Deborah Thurlow Long is originally from Sudbury, Massachusetts, and now resides in Elon, North Carolina. She graduated from Colby College in 1970 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, then joined the Teacher Corps in 1971. She earned a master's degree in Elementary Education from Virginia State University in 1973 and a doctorate in Curriculum, Instruction, and Educational Leadership from the University of Memphis in 1996. Dr. Long joined the Elon faculty in 1996. From 2002 until 2006, she served as chair of the Education Department and coordinator of elementary education. From 2006 through 2008 she served as faculty administrative fellow and assistant to the president. In this position, she was responsible for developing new and enhancing existing programs for under-served youth in the community through campus-community partnerships. Currently, Dr. Long is a Professor in the School of Education and Director of the Elon Academy. Dr. Long enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, reading, cooking, and jogging.