The Fraternity & Sorority Life staff support many aspects of fraternity and sorority life. This includes, but is not limited to, advising chapters and councils, supporting council programs, supporting recruitment and intake process, and processing eligibility checks. If you are unsure of which staff member to contact, feel free to email vcugreeks@vcu.edu or call the office and we will make sure to connect you with the appropriate person.
Fraternity and Sorority Life Staff
The Team
Joe Wheeless, PhD.
Assistant Dean and Director for Fraternity and Sorority Life
Lyssa Johnson, MPA | Assistant Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life
Lyssa joined Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in July 2022. Originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she earned her B.A. in Sociology in Spring 2020 and her Master’s in Public Policy and Administration in Spring 2022, both from West Chester University (WCU). While at WCU, Lyssa served as a graduate assistant and intern for Fraternity and Sorority Life, experiences that deepened her passion for student engagement and leadership development. She is a proud sister of Corazones Unidos Siempre, Chi Upsilon Sigma National Latin Sorority, Inc. In her free time, Lyssa enjoys traveling, reading, and social dancing.
Cierra Sumter, MEd. | Assistant Director
Cierra is a Virginia Beach native who earned her B.F.A. in Dance and Theater from Old Dominion University in 2013. While at ODU she became a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. After graduation Cierra worked as a CSM for Greek InterVarsity Christian Fellowship at both Clemson University and VCU where she provided counseling services to Fraternity and Sorority students. In 2017 Cierra transitioned to be a professional dancer, choreographer, and middle school dance teacher at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School in Richmond. While Cierra loved teaching, she’s always had a passion for helping FSL students reach their highest potential. This led to her return to VCU in 2022 for her current role as Assistant Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life. In her spare time Cierra loves watching netflix, traveling, and enjoying time with her family and friends.
Joe Wheeless, PhD. | Assistant Dean and Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life
Joe joined VCU in October 2021 and brings over 15 years of professional higher education experience. A native of North Carolina, Joe grew up in Raleigh and lived in all regions of the state. He is a two time graduate of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC with a B.S in Broadcasting and an MEd. in College Student Personnel. Before joining VCU, Joe worked with fraternities and sororities at William & Mary where he earned his PhD. in Higher Education. When he is not on campus, Joe enjoys traveling, reading, exploiting Virginia with his dog Arby, watching Formula 1 racing, and playing kickball with Stonewall Sports RVA.
