Aaron Nelson was selected for the position Friday, taking over for outgoing Director of Greek Affairs Ron Binder, whose last day is Wednesday.
Nelson also acts as coordinator of local relations for the University and has been a faculty adviser for the past two years. Although he will maintain those positions while assuming his new role, Nelson said the workload will be manageable.
Nelson is holding the position of director of Greek affairs temporarily to fill the void of Binder's upcoming absence - and he said he will have big shoes to fill. "It is clear that I cannot be Ron Binder, but what I will do is enforce the rules and continue to maintain high expectations of the Greek community."
But Binder said Nelson is perfectly suited to fill the interim position. "I recommended him for the job," Binder said.
Nelson, a 1996 UNC graduate and alumnus of Chi Psi fraternity, said his closeness in age to students should not cause any concern. "I am not that far removed from Greek life, but I will continue to exercise all authority and responsibility that Ron did."
Jamie Harper, Panhellenic Executive Committee president, said, "I think Aaron will have a good perspective (on Greek affairs), being a recent (alumnus)."
The Greek community responded positively to Nelson's appointment. "Going by his record and his work with the community, I think he will uphold Dr. Binder's tradition of maintaining good relations between the Greek community and Chapel Hill," said Matt Love, president of Delta Upsilon fraternity.
Trenya Futrell, National Panhellenic Council president, said she expects Nelson to use his experience at UNC to his advantage. "My mind is kind of at ease because he is not a total stranger to the University," she said.
Cindy Wolf Johnson, associate vice chancellor for student affairs, said the search for a permanent director of Greek affairs will hopefully be completed by Feb. 1. Johnson said the search committee will be officially approved soon.
