Elon University leaves its mark at the 2026 ACPA Convention

Elon University staff made substantial contributions and impact during the ACPA 2026 Annual Convention, held in Baltimore, Maryland, from March 30 through April 2. Throughout the convention, several faculty and staff members were recognized for their outstanding work in student affairs, led conference sessions, and celebrated the ACPA presidency of Jonathan A. McElderry, dean of student inclusive excellence and assistant professor.

The convention, themed “Be More Anchored,” explored what it means to be grounded in one’s roots, core values and unwavering purpose.

“Let us leave this place more grounded, more courageous, and more committed—to one another, to our values, and to the future of this association,” McElderry said during his opening speech to attendees.

One highlight of the convention was the Division of Student Life being recognized as one of the Most Promising Places to Work in Student Affairs for the sixth consecutive year. Presented by The EDU Ledger, the designation recognizes higher education institutions that demonstrate a strong commitment to creating a supportive, equitable and sustainable work environment for student affairs professionals.

“This recognition reflects our leadership commitment for staff support, belonging, and professional growth,” said Jon Dooley, vice president for Student Life.  “When staff find meaning and purpose in their work, they are able to be at their best for our students and create environments and experiences that help students thrive.”

Elon is one of only two institutions to earn this recognition for six consecutive years, alongside Kent State University.

Another notable honor recognized during the convention was the 2026 Anne S. Pruitt Presidential Citation Award, awarded to Jon Dooley for his support and mentorship during McElderry’s presidency. Though announced in January 2026, the award was formally presented at the convention.

The convention also marked the conclusion of McElderry’s term as the 86th ACPA president, capping a year of leadership focused on mentorship, equity-minded practice and reflection on the future of student affairs.

“Our work does not pause with a person — it continues through purpose,” McElderry said during his closing remarks.

As McElderry ends his term in ACPA leadership, Emily Krechel, director of New Student Programs, will begin her term on the ACPA Leadership Council as incoming Chair for Member Retention.

As chair, Krechel will help lead efforts to ensure members feel connected, supported and engaged, focusing on retention strategies, data-informed decision-making and alignment with the association’s broader strategic goals.

“I’m really excited to focus on building meaningful connections that help members see themselves in ACPA for the long term,” Krechel said. “Retention is about more than numbers, it’s about creating a professional home where people feel valued, supported, and inspired to stay engaged.”

Other recognitions included Citlalli (Cici) Salazar ’23, G’26, receiving the 2026 Erik M. Colon Outstanding Graduate Student Award and Jana Lynn Patterson, dean of student health and well-being and associate vice president for Student Life, receiving a retirement resolution, read during the ACPA Business Meeting.

In addition, Elon faculty and staff led multiple presentations. Presentations included:

• Healing Together: Black Women and Latinas Facilitating Care/Cariño Through Plática/Dialogue (Calhoun & Hernandez Rivera)
• Strategic Planning as a Process to Advance Divisional Excellence (Dooley, Krechel, McElderry, Noltemeyer, & Payne)
• Documenting and Strengthening High-Impact Student Experiences (Dooley & Noltemeyer)
• Creating Professional Development Opportunities with Limited Funding: History and Lessons (Garay)
• Emerging Scholars Research: Minoritized Students, Practitioners, and Necropolitical Norms (Hernandez Rivera)
• Shaking the Table: Survival and Healing Amongst Identity Center Practitioners (Hernandez Rivera, McElderry, Garay et al.)
• Working with Respondents in Sexual Misconduct Cases: Perspectives from Practitioners (Karbley & Karunarathne)
• ’Round About Campus Presents: A Live Episode on Equity-Minded Mentoring (McElderry, Hernandez Rivera, Krechel, et al.)

Among those who presented were several staff members attending the ACPA Convention for the first time. For these individuals, the experience was a dynamic opportunity for professional development, connection and growth.

“I really enjoyed connecting with student affairs professionals from other institutions to learn more about their work, discuss shared challenges, and brainstorm ideas, especially as we collectively navigate the complexities of higher education right now,” Lauren Feeley, program assistant for Student Involvement, said.

Looking ahead, ACPA is expanding its benefits. Beginning July 1, ACPA will offer free membership to all degree-seeking master’s and undergraduate students, expanding access for the next generation of professionals.

As the convention concluded, staff members reflected on key takeaways from their experience and the convention’s central theme.

For Stephanie Hernandez Rivera, assistant professor in the Master of Arts in Higher Education Program and Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education Emerging Professor, the impact centered on graduate student success.

“One important takeaway I have is the importance of investing in graduate student success and development and the next generation of higher education professionals,” Hernandez Rivera said. “As someone who also served as faculty for the NextGen Institute for ACPA right before the conference, which is an institute for undergraduate students in the field, I saw this reflected in their participation in the institute and the dedication of those of us who facilitate the Institute to ensure the next generation of professionals is prepared for the field.”

Megan Karbley, director of compliance and Title IX coordinator, reflected on her overall experience being able to fellowship with Elon colleagues.

“I can always rely on feeling re-energized after attending ACPA,” Karbley said. “This was my first ACPA experience with my Elon colleagues, and I left feeling more connected to colleagues across divisions and reminded that I am not alone in the work of navigating complex community needs.”

While Karbley reflected on connection and renewed energy, others highlighted the long-term professional impact of attending ACPA.

“I’ve been attending ACPA for nearly 30 years and every time I return with fresh ideas and new takeaways,” said Tierza Watts, director of the Center for Leadership and director of the Isabella Cannon Leadership Fellows. “This year, I learned about an innovative assessment method called Photo Voice, and I’m looking forward to collaborating with a few offices to apply it in a leadership assessment project.”

As attendees reflected on their individual experiences, a shared theme emerged: a commitment to investing in the field’s future. That vision was reinforced in McElderry’s closing remarks.

“It is time to turn the page to the next chapter in our association’s history — grounded in our roots, guided by our values, and steadfast in our purpose,” McElderry said.