Hokies in Fraternity and Sorority Life stood out as leaders and changemakers at AFLV Central, the Association of Fraternal Leadership & Values conference.
More than 120 campuses and over 2,300 attendees participated in the annual conference, dedicated to the progress of fraternity and sorority experiences nationwide.
Virginia Tech’s fraternity and sorority community of more than 5,700 students represents just over 18 percent of undergraduate students.
This year, Fraternity and Sorority Life supported the conference through operational involvement and workshop presentations. In recognition of Fraternity and Sorority Life’s excellence over the past year, Virginia Tech students, councils, and staff received eight awards.
Starting with service
Chandler Crean, assistant director of Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL), managed on-site registration operations, where he welcomed thousands of campus representatives and attendees.
Crean said, “I was proud to represent Virginia Tech by demonstrating that our students and staff are not only engaged on our campus but are actively contributing to and shaping the broader field of higher education. Our presence reinforced that Hokies lead with integrity, collaboration, and service well beyond Blacksburg.”
Rhian Batts, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., served as a student intern for conference operations. She said she loved working behind-the-scenes, knowing she was contributing to an impactful experience for fraternity and sorority leaders from across the country
“It was rewarding to work alongside professionals and student leaders who are passionate about FSL and to see how much intentionality goes into creating spaces for growth, connection, and development,” she said.
Fraternity and Sorority Life teams presented two workshops during the conference. Tianna Pride, coordinator for Fraternity and Sorority Life and advisor to the Interfraternity Council, and Archer Snell, member of Beta Theta Pi and Interfraternity Council president, presented “Town, Tailgates, and Teamwork.” They showcased how the Adopt a Cop program’s enduring partnership between Fraternity and Sorority Life’s Interfraternity Council and the Blacksburg Police Department has fostered trust and teamwork at big events.
“We wanted to show that fraternities and sororities can take the lead in promoting safety and being good community partners,” said Pride. “Our hope is that others walked away with practical ideas they can use on their own campuses and a renewed belief that collaboration really does make a difference.”
Snell also focused on audience impact. He said, “It was really cool to see how amazed the other schools were with our practices and getting them to think about how they could bring them to their campuses.”
