Brian Tenclinger has been named the University of Michigan’s assistant dean of students and director of Greek Life, effective July 1.
Tenclinger most recently served as the interim director of growth for Zeta Beta Tau International Fraternity. He was selected following a national search. Tenclinger replaces Mary Beth Seiler, who will retire this month after 37 years of service to the U-M Greek community.
“Brian is a seasoned leader in higher education who brings more than 23 years of leadership experience in significant roles both on university campuses and within national fraternal organizations,” says Dean of Students Laura Blake Jones.
“His unique combination of significant campus-based leadership experience and tenure in various leadership roles within national fraternal organizations has prepared him to provide visionary leadership for one of the largest Greek Life programs in the country.”
The Office of Greek Life is responsible for the planning, development and implementation of activities and programs that support and advance the foundational values upon which Greek-letter organizations are based.
“I am honored and excited to join the team at the University of Michigan,” says Tenclinger. “The fraternity and sorority community has a long-standing presence at the institution with loyal alumni, dedicated volunteers and a community of stakeholders who will be key to the future success of the organizations and support of the academic mission of the institution.”
Tenclinger’s 12 years of work experience in national fraternal organizations included two years as director of undergraduate student services for Chi Phi fraternity and nine years as the chief executive officer and executive director of Triangle Fraternity.
In his role with Triangle, he managed the day-to-day operations of the national headquarters including budget oversight, programs and services for more than 16,000 living alumni, 42 chapters and colonies and 1,600 undergraduates.
During that tenure, Triangle Fraternity increased membership size by 61 percent, and Tenclinger was able to secure grants to provide funding for undergraduate members to attend educational and instructional programs. He also oversaw a comprehensive and longitudinal assessment of all of Triangle’s programs and services measuring effectiveness as undergraduates and into post-graduate years.
Tenclinger previously served as assistant dean of students at Iowa State University where he was a member of the deans and directors crisis response team, completed numerous strategic planning and assessment projects and provided oversight to the 52 fraternities and sororities on campus.
In 2011, he served on the senior leadership team as assistant dean of students of the inaugural Maymester voyage of Semester at Sea. The ship traveled through seven countries in Central America during a 26-day period.
Jones adds, “Brian’s ability to inspire authentic student leadership in self-governance and risk management and his vision for how the U-M Greek community can live fully into its potential, positions him for success in this key role within Student Life.”
Tenclinger earned his undergraduate degree in English and secondary education at Northern Illinois University. He earned his master’s degree in secondary education administration and supervision at Northwest Missouri State University, and a second master’s degree along with doctoral coursework in leadership and higher education administration at Capella University.
He is a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia professional fraternity and Sigma Phi Epsilon social fraternity.
The Greek Life community at U-M has grown more than 20 percent in the past five years. Approximately 23 percent of all undergraduate students are members in a Greek organization.
U-M’s Greek community is home to 38 fraternities and 28 sororities. There are four main councils on campus: Interfraternity Council, Multicultural Greek Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council and the Panhellenic Association.
