WSU is adding new positions at the Center for Fraternity and Sorority Life: one director and two assistant directors.

WSU President Elson S. Floyd saw a need to better serve the members of fraternities and sororities on campus, said Dean of Students Melynda Huskey, who is overseeing the hiring process.

Huskey said the university’s goal is to fill the positions by the start of the fall 2015 semester.

Approximately 18 percent of WSU students are members of a fraternity or sorority, Huskey said.

“Given that range of students, we wanted to make sure we were providing the right kind of administrative and developmental support for these groups,” she said.

One of the assistant directors will oversee multicultural and non-residential fraternities and sororities. The other oversee residential fraternities.

Current Assistant Director Jami Harrison will take a more directive role for residential sororities, Huskey said.

Current Interim Director Karen Metzner said she thinks the new positions will be beneficial.

“With the additional staff, I believe that there will be more time available for one-on-one connections with a larger population of students and for collaboration with campus partners,” Metzner said.

The new director will replace Anita Cory, who served as director for approximately 20 years. Cory is now the director of strategic planning and assessment for the entire vice presidential area, Huskey said.

Huskey said the new positions at the CFSL and Cory’s change in position are related to the university’s current effort to update strategic planning.

A search committee has narrowed down its search for a new director and will conduct on-campus interviews with candidates within the next two weeks.

Tim Pavish, the executive director of the WSU Alumni Association and member of the search committee for the positions, said 17 applicants are being considered.

Once hired, the new director will be responsible for advising several groups, including the Interfraternity Council, the Panhellenic Council and the United Greek Association.

The director will also meet with chapter advisers and presidents as well as the international and national staff of Greek organizations, Metzner said.

The director is also responsible for knowing the department’s budget and hiring its support staff, Metzner said.