During the Pi Chapter Restoration Banquet at the University of Tennessee on April 18, Knight Commander James M. Schmuck presented Dr. Byron Hughes, Assistant Vice Chancellor & Dean of Students with the Award for Fraternal Excellence. This award recognizes a faculty member, a higher education staff member, or an administrator, for excellence and achievement in support of or service to a member, a group of members, a chapter, or the Order. The award is granted by a majority vote of the Executive Council.
Byron came to Tennessee in 2022 from Virginia Tech, where he previously served as the dean of students. Throughout his career he has held progressive leadership responsibilities in the areas of residence life, student conduct, care and support, fraternity and sorority life, student disability services, new student and family programs, and multicultural student life. Beyond his professional roles, Byron is an alumnus of Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity, where he currently serves on the board as national president. He earned his Ph.D. in higher education from Virginia Tech, his master’s degree in student affairs in higher education from Ball State University, and his bachelor’s degree from Salisbury University.
During his time at both Virginia Tech and the University of Tennessee, Byron has been a strong advocate for the fraternity experience and has consistently gone above and beyond in supporting the Order. Throughout his career, he has taken a hands-on approach by dedicating countless hours to mentoring, educating, and supporting chapter officers at both institutions. Byron’s philosophy toward student affairs is rooted in a realistic and balanced approach to student development, one that encourages fraternity men to grow and lead while remaining accountable to both their organizations and their institutions. He believes meaningful progress is built through long-term partnerships and strong relationships, not only with local chapters, but also with national organizations.
His dedication, guidance, and continued support of the fraternity experience have made a lasting impact in higher education and demonstrated time and again that, when difficult decisions arise, relationships matter most.
