Michael N. Christakis Receives National Award from Omicron Delta Kappa
Lexington, VA (12/10/2021) — Michael N. Christakis, a resident of East Greenbush, New York, is a 2021 recipient of the Cheryl M. Hogle Distinguished Service Award from Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK). Christakis is the vice president for student affairs (VPSA) at the University at Albany,
Christakis was initiated into the Alfred University Circle of ODK in 1998, where he served as the circle's chartering president. He was elected Province I student director in 1999, ODK's first-ever national student vice president in 2000, and later national vice president for Circle Standards in 2002, a role he held until his election as national president in 2012. Christakis served as immediate past national president from 2016-19 and immediate past board chair from 2019-20. He is a current member of the Society's Board Awards Committee.
As the VPSA at Albany, Christakis serves as the university's chief student affairs officer and provides leadership and vision in administering a comprehensive student affairs program that promotes the academic achievement and personal development of all students and fosters collaborative relationships among students, faculty, staff, and the community. Since his arrival to the University at Albany in 1999, he has served as associate and assistant vice president for student affairs, assistant to the vice president for student affairs, assistant director of residential life, and as a residence hall director.
Christakis is active with NASPA - Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, notably with his involvement in Region II leadership and programs. He has previously served as a trustee of his undergraduate alma mater, Alfred University, vice chair of the Board of Directors of the State Academy for Public Administration, to which he was elected a fellow in 2010, president of the Alfred University Alumni Association, NASPA Region II conference chair, and chapter president of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association.