Elon University hosts Leadership Alamance Class of 2026 for higher education program

Elon University welcomed the Leadership Alamance Class of 2026 to campus on Feb. 19 for a daylong program focused on higher education and community partnership.

Sponsored by the Alamance County Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Alamance brings together professionals from business, government and nonprofit sectors across Alamance County. Participants are selected through an application process, and their employers sponsor their involvement, allowing one full-day absence each month for immersive learning experiences across the county.

Throughout the year, the cohort travels to sites around Alamance County to explore topics including education, foodways, history, law enforcement and public services and health care. Elon’s program offered participants insight into the university’s approach to experiential learning and civic engagement.

During their campus visit, participants engaged with faculty, staff and students in the Kernodle Center for Civic Life, the Center for Design Thinking and the Maker Hub. Workshops were led by Danielle Lake, director of design thinking and Dan Reis, assistant director of creative learning technologies, with assistance from student representatives. Leadership Alamance alumni Bob Frigo, director of the Kernodle Center for Civic Life and assistant dean of campus life, Sara Beth Hardy, assistant director of community partnerships and Kyle Anderson, associate director of the Kernodle Center for Civic Life also presented civic engagement initiatives at Elon.

Pamela Runestad, assistant professor of anthropology and a member of the Leadership Alamance Class of 2025, helped plan this year’s programming.

“Elon University works with community partners outside the institution in a number of ways every day,” Runestad said. “The Leadership Alamance Class of 2026 will get a snapshot of what that is like, and hopefully consider ways we can work together in the future.”

Following their time on campus, participants spent the afternoon learning more about the Alamance-Burlington School System and other educational sites throughout the community.

Each year, members of the Elon community participate in Leadership Alamance, strengthening partnerships and fostering collaboration across sectors. Through the program, community leaders build connections and develop shared strategies aimed at making Alamance County a stronger, safer and more equitable place.