Sara Beth Hardy named director of community partnerships

Elon University has named Sara Beth Hardy director of community partnerships. The new role combines her current responsibilities at the Kernodle Center for Civic Life with duties previously held in a vacant position in the Office of the President.

In her expanded role, Hardy will provide leadership for campus-community partnerships, represent the university among a range of community stakeholders, support faculty in integrating community engagement into their courses, and develop and sustain partnerships with nonprofit organizations, government agencies, schools and local businesses to advance shared university and community priorities.

“It is a privilege to step into this new role and continue strengthening connections between Elon and the people and organizations that make our community thrive,” said Hardy. “I’m excited to deepen partnerships, support faculty and students in community-engaged learning, and help ensure Elon remains a trusted and collaborative partner in Alamance County and beyond. As someone born and raised in this community, this work is especially meaningful to me.”

Patrick Noltemeyer, chief of staff, secretary to the board of trustees and associate vice president, noted that Hardy’s ability to build meaningful relationships across the university and throughout the community makes her the ideal person to lead Elon’s community-building efforts.

“Sara Beth brings a deep understanding of Alamance County and a genuine commitment to the people and organizations that make this community so special,” Noltemeyer said. “I’m thrilled to work alongside her in this expanded role as we look to deepen Elon’s connections with our community partners and find new ways to collaborate on the issues that matter most to the people of Alamance County.”

Along with her community-building efforts, Hardy will also represent the university on community boards, committees and projects, and coordinate the efforts of other faculty and staff across the institution who also serve in these roles. She will also lead the Elon Partners Program and support the Student Professional Development Center in coordinating the Campus Alamance summer internship program.

Hardy brings nearly 14 years of experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, and community and government leadership to the role. Before joining Elon in 2022, Hardy served as downtown manager for the City of Burlington and as interim executive director and director of operations for the Burlington Downtown Corporation. She also held leadership roles with Allied Churches of Alamance County, the Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia and several Georgia-based nonprofit organizations. Hardy holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and public relations from Appalachian State University and a master’s degree in nonprofit management and international development from the University of Georgia.

Bob Frigo, assistant dean of campus life and director of the Kernodle Center for Civic Life, highlighted that Hardy’s background and experience position her well to lead the university’s community partnership efforts.

“Sara Beth brings deep experience across higher education, government and nonprofit sectors to this role, and we are excited about the campus–community partnerships that will develop under her leadership,” he said. “Her appointment is symbolic of Elon University’s commitment to community collaboration in pursuit of the public good—setting the standard for the broader purpose of higher education.”

Jon Dooley, vice president for student life and associate professor, also emphasized how the role reflects Elon’s mission and values.

“Sara Beth’s commitment to community partnership runs deep, and her work across Alamance County reflects the values at the heart of Elon’s mission,” he said. “We’re excited for the leadership she will bring in this new university-level role connecting our campus and community in meaningful ways.”

Hardy will begin the new role on March 1, 2026.