Elon University Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Elon University has 10 executives leading key functions including marketing, information technology, human resources, and student leadership.

Driven by a commitment to academic rigor and experiential learning, Elon University prepares graduates to navigate complex challenges and contribute meaningfully to their communities and professions.

Leadership Roles at Elon University

  • Co-Founder & Co-President - Emily Jones
  • Elon Sports Vision President - Philip Doherty
  • Club President - Zoe Richardson
  • Co-President, Alumni (Charlotte) - Connor Falla
  • President's Student Leadership Advisory Council - Holden Baris
  • SAAC President - Jp Quigley
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Mo Shabazz
  • Assistant To the Associate Vice President of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer - Mel Brown
  • Assistant To the Assistant Vice President and Chief Information Officer - Melodee Brown
  • Associate Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer - Melissa Clodfelter
  • Emily Jones - Co-Founder & Co-President

    Emily Jones, the Co-Founder & Co-President at Elon University, spearheads initiatives focused on student-led innovation and community engagement. Jones co-directs the strategic vision for student organizations, fostering an environment where creative and resilient individuals can thrive. This leadership role involves guiding the development of practical skills and encouraging collaboration among student groups to connect knowledge with real-world impact. By championing hands-on opportunities, Emily Jones ensures that student endeavors directly contribute to their personal growth and professional readiness. The Co-Founder & Co-President works to cultivate leadership and critical thinking, preparing students to navigate complex challenges. Jones's dedication to student success is evident in the impactful projects and initiatives launched under this leadership, reinforcing Elon University's commitment to developing ethical global citizens.

    Philip Doherty - Elon Sports Vision President

    Philip Doherty, the Elon Sports Vision President at Elon University, directs the strategic operations and vision for the university's sports media initiatives. Doherty oversees the production and dissemination of sports-related content, ensuring high standards of quality and engagement for the Elon community and beyond. This leadership role involves managing teams, developing content strategies, and leveraging technology to enhance the reach and impact of sports programming. By fostering collaboration between students, faculty, and athletic departments, Philip Doherty connects practical media skills with real-world application. The Elon Sports Vision President is instrumental in providing students with hands-on experience in sports broadcasting, journalism, and digital media production. Doherty's focus on innovation and student development prepares future media professionals to contribute meaningfully to their chosen fields.

    Zoe Richardson - Club President

    Zoe Richardson, the Club President at Elon University, leads a student organization focused on fostering academic and professional development. Richardson directs the planning and execution of club activities, including workshops, guest speaker events, and networking opportunities designed to enhance student learning and career readiness. This role emphasizes collaboration and mentorship, connecting students with resources and peers to build practical skills. By organizing events that align with Elon's commitment to experiential learning, Zoe Richardson ensures members gain valuable real-world insights. The Club President cultivates leadership and critical thinking among members, preparing them to address complex challenges in their academic and future professional lives. Richardson's dedication to student success empowers club members to contribute meaningfully to their university experience and beyond.

    Connor Falla - Co-President, Alumni (Charlotte)

    Connor Falla, the Co-President, Alumni (Charlotte) at Elon University, drives engagement and networking initiatives for the university's alumni base in the Charlotte region. Falla co-leads efforts to strengthen the alumni community by organizing events and fostering connections that support professional development and lifelong learning. This leadership role involves coordinating outreach strategies and facilitating opportunities for alumni to connect with current students and the university. By promoting collaboration and mentorship, Connor Falla helps alumni leverage their experiences to impact the broader professional landscape. The Co-President, Alumni (Charlotte) plays a crucial part in extending Elon's mission of real-world impact beyond graduation. Falla's work ensures that alumni remain active contributors to the university's vibrant network and continue to embody its values of resilience and ethical engagement.

    Holden Baris - President's Student Leadership Advisory Council

    Holden Baris, the President's Student Leadership Advisory Council at Elon University, provides crucial student perspectives to inform university leadership decisions. Baris leads the council in identifying key student concerns and opportunities, ensuring that student voices are integral to institutional planning and development. This role emphasizes collaboration between students and university administration, fostering a shared commitment to enhancing the educational experience. By channeling student feedback, Holden Baris contributes to the university's focus on innovative teaching and student success. The President's Student Leadership Advisory Council's input helps shape initiatives that promote critical thinking and leadership skills among the student body. Baris's active participation ensures that Elon University remains responsive to the evolving needs of its students, preparing them to navigate complex challenges effectively.

