Su McGlone in July assumed the position of director of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs, a vacancy that the university has struggled to fill permanently for the past two years.
The position remained open since February, when former Director Tanya McGinn Paolo left the post abruptly. Coordinator for Orientation and Administration Jamie Engle served as interim director until McGlone's hire.
Before Paolo, a year−longuniversity−wide hiring freeze instituted during the economic crisis left the university unable to hire anyone, during which time Dean of Student Affairs Bruce Reitman served as interim director.
McGlone has spent the first month of her time on campus getting acquainted with the campus environment and staff.
"Right now, I'm in the information−gathering phase," said McGlone. "I've met with the Student Affairs staff, and I'm starting to meet with some of the student leaders to get a feel for the campus."
McGlone aims to promote a stronger sense of community within the Tufts fraternities and sororities.
"The Greek population has a strong feeling of community, and I think that strength of that community can trickle out into the larger Tufts community, or even the greater Boston community," McGlone said.
McGlone claimed that while the lack of a permanent director was challenging for the university, it may have resulted in making the Greek organizations more self−sufficient.
"Students may not be used to having this kind of oversight to hold them accountable, but they may already be used to doing some things on their own," said McGlone. "I'd love to see a self−governing entity, with everyone holding each other accountable, and holding each other to high standards."
McGlone has no plans to add to the history of instability in her position.
"This is my dream job. I have no plans for leaving any time soon," McGlone said. "This is exactly what I set out to do after college and this is exactly the job that I want."
McGlone last worked at Clemson University, where student involvement in Greek life is more prevalent, she said. She is looking forward to transitioning to working in New England, which she describes as a unique environment for Greek life.
"Greek life in the Northeast is definitely different than other parts of the country," said McGlone. "What I think is so wonderful is that people don't come to a school like Tufts knowing that they want to join a fraternity or sorority ... but usually, they end up loving their Greek experience."
The members of the Greek community who have begun to work with McGlone are generally enthusiastic about her appointment.
"In general, the Greek community is very excited to have a new start," Inter−Greek Council President Eric Swanson, a senior, said. "It's been difficult the past couple years, but it seems like she is excited and committed to stay."
"She is amazing," Panhellenic Council President Gianna Wilkie, a senior, said. "She brings a lot of experience and enthusiasm to the position, and I look forward to working with her throughout this upcoming year."
Engle anticipates that McGlone will help to build connections within and beyond the Tufts Greek life community.
"She is a wonderful addition to the Student Affairs team and will make a wonderful adviser to and advocate for the fraternity and sorority community," Engle said in an email. "I hope Su will work with the chapters to continue to build a strong sense of community among Greek chapters."
