The Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors is excited to recognize the outstanding contributions of its members, colleagues, and programs by announcing its 2025 award recipients.
Award recipients are selected by the AFA’s Awards & Recognition Committee based on nominations and are approved by the AFA Board of Directors. Recipients will be honored during AFA’s Awards & Recognition Week beginning September 29, and will be presented their awards during the AFA Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada from December 8 – 11.
On behalf of the AFA Foundation, friends and colleagues are invited to honor award recipients with an “In Honor Of” gift to the AFA Foundation. These gifts will be used to advance the work of AFA through scholarships, grants, and funding for professional development initiatives. To make an In Honor Of gift, click here. Then, please select “In Honor Of” and list the award recipient(s) in the comment box below the tribute notification. The AFA Foundation will share the list of donors with the award recipients following the 2025 AFA Annual Meeting.
2025 Individual Award Recipients
Dr. Kent L. Gardner Award
Presented annually to a senior college/university administrator who has demonstrated a continued commitment to the advancement of fraternities and sororities.
Dr. Kevin Bailey
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Dr. Kevin W. Bailey is a leader, mentor, and advocate whose 30+ year career in higher education has been defined by elevating student voices and transforming campus life. In his current position, he leads efforts that champion student success, well-being, and engagement for more than 31,000 students. A member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Dr. Bailey’s influence spans multiple institutions—including the University of West Florida, Tulane University, Millersville University, Bowling Green State University, and Indiana University of Pennsylvania—where he has built bridges between academic and student affairs, and between university leadership and student communities.
His commitment to fraternity and sorority life is both deep and personal. As former Director of Curriculum for Kappa Alpha Psi’s Undergraduate Leadership Institute, he helped shape over 1,200 fellows from 150+ chapters, embedding leadership, ethics, and social justice into the heart of the program. Nationally, he has served on the AFA Board of Directors, chaired the Senior Student Affairs Officers Advisory Committee, and advanced key conversations on hazing prevention and collaboration.
A NASPA Pillar of the Profession, Dr. Bailey is celebrated for his visible presence, collaborative spirit, and unwavering belief in students’ ability to lead and create lasting change.
Jack L. Anson Award
Presented annually to an individual not employed at an institution of higher education who has demonstrated a continued commitment to the fraternity/sorority community beyond the individual’s respective organization.
Bonnie Wunsch
Executive Director, Alpha Epsilon Phi
An active member of the fraternity/sorority life community since her time as a student at Emory University, Bonnie Wunsch has contributed nearly four decades of service to both Alpha Epsilon Phi and to multiple organizations across the entire industry.
Wunsch was named executive director of Alpha Epsilon Phi in 1988 after holding multiple volunteer leadership positions, including Vice President – Collegiate Chapters. In the years since, she served on the Northeast Greek Leadership Association (NGLA) for almost 20 years, helping to expand the association’s programming to include a wider variety of organizations. Wunsch currently serves as the treasurer of Hazing Prevention Network, and is a past president of the Executive Directors Association, FIPG, Inc., and the Fraternity Executives Association. She has also served on the board of the AFA Foundation and the Fraternity & Sorority Political Action Committee (FSPAC).
Wunsch was the inaugural recipient of NGLA’s Bonnie Wunsch Volunteer Service Award and has received the NIC Silver Medal and interfraternal service awards from Alpha Epsilon Pi, Phi Mu Delta, Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Mu, and Zeta Beta Tau Fraternities. She lives in Danbury, CT with her husband Alan and son Ryan.
Dr. Robert H. Shaffer Award
Presented annually to an individual in the field of higher education who has demonstrated a long-term commitment to fraternities and sororities.
Michelle Guobadia
Director for Fraternity and Sorority Life, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Michelle Guobadia has devoted more than two decades to transforming fraternity and sorority life through fearless advocacy, intentional leadership, and unwavering mentorship. Since 2008, she has served as Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life at UNC Charlotte, guiding a diverse community of 43+ fraternities and sororities and fostering one of the most inclusive and collaborative Greek communities in the nation. Known for her candor, humor, and high expectations, her legacy is one of elevated standards, stronger partnerships, and a lasting impact on the fraternity/sorority profession.
A 25-year active Life Member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Guobadia challenges students and professionals alike to “try harder and do better.” Guobadia is a 2018 recipient of the Sue Kraft Fussell Distinguished Service Award, and is a past member of the AFA Board of Directors. Additionally, she is the leading donor of the AFA Foundation’s Guobadia Graduate and Emerging Professionals Endowment, which provides support and professional development initiatives to both graduate students and emerging professionals.
Sue Kraft Fussell Distinguished Service Awards
Presented annually to no more than five individuals who have exhibited outstanding achievements in service to the fraternity/sorority industry and/or to AFA.
