, features and improvements will continue to be shared as the project moves forward.

Information Systems and Technologies | Today at ������Ƶ | ������Ƶ

������Ƶ employees honored during 2026 Staff Appreciation Day