Fraternity and Sorority Life Director Chris Jefferson honored for achievements

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Chris Jefferson, director of the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life in Penn State Student Affairs, was recently recognized by the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors (AFA) for his outstanding achievements.

Jefferson was awarded the Sue Kraft Fussell Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes individuals who have exhibited outstanding achievements in one or more of the following areas: service to AFA; programming and/or service that reaches beyond the recipient's campus/organization; development and research activities; and/or service to the college and fraternity/sorority communities.

“There is no question Chris merits the recognition this award provides. His insight about fraternity and sorority affairs, combined with his thoughtfulness, openness and amiability, has expanded the reach and influence of the staff he leads, which, in turn, has benefited all of us who share the good fortune of working closely with Chris and his colleagues in Fraternity and Sorority Life,” said Damon Sims, vice president for Student Affairs.

Jefferson joined the AFA in 2006 and has focused on mentoring through programs and elevating the experience of culturally based fraternal organizations, specifically those associated with the National Pan-Hellenic Council. He also serves on the AFA Professional Development Committee.

Jefferson began his role at Penn State in 2019 and since that time has developed constructive partnerships with University colleagues, student leaders, fraternity alumni and national organizations, and community members in his work to provide leadership and vision for the fraternity and sorority program. Jefferson has implemented and expanded educational training and leadership programs for student leaders, chapter advisers, and fraternity and sorority members.

“Fraternity and sorority advising goes well beyond working with student organizations that happen to have Greek letters. It’s about creating meaningful engagement experiences for students that afford them the opportunity to connect, learn to integrate values through action, discover a passion for giving back, and realize their leadership potential. The work can be challenging at times, but it has largely been a privilege to be in a position to make a difference in the lives of students,” said Jefferson. “I am grateful for the recognition and humbled by the colleagues, more appropriately my mentors, that nominated me for this honor!”

Jefferson also is a project leader for RISE Partnerships, where he facilitates RISE’s training programs for fraternity and sorority new member educators, volunteer advisers, and new officers. Jefferson also serves on RISE’s curriculum design team, developing new programs for clients, and on the consulting team as an analyst on assessment and strategy projects.

He currently serves as the NASPA Fraternity/Sorority Knowledge Community co-chair elect and is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.

The Sue Kraft Fussell Award was created in 1985 and re-named for AFA's second executive director, Sue Kraft Fussell, in 2006. AFA is a community of professional practice for those committed to enhancing the fraternity/sorority experience.