    Jp Quigley - SAAC President

    Jp Quigley, the SAAC President at Elon University, leads the Student Athlete Advisory Council in advocating for the welfare and development of student-athletes. Quigley directs initiatives aimed at enhancing the academic, athletic, and personal growth of student-athletes, ensuring a balanced and successful collegiate experience. This leadership position involves fostering a strong sense of community and providing a platform for student-athletes to voice their perspectives and concerns. By promoting collaboration and leadership opportunities, Jp Quigley connects athletic endeavors with broader university goals. The SAAC President plays a vital role in supporting student-athletes as they navigate academic rigor and competitive athletics, preparing them for future contributions. Quigley's commitment ensures that student-athletes are empowered to excel both on and off the field, embodying Elon University's dedication to holistic student success.

    Mo Shabazz - Chief Marketing Officer

    Mo Shabazz, the Chief Marketing Officer at Elon University, directs all university marketing initiatives. Shabazz oversees the strategic development and execution of branding campaigns designed to enhance the university's reputation and attract prospective students. This leadership role involves managing digital marketing, content creation, and public relations efforts to communicate Elon's unique educational philosophy. By analyzing market trends and student demographics, Shabazz ensures marketing strategies align with institutional goals for enrollment growth and alumni engagement. The Chief Marketing Officer collaborates with academic departments and administrative offices to highlight institutional achievements and foster a cohesive brand message across all platforms. Shabazz's focus remains on amplifying Elon's commitment to academic rigor and experiential learning, connecting knowledge with real-world impact through compelling storytelling and targeted outreach.

    Mel Brown - Assistant To the Associate Vice President of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer

    Mel Brown, the Assistant To the Associate Vice President of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer at Elon University, provides critical administrative support for the IT leadership team. Brown manages daily operations, schedules key meetings, and facilitates communication between the CIO's office and various university departments. This role ensures the smooth functioning of information technology services by supporting the implementation of strategic IT initiatives. Brown's responsibilities include coordinating project timelines, maintaining essential documentation, and assisting with the procurement of technology resources. The Assistant To the Associate Vice President of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer plays a vital part in maintaining the efficiency of IT operations, directly supporting the university's commitment to innovative teaching and student success through reliable technological infrastructure. Brown's support enables the CIO to focus on advancing the university's digital transformation efforts.

    Melodee Brown - Assistant To the Assistant Vice President and Chief Information Officer

    Melodee Brown, the Assistant To the Assistant Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Elon University, provides essential administrative and operational support to the Chief Information Officer. Brown manages the CIO's schedule, coordinates critical meetings, and ensures efficient communication flow across the Information Technology department and other university divisions. This position is fundamental to maintaining the operational integrity of IT services, supporting the university's dedication to leveraging technology for enhanced academic and administrative functions. Brown's duties encompass managing correspondence, organizing departmental events, and assisting with the preparation of reports and presentations that inform strategic IT decisions. The Assistant To the Assistant Vice President and Chief Information Officer's role is crucial in facilitating the seamless execution of technology projects and initiatives, thereby reinforcing Elon University's focus on student success and faculty support through robust digital infrastructure.
    Melodee Brown

    Melissa Clodfelter - Associate Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer

    Melissa Clodfelter, the Associate Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at Elon University, directs all human capital strategies and operations. Clodfelter oversees talent acquisition, employee development, compensation and benefits, and organizational culture initiatives, ensuring alignment with the university's mission of fostering ethical global citizens. This leadership position involves developing and implementing HR policies that support faculty and staff, thereby enhancing the overall learning environment. By focusing on employee engagement and retention, Melissa Clodfelter cultivates a supportive workplace that encourages collaboration and innovation. The Associate Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer plays a key part in building a resilient and ethical workforce, essential for Elon's commitment to academic rigor and experiential learning. Clodfelter's strategic approach to human resources directly contributes to student success by ensuring a stable and motivated university staff.
    Melissa Clodfelter

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Elon University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Elon University?
    Elon University is led by Emily Jones (Co-Founder & Co-President), along with executives such as Philip Doherty (Elon Sports Vision President) and Zoe Richardson (Club President).
    Who is part of Elon University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Elon University includes leaders such as Emily Jones (Co-Founder & Co-President), Philip Doherty (Elon Sports Vision President), Zoe Richardson (Club President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Elon University have?
    Elon University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Elon University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Elon University includes roles such as Co-Founder & Co-President, Elon Sports Vision President, Club President, Co-President, Alumni (Charlotte), President's Student Leadership Advisory Council.