Sara Beth Hardy, the Assistant Director for Community Partnerships at Elon University’s Kernodle Center for Civic Life, is making a significant impact in both the academic and local community through her dedication to fostering relationships and driving positive change. Since stepping into her role in 2022, Sara Beth has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to enhancing community engagement, advancing civic learning, and nurturing the next generation of community leaders.
In her current role, Sara Beth excels in forging and nurturing collaborative relationships between faculty and community partners, creating opportunities for students to engage in meaningful, real-world experiences through Elon’s community-based learning initiatives. These initiatives aim to deepen students’ understanding of civic responsibility while simultaneously benefiting the local community through projects that address real-world challenges.
Her work in advancing these collaborations has been widely recognized across campus. In 2024, Sara Beth was honored with the Division of Student Life’s Academic Partnership Award. This accolade reflects her success in building strong ties between Elon’s academic programs and local nonprofits, government agencies, and businesses. Thanks to her leadership, the number of community-based learning courses offered at Elon has grown substantially, providing more students with the opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge to help meet community needs.
Beyond her professional work, Sara Beth is deeply involved in various local initiatives. She serves on the Bridging Team for the “For Alamance” Initiative, a collaborative effort to address key issues facing Alamance County. She also serves on the ABSS Teacher of the Year Selection Committee. Her active involvement in these initiatives, along with her role at Elon, speaks to her unwavering dedication to improving the lives of those around her. Sara Beth’s ability to balance her professional responsibilities with her commitment to local progress is a testament to her leadership and passion for service.
One of Sara Beth’s defining qualities is her dedication to mentoring others. Whether it’s through formal programs like Elon’s Campus Alamance Program, which places over 30 interns with local nonprofits, or her informal mentorship of young professionals, Sara Beth continually invests in the development of future leaders. Her mentees often speak of the personal and professional guidance she provides, noting that her encouragement has been instrumental in shaping their careers and commitment to service.
Sara Beth’s connection to Alamance County runs deep. Born and raised in the area, she has always been passionate about giving back to the community that shaped her. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Public Relations from Appalachian State University and her Master of Arts in Nonprofit Management from the University of Georgia, she returned home to make a difference.
Sara Beth Hardy is a remarkable leader whose work in civic engagement, community development, and mentorship has had a profound impact on both Elon University and the wider Alamance County community. Her achievements reflect her unwavering commitment to fostering collaboration, advancing civic learning, and building stronger, more connected communities. Through her work, Sara Beth exemplifies what it means to be a Rising Star.
