The Rocky Mountain Collegian

Issue date: 6/27/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Stephanie Javor Sonya Jenson, the new Greek Life Director at Colorado State University, plans to change the image of Greek Life by shifting focus away from its tumultuous past and onto new beginnings. Jenson will officially replace Mark Koepsell's prior role as Greek Life Director this July.

Greek Life at CSU has been the subject of great controversy in the past five years. But with the arrival of a new director, the Greek Life office is hoping to turn the tide.

Sonja Jensen, former program director for Greek Life, has been offered and has accepted the recently vacated spot of director.

Mark Koepsell, previous Greek Life Director, left his position to become Executive Director of the Mid American Greek Council Association (MGCA), leaving a need to fill the spot.

A semester long search for a new Director proved fruitless, as hopeful candidates Ryan Williams, of Southern Methodist University, and Kelly Jo Karnes, of Old Dominion University didn't make the cut.

Current Inter-Fraternity Council President Jarred Quintana said neither candidate was the right fit for CSU Greeks.

"The search committee didn't feel either candidate fit what the committee was looking for, so they didn't recommend them to Anne Hudgens (Executive Director Campus Life)," said Quintana.

Quintana said Koepsell always had a bad response from students because he was an authority figure.

"That was an unfair reputation that was gathered and happens to Greek life directors across the nation," Quintana, a senior finance and real estate major, said.

Instead, Sonja Jensen was offered the position.

Jensen, who has a Masters in student affairs and higher education from Iowa State University, has been the Program Coordinator for Greek Life the past two years.

Caitlin Ireland, a junior speech communications major, said she is happy Jensen will continue to work with the Greeks.

"I think Sonja will be good for the future of Greek life," Ireland said. "She already has knowledge of our campus and our past and the issues of our community. Most of us already have a relationship with her. We are at a point where we need a positive change."

Continued...

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