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Communications professionals serving
on the School of Communications Advisory Board held a
discussion with President Leo M. Lambert as part of their
fall meeting on campus. They said Elon's growth and
development has been "nothing short of
phenomenal," and attributed the success to the
beautiful campus, friendly people, close relationships
between students and faculty and the hands-on, engaged
style of teaching and learning. They said Elon's
current size puts it in a great market niche, a
"sweet spot of size and quality," and that the
university's "laser focus" on the clients
(students) is a great strength
Board members said that Elon is wise to consider
the concept of "deepening" programs to
institutionalize the quality improvements that have been
made over the past several years. They said if Elon does
not invest in deepening, it runs the risk of
"peaking" and starting a downturn.Board members
said Elon offers an attractive balance, giving students a
safe and nurturing environment while also giving them
"real-world experiences" off campus through
internships, study abroad and engaged learning
activities.
One board member recommends a continuation of the focus
on engaged learning, establishing Elon as the
nation's leader in a "third-way model of
scholarship." The focus should be on students and
teachers as co-creators and collaborators in learning and
research, working together to create new knowledge and
understanding. This would stand in stark contrast to the
traditional model of faculty scholarship that does not
involve students. An example in the communications field
would be to have students and faculty build a body of
knowledge about new media, something that is not
currently being done at other universities.
Board members suggested Elon think outside the
traditional models of philanthropy in building the
endowment, seeking out individuals or organizations that
would be attracted to supporting a school that is forging
a new model of learning.
Board members suggested communications with parents and
alumni that come directly from the School of
Communications, rather than from the wider institution.
These communications could promote work of students and
faculty and the impressive success stories of the School.
They said a more focused message would be more effective
in engaging alumni and parents and encouraging their
financial support.
They also said the School of Communications should
consider alumni communications that include job
opportunities, to engender the notion of a life-time
relationship with Elon. They said this decentralized
approach to career services may work better than the
current centralized system. | 
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