A Campus for Mentoring the Next Generation of Scholars

Rebecca Kohn, Elon University’s Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs

The Provost’s Report celebrates the accomplishments of Elon University’s faculty members, staff members, and students. This year’s report highlights the power of collaboration in shaping valuable learning experiences and advancing research and creative work with undergraduate students. Across disciplines and departments, faculty and staff members at Elon University expand opportunities for students, strengthen mentorship, and push the boundaries of scholarship and creative activity. These partnerships—whether within the university or across institutions and communities—enrich the academic environment and reinforce Elon’s reputation as a leader in experiential learning.

Elon University faculty members produce high-impact scholarship and creative work that inform their disciplines and enhance student learning. During 2024, our approximately 500 full-time faculty members produced more than 200 books, articles, and book chapters, nearly 20 films, artistic exhibitions, and performances, and over 150 scholarly presentations, often in collaboration with students. During this time, 13 new grants were awarded to Elon staff and faculty members, in addition to numerous existing grants.

The successful record by faculty and staff members of presenting their work at national and international conferences, engaging in groundbreaking interdisciplinary collaborations, and securing external grants reflects the values embedded in the Elon University Teacher-Scholar-Mentor statement, which upholds the standard for faculty members as exceptional educators, active scholars and dedicated mentors, committed to guiding students as they develop the skills and confidence to thrive in their chosen fields.

This year’s featured stories illustrate many of the approaches that fuel participation in student research and creative work at Elon University. Faculty and staff members guide student research opportunities across academic disciplines, mentor students’ pursuit of research globally, help them see pathways from their research and creative experiences into future careers, and ensure that all students have opportunities to see themselves as scholars. These stories demonstrate the ways in which faculty and staff expertise and creativity come together to produce meaningful, real-world learning experiences.

Elon University’s model of relationship-rich education continues to earn national recognition. For the fourth consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report ranked Elon University #1 for excellence in undergraduate teaching, and for the tenth year, the university is among the top twenty institutions recognized for all eight categories of high impact approaches advancing student success and positive learning outcomes. These achievements are a testament to the dedication and expertise of Elon University’s faculty and staff members, whose collaborative spirit ensures that students are supported in their academic journeys and are challenged to think critically, engage deeply, and make meaningful contributions to their fields.

I extend my thanks to the faculty and staff members at Elon University for their commitment to fostering a learning environment where students and colleagues are thriving. This work—rooted in collaboration, mentorship, and innovation—continues to elevate our university and inspire those around us.

Rebecca Kohn
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Elon University