DONATIONS DO NOT GO TOWARDS MARCUS OR MYSELF!!! They go towards the website!!!

To the Administration of Elon University,

We, the undersigned students, alumni, faculty, staff, and supporters of the Odyssey Program, are writing to express deep concern and disappointment regarding the abrupt termination of Marcus Elliot, Director of the Odyssey Program. Marcus was let go effective immediately, without prior warning, after 12 years of dedicated service. He was informed that Elon is restructuring the program to be led by a faculty director, instead of a staff member.

This decision was made without transparency, without input from the Odyssey community, and without regard for the students who have trusted Marcus Elliot and the program as a whole to guide and support their college journey.

The Odyssey Program supports students who have overcome tremendous barriers to access higher education. These scholars often face financial, social, and structural challenges that make college especially difficult to navigate. For many, Marcus Elliot was the first person who made Elon feel like home. His leadership, consistency, and compassion have been foundational to the program’s success and to the personal and academic growth of hundreds of students.

We are calling on Elon University to:

1. Provide a full and transparent explanation for the decision to restructure the leadership of the Odyssey Program and the abrupt termination of Marcus Elliot.
2. Commit to including Odyssey scholars and community members in future decisions about the structure and leadership of the program.
3. Publicly reaffirm the university’s commitment to equity, student support, and meaningful inclusion, not just in words, but through action.

Marcus Elliot’s twelve years of service cannot and should not be dismissed without reflection or recognition. The students he served deserve better. The Odyssey Program deserves stability, respect, and voice.