Billy Boulden
Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Sorority and Fraternity Engagement, Iowa State University
Billy Boulden, a “Culture Curator” specializing in college student leadership and harm reduction, has served in leadership roles for multiple organizations, including supporting the Iowa State fraternity/sorority community since 2013. His previous roles include positions at Florida State University, Longwood University, and Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity.
Originally from Glen Allen, Virginia, Boulden earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Christopher Newport University, a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University, and is pursuing a doctorate in Education at Iowa State.
Christopher C. Graham
Consulting Learning and Development, Deloitte
Chris Graham is widely recognized as a thought leader in campus crisis response, diversity and inclusion, change management, capacity building, and student engagement. Prior to joining Deloitte, he held leadership roles at Beta Theta Pi Fraternity, and Florida State University.
Graham is a past president of AFA and has served on the NASPA Certification Advisory Task Force. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Winston-Salem State University and a master’s degree in College Counseling and Student Development in Higher Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Cassandra Joseph
Director, University of Houston
Cassandra Joseph is an accomplished professional whose leadership over more than two decades has made a lasting impact on fraternity and sorority life at both the national and regional levels. As the NPHC National Collegiate Council Chair, she has developed and presented various national webinars and trainings, where her contributions continue to advance undergraduate engagement and leadership.
Joseph is a past Region IV Regional Director for AFA, and has served on AFA’s Awards and Recognition, Annual Meeting, Nominations and Elections, First Timers, and Membership and Marketing committees. She is a 25-year Silver Star, active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. for 25 years.
Christianne Medrano Graham
Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life, Ohio University
Christianne “Chris” Medrano Graham is a passionate volunteer, with contributions spanning numerous organizations. She is the lead author of AFA’s National Multicultural Greek Council Resource Guide, and is a two-term president of the National Multicultural Greek Council. She has also served as national president and national director of expansion for Gamma Eta Sorority, Inc.
Graham has held positions at Ohio University, University of Arkansas, Indiana University, Indiana University Indianapolis, and Florida International University, She is a proud graduate of Miami Dade College and the University of Florida. She is married to her beau Adrian Graham and has one fur baby, Sofia.
Dr. Priyanka Patel
Chairperson, Board of Advisors, Delta Kappa Delta Sorority, Inc.
A dedicated physician and community leader, Dr. Priyanka Patel is passionate about empowering underserved communities. Over the past decade, she has served Delta Kappa Delta Sorority, Inc., including as National President and as chairperson of the Board of Advisors, leading initiatives that uplift marginalized voices and promote meaningful community engagement.
Dr. Patel is currently the Global Project Manager for the Thaakat Foundation’s Healthcare Without Borders initiative in Sierra Leone, and a family medicine resident at the University of Illinois Chicago Rockford College of Medicine. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a Medical Doctorate from St. George’s University.
Gayle Webb New Professional Award
Presented annually to one AFA member who is a campus-based professional and one AFA member who is an inter/national organization staff member during the individual’s first three years of Association membership.
Lexi Leggs
Chapter Success Manager – Operations, Tri Delta Fraternity
Lexi Leggs has proudly served on Tri Delta’s Executive Office staff in various capacities for three years. Beyond her staff roles, Lexi has volunteered for Tri Delta on both the international and local level as a chapter advisor, Ritual committee member, and program facilitator. Presently, in her staff capacity, Lexi remains devoted to empowering young leaders, fostering communities of belonging, and leaving a mark of kindness on all she encounters.
An educator by trade, Lexi earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Millikin University and a master’s degree in education from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Whether teaching high school choir, completing graduate courses, or navigating life as a young professional, Lexi has maintained a commitment to Fraternity & Sorority Life and student development.
Ilaisah Martinez
Assistant Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life, University of Cincinnati
Ilaisah Martinez is passionate about student professional and personal development, while bringing a different perspective to her fraternity/sorority life work. During her time at UC, she has served as an adjunct instructor and in multiple volunteer-based roles across university departments and organizations.
Martinez holds a bachelor’s degree in criminology and anthropology from the University of Florida, and a master’s degree in Biological Anthropology, with a focus in Forensics, from the University of West Florida. She is a member of Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority, Inc., where she continues to hold multiple leadership positions.
Elevation in Practice Awards
New in 2024, Elevation in Practice Awards are presented to programs which display originality towards advancements of the modern fraternal movement. Up to three awards may be presented in each category: Impact, Innovation, and Inclusion.
Elevation in Practice – Impact Award
Diamond Program – alpha Kappa Delta Phi Sorority, Inc.
