Gerry Elkan received his Ph.D. in microbiology from Virginia Tech and joined the NC State University faculty in 1958. While he technically retired from NC State in 1994, Elkan has remained extremely active in the areas of teaching, research, and mentoring.

Park Faculty Scholar Dr. Gerry Elkan.

Over the course of his career, Elkan has taught over 3,000 students, directed 30 master’s degree students and 28 doctoral students, and published 125 refereed articles and 3 monographs. He has been a visiting professor at universities in Malaysia and Puerto Rico, and has had the distinction of receiving Fulbright awards for research to Sweden and Venezuela.

Elkan has worked extensively with the Park Scholarships program by serving on the steering committee, teaching a freshman seminar, leading study trips, mentoring four classes of Park Scholars, and chairing the Park Enrichment Grant committee. He also serves as the adviser for the Thomas Jefferson Scholars Program.

For his exemplary service and scholarship, Elkan was awarded the Alexander Q. Holladay Medal for Excellence – the highest award presented by NC State for faculty achievement.