By JACKIE MOSLEY | Staff Writer

College life and campus life are two different aspects of any university. Getting involved on campus is an important aspect of going to college, and here at APSU, the department of Student Life and Leadership is full of people who understand that. Victor Felts is the new director of Student Life and Leadership, and he knows all about being heavily involved on campus.

Felts, an alumnus of APSU, was “heavily involved” in Greek life at APSU. He served as Interfraternity Council president and vice president, recruitment chair, social chair and Derby Days chair for Sigma Chi Fraternity. He also worked orientation, serving as a leader and student coordinator. His long list of campus involvement did not go unnoticed.

“One day the dean of students called me in his office,” said Felts. “He asked what I was going to do after graduation. I responded, ‘teach school and coach basketball.’ He encouraged me to explore a career in student affairs. After several conversations with him and reading books on student affairs, I was hooked.”

Felts took his love for student affairs and turned it into a career. After graduating from APSU, he received a master’s in higher education from the University of South Carolina. He then went on to serve as a Greek advisor at Samford University, MTSU, Louisiana State University and Emory University.

“I have wanted to move back to Middle Tennessee for a while,” said Felts. “When I saw the posting for the director of Student Life and Leadership at Austin Peay, I thought it would be a perfect fit for me.”

Although Felts has worked at several major universities in the country, he still holds a special place in his heart for APSU.

“I love APSU. It is a special place because of the diversity of students, faculty and staff who choose to become a part of the community,” said Felts. “The campus is beautiful, the people are friendly, and there is an atmosphere of family here that you don’t find at other universities.”

Some students who are not familiar with student life on campus may not be aware of what all Felts’ job entails. His position is to ensure that the on campus programs compliment the academic mission of the university. He also oversees such activities as the Govs Organizational Council, Govs Programming Council, service learning, leadership programs, homecoming and the Hispanic Cultural Center.

“Students should make the most out of college,” said Felts.

“Education should always come first, but living a happy, healthy, balanced life during the college years is paramount.”

The importance of participating in campus activities and getting to know other students, according to Felts, is a vital part of a student’s college experience. “The out-of-classroom experiences in college help shape the person you will be as an adult,” said Felts. “To develop such habits [as community service] now help make well-rounded citizens who will contribute to the betterment of the world for the rest of their lives.”

APSU has a great advantage when it comes to out of class participation with other students. The small campus allows students to interact with one another on a smaller scale, so making friends an easy task.

“It is small enough that there is still that small town feel, but large enough that it offers unlimited possibilities to become involved,” said Felts. “With over 100 student organizations, there is something for everyone.”

To get involved in campus events and organizations, visit Felts and his staff in the office of Student Life and Leadership in the Morgan University Center room 211, or visit the Web site at www.apsu.edu/sll.