- 2021 Neag School Alumni Awards
- Maria Enrique, Outstanding Early Career Professional
- James Wildman, Outstanding School Educator
- Lauren Rodriguez, Outstanding School Administrator
- Sylvester Kent Butler Jr., Outstanding Higher Education Professional
- Melissa Thom, Outstanding Professional
- Jamelle Elliott, Distinguished Alumna
- Alumni Board Scholarship Recipients
2021 Neag School Distinguished Alumna
A standout student-athlete and member of UConn’s first NCAA Championship team, Jamelle Elliott is in her second stint as an assistant coach for the UConn women’s basketball team entering the 2020-21 season.
A two-time UConn graduate, including an advanced degree in sport management, Elliott was previously on the UConn Athletics staff from 1998 to 2009, helping guide the UConn Huskies to five national championships. Elliott went on to serve as the head women’s basketball coach at Cincinnati from 2009 to 2018. The Bearcats earned two postseason berths, and every student-athlete who exhausted their eligibility earned their degree. After Cincinnati, Elliott returned to UConn to serve as the associate athletic director for the National C Club, before being named assistant coach. The National C Club connects alumni athletes with one another, as well as with UConn’s current student-athletes, through mentorship, networking, and internship opportunities. She has also spearheaded a student-athlete leadership development program.
Elliott is known among the coaching staff and players as a great teacher, communicator, and recruiter.
“This honor is absolutely well deserved and it couldn’t go to a more respected, distinguished alum from UConn. The Neag School of Education is one of the most prestigious schools here at the University of Connecticut, and for them to bestow this honor on Jamelle speaks to her integrity and her willingness to overcome so many odds during her career. She means the world to me as a person, as a friend and as a peer. What she’s done for the University of Connecticut will be remembered forever.”
— Geno Auriemma,
Head Coach,
UConn Women’s Basketball
Acceptance Remarks from Jamelle Elliott
Well Wishes
“I have known Jamelle for 25 years, having seen her develop from an accomplished student-athlete leader into a nationally recognized coach and educator of collegiate women’s basketball players – both on and off the court. She applies what she learned in the Neag School to positively impact the development of all those around her. Jamelle’s energy and smile are infectious, as she raises the spirits of all she meets. Personally, every time I see her, I cannot help but smile, because of her positive energy. I am grateful and proud to be able to call her my friend.”
— Scott Brown,
Emeritus Distinguished Professor of Educational Psychology,
Neag School of Education
“Dear Jamelle,
Congratulations on this award. I cannot think of anyone who deserves it more! I am sorry that the awards ceremony is remote this year. I would have preferred to congratulate you in person.”
— All the best,
Jerome Spears ’70, ’81,
Former Neag School Alumni Board President and Longtime Board Member
“Jamelle: I have watched you and have been a fan since your freshman year. Congratulations on getting this award.”
— Norma Sproul,
Neag School Alumni Board
“Congratulations, Jamelle! Appreciate your ongoing support and commitment to UConn.”
— Jennifer McGarry, Professor,
Neag School of Education
“Congratulations, Jamelle! So delighted for you!”
— Heather McDonald
“Jamelle, Congratulations! I am so happy for you in receiving this recognition. You are a great person and friend. Best wishes for much happiness and continued success.”
— Scott Brown, Professor Emeritus,
Neag School of Education