EVANSTON, IL (OCTOBER 9, 2024) — The Sigma Chi Leadership Institute (SCLI) Board of Directors, with the support of the International Fraternity, is pleased to announce that Dr. Brandon Gross, MIAMI (FLORIDA) 2009, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs at Wayne State University, has been unanimously voted into the role of Chairman of the SCLI Board. Dr. Charles Nies, WASHINGTON STATE 1988, the 10th Chancellor of the University of Minnesota – Duluth, has been unanimously voted Vice Chairman.
“Drs. Gross and Nies are two of the most respected individuals in higher education. As lucky as we are to have them on our board, we are even more fortunate to have them as our brothers,” said SCLI Executive Director Jim Cogdal, BRADLEY 2003. “Brandon has served on our Board of Directors since the organization’s inception in 2019. He is a change agent, in and outside of SCLI, passionate about building those around him. Brandon’s dedication to our mission and team, but most notably, his authentic desire to form connections and ensure everyone has a voice inspires everyone around him to do, and be, more.”
“I am humbled to assume the role of chairman of the Sigma Chi Leadership Institute. I look forward to working with our incredible staff, board, and partners to further enhance our accredited transformational leadership opportunities,” said Gross. “Together, with a focus on engagement, communication, and feedback, our brothers and partners will be prepared to positively impact their organizations and the world for years to come.”
Gross has been committed to education and leadership development throughout his professional career and his time as a Sigma Chi. Prior to his current role at Wayne State University, he previously held roles in the Offices of the President and Provost at Michigan State University, the Office of Student Connection and Community at Arizona State University, and the Office of Admission and the Student Center Complex at his alma mater, the University of Miami (FL). Gross also works in sports statistics for the NBA, NFL, and NCAA.
Gross is a Horizons Huntsman Leadership Summit graduate and has re-ascended the mountain as an alumni guide numerous times. He has been a facilitator at the Balfour Leadership Training Workshop and the Krach Transformational Leaders Workshop for over a decade, most recently as a Values-Based Leadership Track Lead. Gross has served on and chaired several committees for the Sigma Chi Fraternity and is a former Chapter Advisor and Grand Praetor.
“Charles is the perfect fit for Vice Chairman of the SCLI Board of Directors,” said 59th Grand Consul (International President) and SCLI Advisory Board member Dick Hester, BALL STATE 1977. “His strengths and tried history in higher education leadership complement the strategies needed to achieve the organization’s mission, which is to build transformational leaders. I am confident that Dr. Nies will help lead the organization forward while having a meaningful impact on all Sigma Chi programming.”
“I am very honored to have been elected as Vice Chairman. I believe strongly that the Sigma Chi Leadership Institute will continue to educate transformational leaders. By doing so, we will support our Fraternity and have a positive impact on our world,” said Nies.
Nies, initiated while a student in graduate school, has over two decades of higher education and leadership development experience. Nies has served as a leadership, organization and student development theory Instructor, a Program Director for the minor in Leadership Studies at Washington State University, Assistant Dean of an interdisciplinary school at Miami University (OH), and as the Associate Vice Chancellor, Dean of Students, and the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at the University of California – Merced.
Nies served as one of the founding fathers of the Sigma Chi Horizons Huntsman Leadership Summit, teaming with other dedicated volunteers to craft a week-long immersive experiential learning opportunity for Sigma Chi undergraduate brothers in the mountains of Snowbird, Utah. Since then, not only has he served as a session coordinator for decades as a volunteer, but he has also become a lead trainer of future Horizons Guides and still serves in that capacity. He also sits on the Enduring Leadership Committee, which oversees Horizons. Nies played a significant role in Sigma Chi’s Jordan Initiative in 2015, which built the framework for what would become the Preparation for Brotherhood program, and which now serves as Sigma Chi’s Foundational Leadership Committee. Nies has served on the SCLI Board of Directors since 2020.
“Brandon Gross exemplifies the type of brother the Fraternity is excited to see leading the Sigma Chi Leadership Institute vision for Sigma Chi into the future. He defines Transformational Leadership in his daily actions and behavior, and his strengths will continue to drive the Fraternity’s educational program to new pioneering heights for the development of all Sigma Chi brothers. We look forward to seeing the successes Brandon and Charles develop and deliver in their new roles and stand ready to support them and SCLI,” said 73rd Grand Consul Bob Wilson, FORT HAYES 1981.
The Mission of the Sigma Chi Leadership Institute is to provide high-quality leadership training that complements and enhances the skills and knowledge of Sigma Chi Fraternity members and other contract training partners, expanding their capacity to serve as transformational leaders in any industry and positively impact the communities around them.