Magazine of Elon, Spring 2017

The Chapter Ahead: Concluding my term as Elon’s eighth president

Since I announced my plans in February to conclude my term as Elon’s eighth president, Laurie and I have been overwhelmed with messages of congratulations, love and support. We have felt the powerful embrace of the Elon family all over the globe and are reminded anew what a special academic community we have been privileged to be a part of for the past 18 years.

Despite the transition ahead, life at Elon is full speed ahead and the achievements of our students, faculty and staff are more impressive than ever. So far this spring, Elon students have been awarded a record seven Fulbright grants and a Fulbright Summer Institute grant, a State Department Critical Languages Scholarship, a Goldwater Scholarship, and our first Gates Cambridge Scholarship, awarded to Leena Dahal ’17 of Nepal. We were excited to hear of a National Science Foundation grant to physics professor Ben Evans for his research in soft robotics, and proud of Smith Jackson, vice president of student life, who was named Civic Engagement Professional of the Year by North Carolina Campus Compact.

What a thrill it was to see the women’s basketball team make it into the NCAA Tournament this spring. (And what I would have given to have seen Dr. Danieley watch the team and coaches cut down the net after winning the CAA Tournament.) We are preparing to welcome the Class of 2021, continuing with the important leadership phase of the Elon Leads campaign, and finishing the work of the Elon Commitment strategic plan. It is marvelous to watch the Schar Center take shape and the residential campus initiative continue to unfold, with the groundbreaking for three new first-year-student residence halls near the Powell Tennis Center taking place this summer, along with the expansion and renovation of McEwen Dining Hall. And of course, the dedication
of the spectacular new School of Communications facilities in March was a highlight of the year.

On a personal level, Laurie and I are preparing to vacate Maynard House on the Monday following Commencement. We are moving into a home in the same neighborhood that was formerly resided in by our daughter, Callie, her husband, David, and our two grandchildren, Caleb and Anna, so we have already enjoyed many wonderful family memories in our new house. This will give the university time to update some of Maynard House’s original 1950s bathrooms and a kitchen that has serviced thousands of guests per year for more than 25 years. The trustees plan to have it in sparkling shape for the new president before the end of the calendar year.

To be honest, I believe our daughters, Callie and Mollie, are more sentimental about leaving Maynard House than Laurie and I are, which is understandable since it has been the place they have experienced as home more than any other place they have ever lived. Callie remarked last Christmastime, “I put on my first prom dress in my bedroom, and I put on my wedding dress in my bedroom. That is my room!” To which I replied, “It’s Elon’s room, honey, and it’s finally time to clean out all the junk you have collected since junior high school.”

As you know, I have committed to the board of trustees to serve until my successor can assume office, but have already begun to think about my life after my presidency is concluded. I plan to take a full year of sabbatical leave, which will be principally devoted to writing a new book with my writing partner, Peter Felten, professor of history, assistant provost and executive director of Elon’s Center for Engaged Learning. (Peter and I, along with three other colleagues, collaborated on a book titled “The Undergraduate Experience: Focusing Institutions on What Matters Most,” which was published by Jossey-Bass last year.) Our new book will examine innovative undergraduate programs and practices at colleges and universities around the country, taking us on some exciting site visits. And of course, Laurie and I look forward to some travels and more time to enjoy our families.

Following the sabbatical, I look forward to returning to campus in a new role as president emeritus and professor, serving Elon in new ways. I couldn’t have had better role models on how to be a fine president emeritus than Earl Danieley and Fred Young, and remain grateful to both for their constant encouragement and friendship. I hope to do some teaching, will stay involved on some boards nationally and look forward to remaining connected to the 22,000 alumni who graduated during my years as president. As you have heard me say many times, I am convinced Elon’s alumni base is one of the university’s most powerful assets and the accomplishments of our alumni body are key to expanding Elon’s national and international reputation.

Elon University’s future is bright, and I am grateful beyond words for the opportunity to have forged relationships with thousands of you who have been critical partners in the university’s rise to national prominence. Leadership is a team sport, and you have been my most wonderful teammates and friends.

Leo M. Lambert
President

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