The professor of exercise science begins leadership in June of a signature program that nurtures the intellectual pursuits of top Elon University students.
A faculty leader known across campus for her work in student mentoring, curriculum innovation and wellness-centered teaching has been named the next director of Elon University’s Honors Program.
Professor Svetlana Nepocatych from the Department of Exercise Science will bring to her new role extensive experience in undergraduate and graduate mentoring, interdisciplinary program development and faculty engagement. She begins her duties on June 1, 2026.
“An active scholar and mentor, Dr. Nepocatych’s proven leadership on curriculum committees, interdisciplinary initiatives, and her service as Faculty Fellow for Wellness and Well-Being reflect her deep commitment to faculty and student success and her inclusive, wellness-centered approach will no doubt enrich the Honors Program and its community,” said Rebecca Kohn, Elon University’s provost and vice president for academic affairs.
The Honors Program offers a rigorous, four-year academic experience designed for high-achieving students from all majors. The program combines small, discussion-driven courses, close faculty mentorship, undergraduate research, and global engagement to nurture critical thinking, communication, and ethical leadership.
Honors Fellows receive academic and financial support, including significant merit scholarships, specialized coursework, dedicated living-learning communities, and grants for thesis research and study abroad.
Nepocatych’s responsibilities as director of the Honors Program will include:
- Program leadership and development
- Oversight and assessment of the Honors curriculum
- Coordination and support of the Honors theses process
- Recruitment and selection of incoming Honors Fellows
- Communication with students about Honors policies, expectations, and events
- Support for Academic Advising
- Chairing the Honors Advisory Committee
Nepocatych’s work with Honors Fellows, particularly through the senior thesis process, has been a defining part of her tenure at the university since joining the faculty in 2011. Many of her students have presented nationally or co-authored scholarly work, an accomplishment she said highlights both their achievement and the visibility of the Honors Program.
“I’m excited to step into the role of Honors Program director,” Nepocatych said. “The program’s commitment to academic excellence, undergraduate research, and mentoring creates a transformative experience for students. I’m especially looking forward to supporting Fellows in thriving both academically and personally, with a focus on wellbeing, purpose, and belonging, by partnering with colleagues across campus to strengthen a program that reflects the best of Elon’s engaged learning mission.”
A thread of Nepocatych’s own scholarship focuses on evidence-based mentoring frameworks, and she is currently pursuing certification through the International Coaching Federation to deepen her work in student support.
Beyond her mentoring experience, Nepocatych has led academic initiatives across disciplines, serving as coordinator of a Food Studies minor, a faculty leader in the Department of Exercise Science and a Faculty Fellow for Wellness and Well-being. She has developed curricula, led assessment efforts and built programming that integrates wellness, inclusion and resilience into classroom practice.
Nepocatych’s leadership roles have included directing grant-funded research projects, chairing curriculum committees, coordinating new academic program proposals and supporting faculty through workshops and development programs.
Nepocatych will this spring shadow Professor Steve Bednar, who is concluding his four-year term as director of the Honors Program, formally stepping into the role.
A North Carolina registered dietician, Nepocatych earned her Ph.D. in human performance, a Master of Science in human nutrition, and a Master of Arts in human performance from the University of Alabama. She graduated from Wright State University in Ohio with her Bachelor of Arts in health and physical education.
I’m especially looking forward to supporting Fellows in thriving both academically and personally, with a focus on wellbeing, purpose, and belonging, by partnering with colleagues across campus to strengthen a program that reflects the best of Elon’s engaged learning mission.
– Professor Svetlana Nepocatych
Search Committee for the Director of the Honors Program
- Jen Uno, Associate Professor of Biology and Associate Director of CATL (search chair)
- Lori Hubbard, Assistant Professor of Nursing
- Katrina Jongman-Sereno, Assistant Professor of Psychology
- Brian Kremer, Associate Professor of Performing Arts
- Jane O’Boyle, Associate Professor of Strategic Communications
- Will Pluer, Assistant Professor of Engineering
- Katy Rouse, Professor of Economics