Trusteeship, the magazine of the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges, focused on Elon in its cover story titled "Toward Transformative Change: Finding a Path to Systemic Reform."
Writer Steve Pelletier referred to Elon with the phrase “Transformative Change in Action,” saying that “few institutions can demonstrate the longevity of ongoing, significant change that Elon University can.”
Pelletier quotes President Leo M. Lambert in the article and details the many changes that have taken place under his leadership, including new schools and programs, improved academics, new campus facilities and higher student qualifications.
Pelletier writes that part of Elon’s transformative culture “is the notion that change is a constant.”
“In part, Elon’s fast-track climb has been possible because the campus has inculcated something of a transformation mindset,” Pelletier writes, noting that “institutional self-confidence is one component part.”
President Lambert notes that Elon’s board of trustees demands an active strategic plan, holding “themselves and staff accountable for execution of the institution’s plans.”
Pelletier’s article makes a strong case that trustees and top administrators at colleges and universities must find ways to embrace change “more fully, readily, and agilely than they have in the past.”
According to Pelletier, “many universities appear insufficiently prepared to respond to the profound changes of our times,” referring to such issues as demographic trends and rising tuition costs.