Faculty research on the Internet and North Carolina political developments earned Elon significant media attention in recent weeks.
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Elon University faculty, students and alumni appeared regularly in the media in February and March for their research and service both on campus and around the nation.
Making the biggest media impact was new findings by Pew Internet/Elon University that examined the “Always On” generation and whether constant connection to the Internet may be changing the way young people think. Media partnerships with North Carolina’s flagship newspapers and television organizations and the Elon University Poll also results in extensive coverage of the university.
The following list should not be considered exhaustive and does not include athletics news.
2/2: WFMY News 2: “Is Texting Between Teachers and Students Appropriate?” asks Professor Glenda Crawford and two Elon teacher candidates about the ethics of using personal communication devices and platforms to interact with K-12 students.
2/3: Business Journal of the Triad: “2012 elections to keep High Point, Elon pollsters busy” is a story that in part examines the details and mission of the Elon University Poll.
2/5: (Burlington, N.C.) Times-News: “Happily after ever: Local couple hopes to win free honeymoon in bridal magazine’s contest” features Elon University senior Phyllis Jarrell and her fiancée, a Wake Forest University student, and their entry in a Brides Magazine contest to win a free honeymoon.
2/6: (Greensboro, N.C.) News & Record: “Robots scrimmage at Elon” was a front-page story on a friendly tournament held on campus for regional high school teams competing in the FIRST Tech Challenge in late February. The event was sponsored by the Department of Physics and coordinated by adjunct professor Jochen Fischer. News 14 Carolina also reported on the event (segment not posted online).
2/10: WGHP Fox 8: “Forsyth state senator said she retired due to redistricting” includes an interview with Assistant Professor Mileah Kromer on the impact of redistricting in North Carolina on the number of female lawmakers deciding to retire.
2/11: Knoxville (Tenn.) News Sentinel: “Local performer part of ‘Shrek the Musical’ at Tennessee” covers the role of Ian Frazier ’06 in the touring production of the hit musical based on the Disney animated trilogy.
2/12: (Greensboro, N.C.) News & Record: “Divisive discourse serves no one” is a monthly column from Professor Emeritus David Noer on the effect toxic dialogue has on shaping public attitudes toward government and politics.
2/15: ESPN.com: “Frank Haith fits right in with the Tigers” profiles Missouri men’s basketball coach Frank Haith ’88 and features comments from retired athletic director Alan White.
2/16: (Burlington, N.C.) Times-News: “Elon graduate creates documentary on ‘The Dirty War’” reports on a film developed by Brynne Miller, a 2010 graduate of Elon’s Interactive Media master’s program.
2/22: (Burlington, N.C.) Times-News: “Searching for artistic freedom: Homeland sanctions prompt Belarus Free Theatre to take its act on the road” previews an appearance on campus by a theatre group now in exile from its homeland.
2/24: (Burlington, N.C.) Times-News: “Elon students take on obesity with Supercharge! Alamance” is a story of five Elon communications students taking part in a national Bateman Team contest that has them developing a local campaign for healthier lifestyles among children.
2/25: (Greensboro, N.C.) News & Record: “High-tech Skills Vital, Biden Says” reported on a visit to North Carolina by Vice President Joe Biden. It includes analysis by Professor Kevin O’Mara on the accuracy of statements Biden made. (Not currently available online.)
2/25: (Greensboro, N.C.) News & Record: “’I want to be American’” featured the work of the Elon University School of Law Humanitarian Law Clinic as it related to an immigrant from Vietnam diagnosed with terminal cancer.
2/29: (Greensboro, N.C.) News & Record: “Brenner saw bigger picture beyond TV” reflects on the legacy of longtime Triad sports anchor Rich Brenner, who died Feb. 27, and includes mention of his roles with Elon University.
2/29: Los Angeles Times: “Pew study: Is the Internet ruining or improving today’s youth?” reports on a new Pew Internet/Elon University survey involving the “Always On” generation and how it may be affecting the way young people think. RELATED from the Chicago Tribune: “Hyperconnected: Brain gain or drain?” RELATED from Reuters newswire: “Gen Y may end up ‘intellectual lightweights’ because of technology: Pew” RELATED form MSNBC: “Millennials ‘benefit and suffer’ from hyperconnected lives: report” RELATED from The Atlantic: “Kids’ Cognition Is Changing—Education Will Have to Change With It” RELATED from the Triad Business Journal: “Elon professor: How the Internet is rewiring young brains” Coverage was also included in Digital Journal, LiveScience, Economic Times, Central Valley Business Times, Buzz Machine, Tech Daily News, The Republic, Gawker, the Huffington Post and more.
MARCH 2012
3/2: WFMY News 2: “Presidential Visits and Candidate Campaign Stops Means Big Bucks for Our State” includes an interview with Assistant Professor Mileah Kromer, the assistant director of the Elon University Poll, on the economics of elections as they relate to North Carolina this year.