The Diamond Program represents a groundbreaking transformation of new member education within alpha Kappa Delta Phi Sorority, Inc. Born from comprehensive data analysis revealing significant deficiencies in sisterhood and retention, this initiative led us to fundamentally reimagine the new member integration process, moving from power-dynamic-focused education to belonging-centered integration. This change resulted in an overall retention increase of more than 28%, across all geographic regions. The connections born from the Diamond Program translate into stronger chapter engagement, increased leadership participation, and sustained commitment that benefits the organization for years beyond initial membership.
Fidelity for New Members – Gamma Phi Beta Sorority
Fidelity for New Members (FNM) is the Sorority’s hybrid new member education program that consists of e-learning courses and in-person programs. FNM was first introduced in 2016 with six-week and eight-week options, and transitioned to a standardized four-week model in 2020. This transition to a unified four-week program resulted in a consistent experience across all collegiate chapters, over 95% of all new members self-reporting that they gained the knowledge and skills outlined in program learning objectives, and an average bid-to-Initiation member retention rate of 94%. Gamma Phi Beta is thrilled to welcome members into a lifetime of true and constant sisterhood through this innovative, data-driven, high impact program.
FSL President’s Leadership Program – University of Tampa
The FSL President’s Leadership Program is a year-long initiative designed to develop fraternity and sorority chapter presidents into values-based leaders. Rooted in research-backed frameworks, and developed collaboratively with student affairs professionals and leadership scholars to holistically support student leaders, the program moves beyond operational training to foster personal and professional growth. Topics include leadership styles, conflict management, strategic momentum, mentorship, risk management, and legacy planning. A distinctive feature of the program is the use of cajitas—storytelling boxes that help participants connect personal experiences to leadership development. The program’s adaptable and experience-based structure makes it a strong model for student leadership development across higher education.
Elevation in Practice – Innovation Award
Bronze, Pink and Blue: Delta Gamma’s Sequential Learning Model – Delta Gamma Fraternity
Delta Gamma’s sequential student learning model tackles the officer transition dilemma by prioritizing continuous learning. A sequential learning approach for officer training for student leaders creates standardization for the transition, onboarding, positional skills training, and offboarding of officers throughout their leadership term. Delta Gamma’s executive office staff focuses on multiple asynchronous and synchronous microlearning experiences for optimal student learning, supporting the life cycle of student leaders and focus on the students’ development as they approach new tasks and responsibilities in their role. Synchronous learning experiences allow members to form connections across chapters and learn from one another, whereas the asynchronous training provides the knowledge and resources needed for students to excel in their roles.
5 Senses of Hazing – Florida State University
Developed by the Department of Fraternity and Sorority Life at Florida State University and its student-led peer education team, FSL Wellness Team, 5 Senses of Hazing sought to disrupt normalized perceptions around hazing and challenge traditional approaches to prevention education. This program was a fully immersive and interactive exhibit, intentionally designed to engage participants through all five senses. Through scenario-based, interactive sections built on real, documented hazing cases across various campus groups, participants were encouraged to reflect on the spectrum of harm caused by hazing. The exhibit’s structure allowed for opt-in and opt-out participation, reinforcing a trauma-informed and inclusive approach to engagement and education. Over three days, 5 Senses of Hazing impacted over 1,300 students, faculty, and staff, making it a high-impact initiative of FSL programming at Florida State University.
NPHC Recruitment and Retention Series – Virginia Commonwealth University
This innovative NPHC education and engagement series transforms the traditional “Meet the Greeks” into a structured, student-centered experience focused on awareness, preparation, and retention. The three-event series – “Why Be Greek,” “So You Want to Be Greek,” and “Why Stay Greek” – guides prospective members from initial interest to lifelong involvement. Participants learn about NPHC history, joining processes, interview etiquette, discretion, and alumni engagement. By involving alumni, graduate chapters, and campus partners, the series strengthens community connections and cultural pride. As a result of the series, event attendance tripled, chapter membership grew significantly, and sorority intake numbers increased threefold. The program creates intentional pathways for belonging and persistence, offering a replicable model for other campuses to achieve sustainable NPHC growth and visibility.
Elevation in Practice – Inclusion Award
Greek Assembly Hall – The University of Alabama
Completed in 2023 through student advocacy, strategic investment, and intentional design, Greek Assembly Hall (GAH) is a FEMA-compliant building which serves as the permanent on-campus home for the United Greek Council and the National Pan-Hellenic Council at The University of Alabama. A transformative, student-centered facility that exemplifies inclusion in action, GAH now serves as a vibrant hub for leadership development, cultural expression, and cross-community collaboration. With capacity for over 350 guests, two flexible meeting rooms, and integrated technology, it hosts hundreds of events each year, from educational workshops to organizational programming, and fosters mentorship, scholarship, and service. By prioritizing the needs of diverse student communities, GAH embodies the values of inclusion and belonging for all, and stands as a powerful testament to what institutions can achieve when they listen, invest, and act with intention.
