President Book will receive the award honoring college or university presidents whose strategic vision, student focus and collaborative spirirt have moved their institution forward in meaningful ways.
Elon University President Connie Ledoux Book has been selected to receive the 2026 Courageous Leadership Award from Credo, powered by Carnegie.
The annual award, given by higher education consulting firm Credo, honors a college or university president whose strategic vision, student focus, and collaborative spirit have moved their institution forward in meaningful ways.
“President Book embodies the very best of courageous leadership. Her clarity of vision, steady hand and deep commitment to student success have positioned Elon for long-term strength. She leads with purpose and partnership, and the impact of that leadership is felt across the higher education landscape,” said Bill Fahrner, president of Credo, powered by Carnegie.
Elon has continued to grow and flourish since Book began her presidency in 2018. In September, Elon earned its fifth consecutive #1 national ranking for undergraduate teaching from U.S. News & World Report this year and is recognized as the only university in the country ranked in the top 10 of all eight categories of academic programs linked to student success and positive learning outcomes.
Student success has been a hallmark of Book’s presidency. She led the creation of the 10-year Boldly Elon strategic plan, a comprehensive roadmap that strengthens engaged and experiential learning, expands academic excellence and global study, and deepens Elon’s commitment to mentoring and support. The plan has guided major institutional investments—from the Innovation Quad, the HealthEU Center and expanded health sciences programs to new residential facilities and strengthened student life initiatives—that collectively advance Elon’s nationally recognized model of high-impact learning. Under her leadership, Elon has continued to build systems that support every student’s journey, ensuring they have the relationships, resources, and opportunities needed to thrive.
A recent example of Book’s forward-looking leadership is Elon’s expansion in Charlotte through the establishment of a part-time law school, the addition of a physician assistant program, and a proposed merger with Queens University of Charlotte. These strategic moves extend Elon’s reach into one of the Southeast’s fastest-growing metropolitan areas and position the university to bring its nationally recognized model of engaged learning to a broader community of students. The Charlotte initiatives reflect Book’s commitment to bold, future-focused action—strengthening student opportunity, deepening industry partnerships, and enhancing Elon’s regional impact.
Book has established herself as a national leader advocating for access to higher education. She recently served as board chair for the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU). She currently serves as NAICU’s representative to the board of the American Council on Education (ACE).
Prior to being named Elon’s ninth president, Book served as the first woman provost of The Citadel. She previously served Elon University as an associate provost and as a faculty member in the School of Communications.
The award will be presented at the Council for Independent Colleges (CIC) Presidents Institute Presidential Appreciation Dinner to be held January 5, 2026 in Orlando, Florida.