From Vision to Impact: A Five-Year Plan for Student Life

In 2020, Elon University launched Boldly Elon, the University’s strategic plan guiding institutional priorities through 2030. In alignment with this vision, the Division of Student Life introduced a five-year plan to outline its contribution to “transforming mind, body, and spirit.” Now entering the second half of Boldly Elon’s implementation, Student Life builds on the momentum, introducing a new five-year plan for 2025–2030.

The Division of Student Life strategic plan, From Vision to Impact: A Five-Year Plan for Student Life, was created and grounded in data-informed research, to illustrate our shared professional values and vision to be a national model for programs, services, and partnerships. The plan embraces a student-centric approach that integrates curricular and co-curricular experiences, supports holistic well-being, and fosters an inclusive, thriving campus community that will shape divisional priorities and guide department goals and initiatives.

Strategic Directions of the 2025-2030 Student Life Five Year Plan

Developed with input from Student Life staff and grounded in Elon University’s values, these seven strategic themes will guide the work of the Division of Student Life.

  • Civic & Community Engagement–Empower students to lead positive change through community partnerships that build skills and address social issues. Civic engagement will be woven throughout Student Life to foster dialogue, democracy, and impact.
  • Inclusive Excellence–Advance inclusive excellence as a shared responsibility by fostering belonging and supporting all students’ ability to thrive.
  • Integrated Health & Well-Being–Foster a campus culture of holistic well-being through the new HealthEU hub, campus-wide initiatives, and accessible resources.
  • Leadership Development through Engagement–Integrate leadership and career readiness into student engagement and employment through a unified framework, expanded Elon GROW, and intentional involvement via the Elon Experiences Transcript by equipping students with the skills and confidence to lead and succeed.
  • Mentoring & Student Success–Prioritize mentoring central to student success by strengthening partnerships, using data to improve outcomes, and expanding access to meaningful relationships that support growth at Elon and beyond.
  • Residential Campus Experience–Create a vibrant student experience that supports learning, connection, and growth beyond the classroom, through restorative practices, campus partnerships, and community engagement, we will promote inclusion, belonging, and the development of engaged citizens.
  • Operational & Organizational Excellence–Sustain a dynamic, inclusive Student Life division that supports student success and staff growth by investing in people, partnerships, and innovation, we will enhance our impact and lead in higher education.

Each strategic direction includes objectives designed to strengthen collaboration across departments and with campus partners—positioning the Division of Student Life to lead boldly into 2030.

Strategic Planning Committee Members

  • Jonathan McElderry, co-chair
  • Megan Noltemeyer, co-chair
  • Jackie Allred
  • Kyle Anderson
  • Sarah Ann Chapman
  • Emily Krechel
  • Destiny Payne
  • Cara Plasencia
  • David Stout
  • Alexis Swider