3 // � e Legacies of Elon’s Leaders

Anthony HatcherPHOTO BY JACK DODSON

� e Legacies of Elon’s Leaders // 4P

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One look at Anthony Hatcher’s desk and a casual observer can immediately tell that a leader spends his time here. Folders crammed with research for the new multi-faith center and the portfolios he stayed in his offi ce until 11 p.m. one night to return to his senior seminar students, are little reminders. A pen holder sits against the windowsill, emblazoned with a quote from Christopher Morley: “There is only one success, to live your life in your own way.” And hanging on the wall, a more whimsical prompt – “No Whining.”

“That one’s there more for me than anyone,” Hatcher said of the warning.

The communications professor’s colleagues and students would be hard-pressed to fi nd him whining, but it is apparent Hatcher subscribes whole-heartedly to Morley’s words. His “own way” led him to Elon in 2002, after being promoted to the chair of the communications department at Pfeiffer University in Durham after only one year teaching there.

He later found out the step refl ected well on his leadership potential, as his soon-to-be employers at Elon University were being told Hatcher would be a workhorse.

“But if you look at our staff, everyone is basically a workaholic,” Hatcher said with a smile.

At Elon, Hatcher has combined his love of journalism with his other passions. A former religion writer, he has formed close ties with the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life and often is called upon to escort religious leaders when they visit campus. He also has stayed connected to his journalism roots by writing for both The News & Observer and The Charlotte Observer during the

summer months. Hatcher also serves as adviser to the Society of Professional Journalists at Elon.

As the “unoffi cial coordinator” of the public speaking courses, Hatcher oversees all instances of the General Studies course, and Adjunct Instructor of Communications Sharon Eisner said he was a driving force in making the class mandatory for communications students.

“He really puts his actions where his beliefs are, and he is a tremendously sincere person,” she said. “If he believes in something and he can do it, he will.”

That spirit and dedication showed itself the week after spring break 2010, when the half-semester public speaking courses were just beginning. Eisner, who practices the Jewish faith but had never taken off for Jewish holidays, was in a bind. Passover Week and the fi rst day of classes coincided.

“My family was getting together, my parents were coming in from Israel, but it was stressful,” she said. “But when I discussed it with Dr. Hatcher, he basically offered up his entire day to me.”

Hatcher took on the task of introducing the coursework to all three of Eisner’s classes that day, on top of his already busy schedule.

“I felt that he went beyond the norm in terms of making himself available because something was important to me,” Eisner said.

To Hatcher, leadership is more than just a title and a prestigious position.

“As important as committee work is, leadership is more interaction with students in terms of good teaching,” he said, “not, ‘Am I doing a good job on a committee?’”

Story By Camille DeMere

QUICK ASCENT TO HIGH STANDARDS

PHOTO BY JACK DODSON

GET TO KNOWAnthony Hatcher

Arrived at Elon in 2002

Hometown: Kenansville, NC

“I can’t complain but sometimes I still do. Life’s been good to me so far.”- Joe Walsh, The Eagles