Bio
TaShaun L. Elliott is the Director of Finance and Business Operations, bringing over 15 years of expertise in higher education. Since 2008, she has held progressive roles in academic and student affairs, focusing on strategic planning, financial stewardship, and organizational management. Elliott’s career reflects a steadfast commitment to advancing institutional excellence, a journey that began with her joining Wake Forest University’s Human Resources team in 2014 and evolving within the Office of Diversity and Inclusion in 2015, where she continues to serve as a key force behind university-wide initiatives
In her current role, Elliott serves on the Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Team and is the senior executive assistant to the Vice President. She collaborates with others to improve organizational effectiveness, enhance financial and business practices, and lead transformative projects that support the university’s mission. She is a trusted advisor on strategic planning, special initiatives, and driving projects that align with the institution’s goals for long-term success.
Elliott oversees operating and gift budgets, providing financial reporting and budget oversight for Diversity and Inclusion and its Core Centers: Intercultural, LGBTQ+, and Women’s. Elliott also established a rigorous process to guide departmental contributions to Women and Minority-Owned Businesses, setting a strategic standard for inclusive financial practices. This model supports diversity in vendor selection and resource allocation, reinforcing the university’s commitment to equity and inclusion. She also serves as a member of the Senior Business Administrators Committee.
Her leadership extends across several key university committees, including the Network for Inclusive Leadership and Engagement, the Campus Climate Leadership Team, and the Campus Memorialization Steering Committee. Elliott staffs these committees, managing essential meeting logistics and ensuring each group functions effectively to foster a supportive and inclusive campus environment.
She also leads the Office of Diversity and Inclusion’s communication strategy, overseeing the R.I.D.E. and Diversity and Inclusion websites, newsletters, and social media channels to ensure impactful community engagement and broaden the reach of diversity initiatives.
Elliott holds a Master of Science in Adult and Higher Education with a concentration in Student Personnel Services from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Management from Winston-Salem State University. In 2023, she completed the Certificate in Leadership from Wake Forest University’s School of Professional Studies.