The director of the Elon College Fellows offered praise for the quality and passion of the hundreds of high school seniors she met during an annual event for admitted students in contention for Elon University’s signature academic programs.
Elon College, the College of Arts & Sciences, recently welcomed hundreds of prospective Elon College Fellows and their families for one of the most prominent admitted student events hosted each year at Elon University.
Nearly 300 aspiring Elon College Fellows participated in academic sessions, program receptions, group simulations and interviews during Fellows Weekend. Led by the Office of Admissions, the annual Fellows Weekend invites to campus high school seniors in contention for the university’s signature fellows and scholarship programs.
“Talking with prospective Elon College Fellows was incredibly energizing,” said Associate Professor Renay Aumiller, director of the Elon College Fellows program. “Students brought such thoughtfulness, curiosity and openness to every conversation, and it was clear how deeply they were already thinking about learning, collaboration and purpose. Those moments of dialogue and connection are always my favorite part of Fellows Weekend.”
Prospective Elon College Fellow talking to Professor of Psychology Alexa Darby
Prospective Elon College Fellows posing for a photo
Dean of Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences Hilton Kelly speaking to Prospective Elon College Fellow
Prospective Elon College Fellow speaking to Associate Professor of Chemistry Anthony Rizzuto
Prospective Elon College Fellows and current Elon College Fellows posing for a photo.
Associate Professor and Director of arts administration talking to Prospective Elon College Fellow
Associate Dean of Elon College, the College of Arts & Sciences & Associate Professor of Psychology talking to prospective Elon College Fellow
Associate Professor Renay Aumiller, director of the Elon College Fellows program (left) with prospective Elon College Fellows.
Assistant Teaching Professor of Political Science and Public Policy Jillian Auditori laughing with prospective Elon College Fellow
Prospective Elon College Fellows posing for a photo
Associate Professor of Political Science and Public Policy Sean Giovanello speaking with prospective Elon College Fellow
Prospective Elon College Fellows posing with current Fellows
Associate Professor of Environmental Studies Amanda Chunco speaking with a prospective Elon College Fellow
The Elon College Fellows program is a four-year academic and professional program for students who are passionately committed to exploring the breadth, depth and connections within Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences.
There are three branches of the Elon College Fellows program for the 60 students selected for the cohort: Arts and Humanities Fellows, Mathematical and Natural Sciences Fellows and Social Sciences Fellows. Among other requirements, Fellows must intend to major in one of the many fields within Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences and rank in the top 15% of their high school class.
Aumiller said she was struck by both enthusiasm and depth of engagement displayed by students throughout Fellows Weekend, which took place Feb. 6-7, 2026. The weekend also provided an opportunity for prospective families to connect with faculty, staff and current Elon students in the Elon College Fellows program.
“I left the weekend feeling inspired,” Aumiller said. “The energy was vibrant, focused and genuinely curious. Students were asking thoughtful questions, listening closely and engaging with one another in meaningful ways. There was a real sense of excitement about learning and being part of something larger than themselves.
“It was a joy to meet so many students and their families and to share the values of the Elon College Fellows program with them,” she added. “The level of engagement, warmth and enthusiasm throughout the weekend made it a special experience for all of us involved.”