UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Chris Jefferson, who has served as the director of the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life for 3 years will be leaving Penn State on April 27. Megan Pepper, who currently serves as the associate director for the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life will step into the role of interim director.
Jefferson has accepted a position at his alma mater, the University of Missouri as director of Fraternity and Sorority Life.
“Chris brought thoughtfulness and reflection to important work, and his basic decency and sincere care for students were always evident,” said Damon Sims, vice president for Student Affairs. “I recognize the gravitational pull one’s alma mater can have, and I wish Chris all the best back at Missouri. Fortunately, we have Megan well-prepared to step into the interim role, and I look forward to working closely with her and her team as engage with the various constituencies within the fraternity and sorority community to reconsider the relationships, policies, and practices that are critical to sustaining a successful and safe Greek life experience at Penn State.”
Jefferson joined Penn State in 2019 just two years after the University implemented a series of reforms to address aimed at curbing dangerous drinking, hazing, sexual assault and other negative behaviors. During his tenure, he worked to continue that trajectory by refocusing fraternity and sorority life on values, such as leadership and services.
Among the many contributions Jefferson has made during his time at Penn State has been the organization and presentation of a series of focus group discussions aimed at the reconsideration of those reforms, the summary of which will be key next steps in Penn State’s continuing effort to promote a successful, safe and sustainable fraternity and sorority system at Penn State.
Pepper, who will serve as the interim director while a national search is launched, has considerable experience in fraternity and sorority life, including as director of Fraternity and Sorority Life at the University of Nevada, Reno.