3/7: Charlotte Observer / (Raleigh) News & Observer: “Obama’s N.C. approval inches up, but challenges remain” looks at data from the latest Elon University Poll. RELATED from the (Greensboro, N.C.) News & Record: “Elon Poll: State lawmakers’ job approval dropping” RELATED from WRAL-TV: “Poll shows increasing support for same-sex marriage” RELATED from the (Burlington, N.C.) Times-News: “Poll finds majority opposes same-sex marriage amendment” RELATED from WCNC: “Poll: Most in N.C. oppose same-sex marriage amendment”
3/10: (Raleigh) News & Observer / Charlotte Observer: “Opinion shifts in N.C. same-sex marriage debate” uses data from the latest Elon University Poll in reporting on a proposed state constitutional amendment that voters will decide in May.
3/11: (Greensboro, N.C.) News & Record: “Social issues could use more tolerance” is a monthly column from Professor Emeritus David Noer on the “line in the sand” issues of gay marriage, gun control and God in public policy debates.
3/11: (Raleigh) News & Observer / Charlotte Observer: “N.C.’s mood improves, but jobs are still a concern” were Sunday front-page stories on issues affecting the lives of North Carolina residents as shared in the latest Elon University Poll. RELATED from the Triad Business Journal: “Elon Poll finds mood on the economy brighter”
3/13: (Wilmington, N.C.) Star-News: “For Sunshine Week, a how-to guide on tapping into public records” cites tips from the Sunshine Center at Elon University for accessing government records that citizens are entitled to view.
3/14: (Burlington, N.C.) Times-News: “Elon ballroom team preparing for national championships” features the accomplishments of six students whose ballroom dance skills earned them invitations to the spring 2012 national tournament.
3/15: NBC-17 (Raleigh, N.C.): “Hundreds march in Raleigh to oppose marriage amendment” cites data from the latest Elon University Poll in its coverage of programs and events surrounding a proposed state constitutional amendment.
3/16: Winston-Salem Journal: “Focus On: Coach Chad Lorentz” is a short profile of the work being done by a 1995 Elon alum who now coaches girl’s soccer outside of Winston-Salem, N.C.
3/16: Charlotte Observer/Union News: “Union director making film in Charlotte” profiles Peyton Lea ’10 and his project in the Queen City, a script that evolved from a class assignment while studying the School of Communications at Elon.
3/18: Charlotte Observer: “From afar, a new Syrian pride awakens” was an opinion column by Assistant Professor Haya Ajjan on the way the Syrian uprisings has changed the way she views her heritage. RELATED from the (Burlington, N.C.) Times-News: “In Syria, a desire to regain dignity, freedom”
3/21: (Burlington, N.C.) Times-News: “Elon adds women’s lacrosse” reports on the addition of a new varsity sports program to begin in the 2013-14 season at the university.
3/22: (Greensboro, N.C.) News & Record: “Elon’s business program ranked among top 50 by Bloomberg Businessweek” reports on recent honors for the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business. RELATED from the (Burlington, N.C.) Times-News: “Elon business school climbs Bloomberg rankings” RELATED from the Business Journal of the Triad: “Elon, Wake Forest undergrad business programs in Businessweek’s top 50”
3/23: San Francisco Chronicle: “Apps challenging the Internet” explores data found in the latest research by the Pew Internet & American Life Project and Elon University. RELATED from MSNBC.com: “Apps could be overtaking the Web, says report” RELATED from Digital Journal: “New research: The future of the Internet — Will the web die out?” RELATED from Media Post: “Web, Apps Will Coexist In Future, Mobile Will Explode” RELATED from The Daily Mail: “Apps have overtaken the Web in popularity according to latest statistics” RELATED from Business Insider: “Millennials will lose ‘face-to-face social skills’ and ‘deep-thinking capabilities’ by 2020”
3/23: WFMY News 2: “Monique Johnson is Graduating Law School Despite Being 2 Feet Tall” profiles a third-year Elon University School of Law student who plans to advocate for disability rights after completing her degree this spring.
3/25: Philadelphia Inquirer: “Ultrasound laws are constitutional” is a column written by Elon Law faculty members Thomas Molony and Scott Gaylord on the legality of using ultrasound screenings in conjunction with abortion procedures.
3/29: WUNC 91.5 (NPR affiliate) / “The State of Things”: “Social Media and Social Change” featured Assistant Professor Safia Swimelar as a guest talking about the Kony 2012 video produced by Invisible Children.
3/30: WRAL-TV (Raleigh, N.C.): “Poll: Presidential candidates fails to inspire NC residents” reports on the latest data from the Elon University Poll. RELATED from WCNC-TV (Charlotte, N.C.): “Poll: North Carolinians lack confidence in presidential contenders” RELATED from the (Burlington, N.C.) Times-News: “Elon polls finds lack of confidence in Obama, GOP presidential hopefuls”
3/30: Fox 8 WGHP: “Police disguised as construction workers to check for seat belts” features an interview with Mike Rich, a professor at Elon University School of Law, on the legality of police officers dressing up to catch people breaking the law.
3/31: Charlotte Observer: “Poll shows confusion over scope of N.C. marriage amendment” includes observations from John Robinson, director of communications for the Elon University Poll, on the wording of a constitutional amendment that North Carolina voters will decide in May.