The AI-driven platform connecting students and alumni has won a national award for innovation and impact.
Elon Q&A {questions + alumni}, a collaborative initiative between Elon University’s Office of Alumni Engagement and the Student Professional Development Center (SPDC), has received national recognition from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), earning one of two awards for innovation and excellence in career development.
The platform, which launched in September 2024, was honored with the NACE Technology Excellence Award – College Honorable Mention, distinguishing Elon Q&A as a model for institutions seeking to leverage artificial intelligence and alumni engagement in support of student success.
Elon Q&A allows students and alumni to submit career-related questions through an intuitive AI-powered interface, which then connects them with relevant insights and experiences shared by Elon alumni. Since its debut, the platform has seen strong adoption across campus and among the alumni community, offering an easy, accessible way to foster meaningful connections and mentorship.
“We are thrilled that Elon Q&A has resonated so deeply with our community,” said Kendra Haskins, senior director of alumni engagement. “This recognition from NACE affirms the value of creating innovative tools that strengthen the Elon Network and empower students and alumni in their career journeys.”
The development of Elon Q&A was rooted in a shared vision between the SPDC and the Office of Alumni Engagement to better connect students and alumni in ways that are scalable, personalized, and impactful. Through the platform, users have explored topics ranging from internship and job search strategies to industry-specific guidance to what life is like in a particular city.
“The Elon community is stronger because of this new tool and program that allows for connections to be brokered between alumni and students. The partnership between the Alumni Engagement and Student Professional Development teams is a model for others to learn from,” shared John Barnhill ’92, associate vice president for University Advancement and strategic initiatives.
The NACE Awards recognize institutions and individuals that demonstrate excellence in the field of career services and university relations. This year’s award winners were selected for their outstanding achievements in innovation, collaboration, and measurable impact.
For more information on Elon Q&A or to explore the platform, visit www.elon.edu/askalumni.