Bio
TaShaun L. Elliott (Shaun) serves as the Executive Director of Finance and Business Operations at Wake Forest University, bringing nearly twenty years of leadership experience in higher education. Known for her strategic mindset and commitment to institutional excellence, Elliott has built a distinguished career spanning financial stewardship, operational leadership, and student and academic affairs. Since 2014, she has played a pivotal role at Wake Forest, advancing equity-driven business practices and aligning resources with the university’s long-term vision.
In her current role, Elliott serves as a senior leader within the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and as a key member of the Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Team. She provides strategic oversight of operating and gift budgets for the division and its Core Centers (Intercultural, LGBTQ+, and Women’s), ensuring financial accountability and sustainability. A key advisor to the Vice President, Elliott leads cross-functional initiatives, supports institutional planning efforts, and champions innovative solutions that strengthen organizational effectiveness.
Beyond her financial leadership, Elliott is a dedicated steward of campus-wide collaboration. She staffs and contributes to several major university committees, including the Campus Memorialization Steering Committee and the Network for Inclusive Leadership and Engagement. In these roles, she manages logistics, supports effective operations, and ensures each group functions smoothly in alignment with the university’s broader diversity and inclusion goals.
Elliott also leads strategic communications efforts, overseeing the development and management of several university websites, newsletters, and social media channels. Her work in this area enhances community engagement and broadens the reach of key institutional initiatives.
She holds a Master of Science in Adult and Higher Education with a concentration in Student Personnel Services from North Carolina A&T State University, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Management from Winston-Salem State University. She also earned a Certificate in Leadership from Wake Forest University’s School of Professional Studies.