Sean Jenkins Named New Advisor
Gordon C. Burris, St. Elmo’s Faculty Advisor since 1998 and a friend to generations of Elmos, stepped down in April 2012. He continues to serve as a Senior Assistant to University President Theresa Sullivan, drawing on the contacts and friendships developed over almost five decades at the University of Virginia. Gordon began his career at U.Va. in 1965, teaching physical education before being appointed the Head Soccer Coach the following year. He went on to become the Assistant Dean of Admissions, Head Men’s Tennis and Golf Coach, Assistant Director of the Alumni Association, the first full-time Director of Jefferson Scholars, and finally the Senior Assistant to the President. During his fourteen years as St. Elmo’s Faculty Advisor, Gordon worked closely with Alumni leaders Bill Daniel and Gordon Johns in helping to guide and encourage the undergraduates. And on the few occasions when the behavior of the members jeopardized the standing of the House, he was instrumental in intervening with the Administration to help St. Elmo make amends and restore its reputation on Grounds. Elmo was fortunate to have Gordon Burris as a friend and advocate for these many years, and to honor him for his service to St. Elmo, he was made a Brother at the 2012 Chan Dan Dinner. In addition, the Alumni Award, which recognizes an undergraduate for “exceptional dedication and service” to the Fraternity, was renamed the Gordon C. Burris Award.
Succeeding Gordon as Faculty Advisor is Sean Jenkins, who has worked in the University’s Office of the President since 2006. He currently serves as the Senior Assistant to President Sullivan. Sean received his B.A. in English from Wake Forest in 2001, and a Master’s in Education from North Carolina State in 2004. In his seven years in the Office of the President, Sean’s extensive portfolio of responsibilities has included accreditation, admissions, development, international projects, state and federal relations, and strategic and academic planning. St. Elmo is fortunate to again have a Faculty Advisor who is so tied in to the workings of the University. And given the depth and breadth of his experience, Sean is in a unique position to give valuable guidance and insights to our undergraduate members.