The event marks an historical milestone for one of Elon’s newest benefits for its employees and students.
Acorn Academy at Elon officially celebrated its opening with a ribbon-cutting on Sept.18, 2025. The on-site child care and early learning facility opened in August with full enrollment of children from infancy to 2 years old whose parents are members of the Elon University community, with plans to expand capacity and age groups in early 2026.
During the ribbon cutting, members of senior leadership at Elon, employees of Vivvi (Elon’s child care partner), and officials from the surrounding community gathered in the lobby of the newly-renovated facility.
Melissa Clodfelter, associate vice president for Human Resources and chief human resources officer for Elon, opened the ceremony by addressing the crowd.
“In order for our faculty and staff who are parents of young children to engage in their work, they need to know that their children are being cared for,” said Clodfelter. “This is a daunting task for many, and Elon University campus leaders have lessened this load by supporting the development of Acorn Academy.”
Next to speak was Elon President Connie Ledoux Book who, moments prior, toured the center along with Vivvi Chief Executive Officer Charlie Bonello. Together, they visited the two-year-old classroom to observe learning in action.
“I’m thinking about human transformation and what’s happening inside this building for those very young little acorns that are in the rooms right behind us,” said Book. “I’m grateful for what this signals for our community of workers here,” she added.
Book expressed her desire for Elon to be the employer of choice and to create an environment where the families of employees thrive.
“We’re really grateful to our partnership with Vivvi, who carries this same philosophy and who has also inspired me,” said Book.
In his address, Bonello reflected that parents get brief windows into their children’s daily lives – before and after drop-off and pick-up.
“Here at Acorn Academy, children are sharing their lives within the same community where their parents teach, study and work,” said Bonello. “That integration is uniquely and powerfully Elon, and it’s something these families and children will carry with them forever.”
“Education is the ladder to a better life,” said Cherelle Sharpe, the head of school for Acorn Academy who was instrumental in the curriculum design and regulatory process ahead of school open. “We have the privilege of planting those seeds early, inspiring young minds and encouraging children to become curious and confident lifelong learners.”
Then, to officially celebrate the opening, Book, Bonello, Sharpe and Janet Williams, vice president for Finance and Administration and chief financial officer, joined together for a ribbon cutting.
The ribbon cutting capped a busy back-to-school season for Acorn Academy which enrolled 27 children and their parents.
Parents at Elon Reflect on Child Care Benefit
“Having on-campus child care gives me tremendous peace of mind,” said Ty Goss, program assistant for the Departments of Art and Music in the College of Arts & Sciences. “I know my daughter is close by, which makes mornings much less stressful since I can conveniently drop her off on the other side of campus before heading into work.”
Goss adds that the affordability of Acorn Academy as an Elon employee alleviates the financial burden that comes with child care shortages in the area. She also says the instruction and care at the facility are excellent and reflect Elon’s support of working families.
“Having our child attend school on campus with other Elon faculty and staff children is a wonderful benefit for both us and him,” said Mustafa Akben, assistant professor of management and director of artificial intelligence integration. “He’s making friends and building his own Elon community, and we enjoy simple family moments like stopping by the Thursday farmer’s market after school.”
Akben describes child care as one of the most meaningful benefits an employer can provide and a way to support families. He also shared praise for the Acorn Academy staff keeping him updated throughout the day.
“Acorn Academy provides more than just child care—it offers an immersive early learning environment where children are actively engaged and supported,” said Smaraki Mohanty, assistant professor of marketing and Doherty Emerging Professor of Entrepreneurship.
She added that having child care as an employee benefit significantly enhances her ability to be fully present and productive in her work at Elon. “It provides peace of mind knowing that my child is in a safe, nurturing environment, which allows me to focus on teaching, research and service without the constant concern of managing care logistics,” said Mohanty.
She also shared praise for the attention each Acorn Academy staff member affords to each child to create a nurturing space that promotes both emotional and cognitive development.
“Having quality child care so close to where I work and live makes my experience as a working parent more realistic and sustainable,” said Becca Bishopric Patterson, associate director for the Gender & LGBTQIA Center. “I am so thankful that Elon has chosen to make this investment in the well-being of our families.”
Patterson expressed gratitude for Acorn Academy making it easy for parents and teachers to collaborate and she said the teachers have been kind, thoughtful and communicative.
What’s Next
In early 2026, Acorn Academy will open preschool classrooms to welcome children ages 3-5.
Elon employees and students who are parents can learn more about Acorn Academy by visiting their official website.