The Certification Consortium benefits from the service of volunteer leaders and subject matter experts within the student affairs profession and functional areas. Given this month’s AFA Annual Meeting, we’re highlighting the experiences of two talented and dedicated FSL Certification leaders:
Jess Turuc
M.Ed.
Director of Fraternity & Sorority Life, The University of Mississippi
Christopher Miofsky
M.Ed., CSAEd, CSAEd-FSL
Associate Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life, University of Denver
Both Jess and Christopher are active leaders within Student Affairs Educator Certification - both serve on the FSL Certification Specialty Committee, which is chaired by Jess. Additionally, Christopher holds both his Core Student Affairs Educator Certification and FSL Specialty Certification.
What first drew you to FSL work, and what continues to inspire you in this field?
Jess: I believe in the fraternity and sorority experience and when it’s done right, it’s a transformative experience for young people. This is what drew me to this work and what keeps me invested and inspired. I also appreciate that as practitioners and educators we have an opportunity to develop, impact, and prepare students to be the leaders, scholars and professionals they aspire to be and that the world needs. Every day isn’t easy and there are certainly some hard times but this work is also so rewarding.
Christopher: My FSA, the late John Davenport (Southern Illinois University Edwardsville), was the one who started me on this journey. I was the founder of my chapter and worked with John very closely on opening the chapter. After that I continued to serve in other FSL roles until he asked me that fateful question “Have you thought about a career in student affairs?” The rest, as they say, is history. What continues to inspire me are the one-on-one interactions I have with students where the growth can be seen. It is beautiful to watch when they finally feel that sense of belonging and fully understand the thing they were trying to learn. I’m also drawn to the challenge of our work. Whether it’s navigating campus bureaucracy/politics, collaborating with stakeholders, or simply “getting everyone to tomorrow”, the work is more fulfilling than I could have ever imagined.
How have you seen the role of FSL professionals evolve in supporting student engagement and success?
Jess: This role has evolved in ways to serve and “keep up with” the changing needs of the generations of our student population as well as the impacts and expectations from administrators and society. Fortunately, we have seen the profession evolve into subject matter experts in areas of member experience, health and safety, prevention work, and focusing on what we as fraternity and sorority practitioners are uniquely positioned to do and not be everything to everyone and work in silos. Instead we’ve found ways for more campus partners to be more involved and engaged in not only our students’ experience, but also our work.
Christopher: Over my 10+ years, I have seen the role evolve to include more than just advising on event planning and student engagement. We are drivers of retention, safety, and education. We continue to play a significant role in the development of students. While they can engage with any staff on campus, the engagement students have with FSL teams feels different based on our shared values. At some point, all of us who are affiliated stood in a darkened room, raised our right hands, and promised to do and be better. I believe that these shared experiences are what allows active FSL members to engage with staff differently and more authentically.
What’s a current issue or trend in fraternity and sorority life that you think deserves more attention right now?
Jess: There are many that come to mind, mostly around the areas of health and safety related issues and return on investment that are critical to the work we do, but in addition to this, the sustainability and investment in FSL professionals is equally critical to me. The fraternal experience needs practitioners and educators to not only be educated with proper and appropriate training but they also need to be supported in this work to lead to their sustainability in the field. The turnover of fraternity and sorority advisors is high and for a reason. This matter deserves more attention to enhance the ability for this fraternal experience to continue on-campus in a healthy and meaningful way that supports the academic mission of host institutions.
Christopher: The need to change. We continue to do the same things repeatedly while our students are changing rapidly. We need to spend considerable time re-envisioning what FSL needs to look like so that we exist for another 100+ years while not completely giving up on our foundational roots.
Why did you choose to get involved with Student Affairs Educator Certification, and what value do you see it bringing to FSL professionals?
Jess: I chose to get involved with the Student Affairs Educator Certification because I believe it expands meaningful opportunities for FSL professionals to demonstrate their knowledge, competence, and commitment to the field. A terminal degree isn’t the right path for everyone, and this certification offers an accessible and credible way for professionals to invest in themselves, stay engaged in ongoing learning, and showcase their development to current and future employers. Most professions offer certifications that help practitioners continuously refine their skills, and given the high-risk, highly engaged populations that FSL professionals support, it’s essential that we also invest in our own education. This certification helps ensure we remain relevant, consistent, and well-equipped to meet the evolving needs of our communities.
Christopher: This is something I have been hoping student affairs would do since I started in the field so I jumped at the change right away! I see my friends in other industries utilize CE credits and tests to determine their professional aptitude. I have found significant value in the certification as I have been able to tailor my professional development into areas that I may not otherwise have thought to do. Further, I have been able to use my test results with my supervisor to show the value that I (and by extension my program) bring to the university.
What advice would you offer to newer professionals looking to grow in this field?
Jess: Be patient and hang in there. Every profession has tough days, and this field is no different—so give yourself grace as you grow. Build a strong network of people you can connect with both inside and outside the profession; those relationships will sustain and challenge you in meaningful ways. Additionally, consider pursuing certification as an investment in yourself—your present and future self—by strengthening your skills, deepening your commitment to the work, and demonstrating your dedication to continued growth.
Christopher: Take advantage of any and all professional development opportunities you can. This is the only way that we will continue to stay relevant and cutting edge. FSL has an opportunity to be out front, leading change in our functional area and student affairs writ large.
Find a quality mentor. I would not be where I am without having had my mentor. John was able to coach me, challenge me, and make me a better person. A quality mentor is critical to success. Once you find that person, never let them go!