Student Life’s annual awards spotlight staff achievements and leadership

At its yearly celebration on Wednesday, May 1, the Division of Student Life recognized members for their outstanding leadership, valuable contributions, and notable successes.

Elon University’s Division of Student Life celebrated the accomplishments and contributions of its staff members, departments and work groups during the annual Student Life Year-End Celebration luncheon on Wednesday, May 1.

(left to right) Destiny Payne, assistant director of New Student Programs, and Emily Krechel, director of New Student Programs at the End-of-Year Student Life luncheon on Wednesday, May 1, 2024.
(left to right) Destiny Payne, assistant director of New Student Programs, and Emily Krechel, director of New Student Programs at the End-of-Year Student Life luncheon on Wednesday, May 1, 2024.

During the luncheon, the Division also acknowledged the achievements and work ethic of graduate assistants, staff members’ years of service, and professional development scholarship recipients. Special guests in attendance included Provost Kohn and Student Life retirees.

Division of Student Life Award Recipients

Academic Partnership Award

The Academic Partnership Award is presented annually to a Student Life professional and department that worked closely with academic partners to design a program or service that purposefully integrates curricular and co-curricular experiences or connects social and intellectual activities in an intentional manner.

Professional: Sara Beth Hardy, Kernodle Center for Civic Life

Department: Campus Recreation and Wellness

Administrative Professional Award

The Administrative Professional is presented annually to a Student Life administrative professional (hourly staff member) who exhibits exceptional ability, commitment, and excellence in supporting student success and departmental/divisional priorities and projects.

Professional: Mary Harding, Residence Life

Collaboration Award

The Collaboration Award is presented to an individual and department that has excelled in forming partnerships within and/or outside the Division of Student Life to enhance the student experience by advancing the division’s and/or university’s priorities.

Professional: Megan Noltemeyer, Assistant to the Vice President for Student Life

Department: Kernodle Center for Civic Life, the Center for Race, Ethnicity & Diversity Education (CREDE), and the Gender & LGBTQIA Center (GLC).

Inclusive Excellence Award

The Inclusive Excellence Award is presented to a professional and department that has demonstrated a commitment to fostering a positive campus climate and community through advancing diversity, equity and inclusion.

Professional: Tumi Shadreck, Counseling Services

Department: New Student Programs

Eleanor Finger, assistant vice president for student Life, dean of campus life and assistant professor presenting the Innovation Award at the End-of-Year Student Life Luncheon on May 1, 2024.
Eleanor Finger, assistant vice president for student Life, dean of campus life and assistant professor presenting the Innovation Award at the End-of-Year Student Life luncheon on Wednesday, May 1, 2024.

Innovation Award

The Innovation Award is presented to a professional and department that has developed new, unique programs, services, or ways of working to support our divisional mission and goals.

Professional: Paul Tongsri, Assistant Dean for Student Success and Retention

Department: Residence Life

Mentoring Award

The Mentoring Award is presented annually to a Student Life professional who is an exceptional mentor to students and engages with them in purposeful student development activities.

Professional: Marilyn Slade, Administrative Assistant for Student Life

New Professional Award

The New Professional Award is presented to an individual serving in their first or second year at Elon who exhibits exceptional ability and commitment to work as a Student Life professional.

Professional: Destiny Payne, New Student Programs

Professional Achievement Award

The Professional Achievement Award is presented to an individual who has significantly contributed to the student affairs profession.

Professional: Luis Garay, Gender & LGBTQIA Center (GLC)

Years of Service

5 Years

  • Luis Garay
  • Megan Noltemeyer
  • Charlotte Williams

10 Years

  • Jackie Allred
  • Jon Dooley

20 Years

  • Janis Baughman

Professional Development Scholarship

The Professional Development Scholarship Award is designed to extend beyond those opportunities to provide employees support to continue their professional growth through participation in selected professional experiences. Participants are expected to develop a creative strategy for sharing insights and lessons learned with colleagues back on campus.

Recipients

  • Whitney Gregory
  • Anita Hodnett
  • Simone Royal
  • Charlotte Williams