Search

Following an extensive search, Jenna Martin Pendry has been named Executive Director. She joins Tri Sigma with a wealth of experience in association management and higher education. Jenna has more than 15 years of fraternity/sorority experience at Sigma Kappa where she began her post-college career as a traveling consultant. She advanced within the organization to become a Collegiate Services Manager and then Director of Collegiate Services. She most recently served as the Sr. Director of Membership Strategy where she was responsible for creating and implementing strategies to address the recruitment, retention, and engagement of members through all phases of membership. She also partnered with multiple teams in collegiate services, alumnae services, educational programming, and growth to implement the strategic plan, and was responsible for facilitating and directing communication across those teams to ensure key strategic initiatives were met. Jenna has been involved with several professional associations and facilitated a variety of programs for many organizations during her tenure in fraternity/sorority life. Jenna graduated from the University of Central Missouri with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Social Science Education. She achieved a master’s degree in Higher Education Leadership at Florida Atlantic University. “I am beyond excited to begin my tenure with Tri Sigma as their next executive director. It is a tremendous honor to be selected, and I look forward to the many accomplishments we will achieve,” Martin Pendry shares. “This is a new year and a new decade and we’re off to a fantastic start with welcoming Tri Sigma’s new Executive Director,” Tri Sigma National President Natalie Moore Averette shares. “Jenna brings exceptional talent and professional experience that will benefit the sorority. I’m delighted Jenna is joining our team and am looking forward to engaging with her on new perspectives and ideas for ensuring a prosperous future for Tri Sigma.” Jenna replaces Marcia Cutter, Beta Gamma–Ball State University, who retired in August 2019 after nearly 13 years.

Linda Henderson, Delta Psi–St. Joseph’s University, has been appointed as Chair of the College Panhellenics, one of the National Panhellenic Conference’s Standing Committees. These committees work in partnership with NPC staff to ensure both College and Alumnae Panhellenic Associations are supported in areas such as policy, recruitment and the judicial process. “I am thrilled to have Linda Henderson leading our College Panhellenics Committee. She has proven herself as a capable leader when serving as an area advisor coordinator, area advisor and RFM Specialist. Linda is a team player who can help us elevate the role of area advisor by focusing on increased training and accountability measures for this important NPC position,” said Frances Mitchelson, Panhellenics Chairman. NPC’s Standing Committees work in partnership with the NPC staff to ensure both College and Alumnae Panhellenic Associations are supported in areas such as policy, recruitment and the judicial process. They also provide direct assistance, where applicable, in the creation of Panhellenic operational resources and training materials. Linda has a long history as a both a volunteer Tri Sigma and the NPC. She has served as a Chapter Advisor, RFM Specialist, and is the author of the Collegiate Panhellenic Manual.

Tri Sigma continues its organization-wide commitment to diversity and inclusion with the announcement of two new partnerships. Timothy J. Fair has a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration from Mississippi State University, and is currently working at Auburn University as the Chief of Staff for the Office of Inclusion and Diversity. Ada K. Wilson has a J.D. from the University of North Carolina School of Law, and also works for Auburn University in the Office of Inclusion and Diversity as an Assistant Vice President for Access and Inclusive Excellence. Mr. Fair and Ms. Wilson will be working with Tri Sigma to develop a comprehensive cultural competency training module and training materials for undergraduate students, alumnae, volunteer leaders, and staff. Mr. Fair and Ms. Wilson will also help us measure the overall impact of these training efforts, and both will help create and lead our new national diversity and inclusion committee. “We are grateful to have Tim and Ada, who are clearly experts in the field of diversity and inclusion, help guide us and provide a framework for creating awareness and education, and to help us cultivate the kind of actions and attitudes that align with the values, principles, and policies of Tri Sigma,” said Marcia Cutter, Executive Director.

Tri Sigma is excited to pilot a Member Advisory Panel over the next 12 months. The purpose of the MAP is to empower the voices of collegiate and alumnae members. MAP members will provide ongoing input, ideas, and feedback about the relevant issues, trends, and changes in society that impact the membership experience.  The work of this panel will provide additional information to Executive Council and staff, which will help shape and define the work of the national organization. Those selected to be on MAP can expect to: Gain a broad perspective on the national organization’s infrastructure, group dynamics, and leadership opportunities. Interact with Executive Council, Tri Sigma staff, members, and other stakeholders of Tri Sigma. Participate in open and honest dialogue through direct connection to Executive Council and other leaders. UPDATE—Applications are now closed.

Past National President Kaye Schutte Schendel, Gamma Phi–University of Wisconsin-River Falls, received the 2017 Jack L. Anson Award during the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors’s Annual Meeting in Atlanta, on Dec. 2. This award is presented annually to an individual not employed by a college or university who has demonstrated a long-term commitment to the fraternal movement beyond his/her respective organization. Kaye was recognized for impacting thousands of students through service learning, both as a campus professional and Director of Global Initiatives for Delta Upsilon Fraternity. AFA is the community of professional practice for those committed to enhancing the fraternity/sorority experience, and the leading voice in creating a fraternity/sorority profession of ever-increasing skill, value, and inclusion.

Tri Sigma is pleased to announce the organization has been selected to establish a chapter at the University of Central Oklahoma, fall 2017. The University of Central Oklahoma was founded on December 24, 1890, and is the second oldest public institution in Oklahoma. With more than 14,000 students, UCO offers 118 undergraduate areas of study and 83 graduate programs from its main campus in Edmond and facilities throughout the Oklahoma City metro area. Among its 200+ student clubs and organizations, Tri Sigma will be among five other National Panhellenic Conference sororities on campus. Follow the new chapter’s journey by liking their Facebook page. Image Source: UCO

Tri Sigma is pleased to announce the organization has been selected to establish a chapter at the University of Wisconsin–LaCrosse this fall. Established in 1909, UW–LaCrosse is part of the University of Wisconsin System. With 9,600 undergraduate and 1,000 graduate students, it is composed of four schools and colleges offering 102 undergraduate programs, 31 graduate programs, and 2 doctoral programs. Among its 200+ student clubs and organizations, Tri Sigma will be among two other National Panhellenic Conference sororities on campus. Follow the new chapter’s journey by liking their Facebook page. Image Source: UW–LaCrosse