Although his title is faculty advisor, Christopher Nichter is much more than that to WVU’s Epsilon Sigma chapter of the Phi Mu Alpha fraternity. Nichter was selected as the Outstanding Faculty Advisor for his work with the chapter.

Nichter currently serves as Assistant Director of Bands in WVU’s School of Music and began working with the chapter during the 2013-2014 school year.

Nichter began working with the chapter after he was initiated as an honorary brother and became chapter advisor. He was elected to the position of faculty and advisor and must be re-elected by the chapter each year.

“I serve as an advisor to the officers if they need me or if something comes up. I’m here to support, advocate and assist the chapter, and on a personal level, to be a resource for them,” Nichter said.

The award was presented at the Phi Mu Alpha National Convention in New Orleans, La. and is awarded every three years. The award is based on an advisor’s work over a period of three years with a chapter.

Although he was not a brother during his time as a student at WVU, Nichter has grown fond of the chapter and the award is a representation of that bond. The chapter is growing in size and influence on campus, which reflects positively on Nichter and the chapter itself.

“I have the opportunity to work with an outstanding chapter and any acclaim that I have received is due to them providing me the opportunity to assist and them taking into account whatever advisement I have provided,” Nichter said. “The opportunity is there for the Epsilon Sigma chapter continue to be strong. They are continuing to recruit outstanding young men and are doing wonderful things musically. In this region, they are looked upon to lead and more and more, they are growing into that role. It was not that long ago this chapter had less than 10 people in it and they are now annually at 30-40 members.”

Just like managing the stock market, the chapter made an investment in Nichter by electing him as their faculty advisor and it is paying off. He is now returning the favor by investing his time and energy in the chapter.

“At the time they selected to award me honorary membership was a particularly challenging time for me professionally and personally. The opportunity that they provided to me was pivotal at that moment in my life, so I have continued to try and give back to them,” Nichter said.

Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia was founded in 1898 and is the world’s oldest and largest secret national fraternal society in music. For more information about the Epsilon Sigma chapter, visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/PhiMuAlphaEpsilonSigma.

-WVU-

sb/11/20/15

CONTACT: David Welsh, WVU College of Creative Arts
304-293-3397; David.Welsh@mail.wvu.edu

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