From the Black Student Union to the Student Government Association, several Elon University student leaders recently shared reflections on the Division of Inclusive Excellence’s framework for making campus a welcoming place for all people.
As the Division of Inclusive Excellence approaches the fifth anniversary of its founding later this year, students are sharing their reflections on the many ways they’ve felt embraced by Elon University – and where they see the potential to grow the overall impact of the division’s programs and policies.
The division itself is built on a framework to provide tools necessary for all people to flourish. Administrators work closely with students, faculty and staff to identify opportunities to connect and scale campus programs and initiatives that champion positive cross-cultural engagement at all times and in all places.
And for many students, inclusive excellence at Elon University is more than an office. It’s a value system. It’s a framing of diversity, equity, inclusion and other constructs that support belonging and well-being.
“Inclusive excellence is the foundation to a thriving community,” said Anna Matawaran ’25, a sociology and strategic communications double major now serving as the executive intern for the Division of Inclusive Excellence. “It represents a shared responsibility to embrace human differences, celebrate diversity and cultivate an environment where everyone feels valued and supported.”
‘A supportive and uplifting space is essential’
Students say that working within the inclusive excellence framework established by the division helps to create an environment that benefits all individuals with especially positive impacts on underserved groups.
Murphy Davis ’27, co-vice president-chief of staff of Elon’s Black Student Union (BSU), said she has learned how Elon works to support students from diverse backgrounds and ensure they feel empowered both in the classroom and across campus. The division’s physical presence on the second floor of Powell building is certainly important.
“As someone who often feels like an ‘other,’” Davis said, “having a supportive and uplifting space is essential.”
Davis’ position with the BSU and the organization’s connections on campus give her unique perspectives. As the BSU promotes a welcoming environment and advocates on behalf of Black undergraduate students at Elon, Davis notes that important work remains.
“There is great potential for the division to have an even stronger presence through more dedicated spaces, programs, and resources,” Davis said.

The Division of Inclusive Excellence currently works with various groups to create resources and initiatives that foster an equitable and inclusive community. These initiatives help students to engage with their environments and increase their understanding and knowledge around diversity, equity and inclusion.
Shriya Baru ’25 is an accounting major who describes feeling encouraged to share her culture with the university community.
“When it comes to accepting and welcoming people of different cultures and different races, I feel Elon is an amazing place,” said Baru, one of many student small business owners supported by the Doherty Center for Creativity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which has nurtured her work on launching an Indian American fashion fusion brand. “I just feel blessed to be in this school where I was welcomed by all.”
Matawaran notes how the Division of Inclusive Excellence strives to ensure equity, belonging and wellness across the campus.
“At Elon, I hope to see this commitment continue to evolve, weaving Inclusive Excellence into every interaction, initiative and decision to create a truly inclusive and welcoming space for all,” she said.
Inclusive excellence today and tomorrow
Robin Falkow ’25, a former Student Government Association (SGA) Speaker of the Senate, said she hopes to see a wider connection to the resources that the division can provide to students. SGA works toward making campus a more inclusive place by seeking to enhance student life and ensure the entire student body feels valued, heard and supported.
Students who participate in SGA can address concerns and promote positive change by working closely with university leaders, faculty and staff.
“It’s important to show students how they can have an active role in promoting inclusive excellence and what they can do to make Elon a more inclusive and inviting space,” Falkow said.
One way that SGA is working towards making campus more inclusive is with Students Promoting Inclusive Excellence, a committee within SGA whose work has been noticed by students. Marshall Horton ’27 and Carena Ziolkowski ’27 said they see positivity and a growing number of events that bring people together.
Nailah Ware ’26, an Odyssey Program scholar and Honors Fellow, also said she hopes to see a harmonious and infectious culture of inclusive excellence at Elon.
“I would like to see even more collaboration among different organizations on campus,” said Ware, a featured subject in The Huemanity of People project that highlights and celebrates stories of students, faculty and staff.
Matawaran said she supports embedding an inclusive excellence framework even deeper in Elon’s culture, while Davis said she hopes to see Elon continue its dedication to creating more resources that foster a more equitable campus and welcoming environment.
“In the future, I would like to see the Division of Inclusive Excellence expand its efforts to provide more targeted support and opportunities for minority students,” said Davis, who pointed to the Student Mentors Advising Rising Talent (SMART) peer mentoring program as one example of a successful program she admires. “I envision hosting events highlighting diversity such as collaborating with student clubs to celebrate heritage months and organizing speaker series on race, identity and social justice issues.”