Publication Awards
Perspectives Award
Presented annually to the author(s) of an article in Perspectives, AFA’s online magazine, that is thought provoking, enlightening, and provides relevant and practical ideas to AFA members.
“Enough.” by Logan Davis
“Enough.” is a powerful call to action for higher education institutions and fraternity and sorority communities to prioritize a harm reduction approach in opioid overdose prevention. The article identifies the concern of continued widespread inaccessibility of naloxone on college campuses, and highlights the staggering frequency of overdose deaths, each preventable with timely intervention. The article is a request to campus leaders, advisors, and national organizations to take responsibility for equipping students, faculty, and staff with life-saving tools and education. “Enough.” is both a critique of complacency and a passionate plea for systemic change, rooted in the belief that saving lives must be a non-negotiable priority. Read the full article on AFA1976.org.
Logan O. Davis serves as the Outreach and Engagement Manager at the Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Drug Prevention and Recovery (HECAOD). In this role, he collaborates closely with thought leaders and researchers to advance prevention and recovery efforts within higher education. Prior to joining HECAOD, Davis led prevention education initiatives at Delta Gamma Executive Offices, and served as the Fraternity and Sorority Life Coordinator at the University of Arkansas Fort Smith. He is committed to leveraging his growing expertise in substance use prevention and recovery to enhance the fraternity and sorority experience nationwide.
Eberly Journal of Sorority and Fraternity Life Research and Practice Award
Presented annually to the author(s) of an article in JSFLRP that displays outstanding written and academic contributions to the fraternity/sorority industry.
“Promoting Racial Integration and Inclusion in Historically Segregationist Fraternities” by Dr. Evelyn Ambríz
This article delivers a systematic review of Historically White fraternities, spanning sociology, education, history, and psychology to map the actors and mechanisms that reproduce or contest segregation in these organizations. Anchored in theories of racialized organizations and Gramscian hegemony/counterhegemony, the study positions stakeholders across macro, meso, and micro levels, demonstrating their interdependence. By reframing historically White fraternities as changeable racialized organizations, the study provides a cross-sector roadmap for universities, alumni, and national boards to effectively translate values into durable practice and to build interorganizational capacity capable of confronting both intentional and unintentional segregation. Read the full article in the JSFLRP.
Dr. Evelyn Ambríz is a Postdoctoral Associate for Mentoring & Faculty Engagement at the Cornell University Graduate school. She is a proud Bouchet Scholar as is involved with Equity in Graduate Education Consortium, Cornell University’s Mosaic Diversity & Inclusion Alumni Association, Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc., Rho Gamma Honor Society, and Circulus Praesidum Honor Society. Additionally, she serves as a peer reviewer for journals and associations including AERA Open, Association for the Study of Higher Education, Educational Researcher, Journal of Diversity in Higher Education, and Educational Review.
Dissertation of the Year Award, Presented by Dyad Strategies*
Presented annually to the author of a completed dissertation that makes a substantial contribution to knowledge in the field of fraternity/sorority life. The AFA Foundation celebrates Dyad Strategies’ commitment to advancing sorority & fraternity research and thanks them for their generous gift designed to endow this award in perpetuity.
“The Kaleidoscope Effect: A Solution-Focused Approach to Hazing Prevention, a Mixed Methods Study” by Dr. Akeya Simeon, West Virginia University
“The Kaleidoscope Effect” examines the evolving landscape of fraternity and sorority life and its role in shaping equitable, student-centered leadership development in higher education. Grounded in research, the article argues that while fraternity and sorority life has long been recognized as a hub for leadership and community engagement, it must intentionally adapt to meet the needs of a more diverse, socially conscious generation of students. Through qualitative insights, the work highlights both the challenges and opportunities inherent in this adaptation, and offers strategies for practitioners and educators to reimagine fraternity and sorority life as a transformative platform for equity-driven leadership. Read the full dissertation.
Dr. Akeya Simeon currently serves as the Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life at the University of South Florida, following her impactful tenure as Assistant Director at West Virginia University. Known for her transformative leadership, she has developed campus-wide prevention programs, facilitated trainings on belonging and inclusive practices, and led national research on student development and organizational accountability. Simeon holds a doctor in Higher Education and dual master’s degrees in social work and higher education from West Virginia University, and is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Winners of the Amy Vojta Outstanding Foundation Volunteer Award and the Shelly Sutherland Outstanding Volunteer Award will be announced later in the year.
