James (Jimmy) Kelly, associate director of Stetson University’s Wellness and Recreation at the Hollis Center, has been named the new faculty advisor to Stetson’s chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha (PIKE), it was announced by Chapter Advisor and Board Chair Mark Marcus along with Chapter President Gabriel Smith.

This appointment comes as the chapter works hard to improve its administrative and organizational structure in order to ensure a better future for Stetson PIKEs. “We’re really excited about this new beginning, as we work hard to better this chapter at Stetson,” said Marcus. “We believe this is the ‘comeback’ season for our chapter.”

“I think that PIKE has been making great strides to better themselves as men on this campus and it shows through their on-campus programming and leadership,” said Ryan Manning, assistant director of Fraternity and Sorority Involvement, in the Office of Student Development and Campus Vibrancy. “Jimmy Kelly is a great choice for a faculty advisor because of his experience working with Greek life and the compassion he has for the students he works with. I am very excited to see what Jimmy can provide for PIKE in the future.”

As Marcus noted in making the announcement public, Feb. 19, “One of the things we want to do is bring as many resources as possible into this chapter. We’ve been searching for a faculty advisor to succeed Dr. Mike Bitter, who served as advisor to this organization for more than 15 years,” said Marcus. “Dr. Bitter has done a wonderful job for us. Through his renowned expertise as an accountant, he helped us keep the organization’s finances in order. In addition to his unforgettable networking, he helped recharter the Delta Upsilon chapter.” 

Kelly earned his M.A. in higher education and student affairs from the University of Central Florida, where he worked with Greek Life. Since joining Stetson University in 2012, his responsibilities have included supervision of the Hollis Center, fitness programming and the outdoor adventure program. 

“Part of our mission at the Delta Upsilon chapter is developing men on the founding ideals of high moral character, profound leadership, competitive work ethic and strong scholastic achievement,” Marcus said. “Mr. Kelly was chosen by the fraternity for the work he has done for the university in general and his passion to develop positive change in young adults, which will help us continue that mission,” said Marcus.

“I’m definitely really excited about the opportunity, working with this group of good guys and working to help expand their organization’s reach on campus,” said Kelly. When asked what his initial plans will be, Kelly said, “I’ll be hitting the ground running and getting to know the guys.”

by David Baker