Ro Settle

“Conflict isn’t inherently bad, but failing to address it can be.” That’s the perspective Director for Fraternity and Sorority Life Ro Settle has brought to his work at Virginia Tech for more than two decades.

He said, “The pursuit of social justice, equality, and inclusion always starts with conflict. I have a life mantra of ‘create beauty in the mess.’ Disagreeing with someone, pointing out a different point of view, and being in a conflict can feel really messy and uncomfortable. But if you go into it earnestly and with the mindset of seeking to understand and working collaboratively to resolve the issue, a beautiful thing can happen.”

A member of the Virginia Tech community since 2000, Ro began as a residence director in charge of a 900-student residence hall. He rose through the ranks to become Assistant Director of Residence Life. He became Director of Student Conduct in 2014, and Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life in 2019.

Ro said, “I’m passionate about helping young adults be their best selves and to help identify and remove the barriers that stand in their way. That is what prompted me to pursue a career in higher education and what keeps me motivated in my work. I love being able to use who I am, using the voice that I have agency over, and leveraging the position and privilege I have to make people’s lives better.”

He went on to say, “Being a courageous leader or making the world a more humane or just place doesn’t always have to be a grand gesture, protest, or declaration. Courageous Leadership is about taking notice of other people and taking actions to make sure they don’t get lost on the margins. Sometimes it is just a matter of sharing observations you have of the vulnerable, marginalized, or unnoticed person. Doing so can illuminate someone else’s humanity and give them the respect, dignity, space, and opportunity they deserve.”

His nominator said, “He shows up for the ENTIRE community. He is hard on our ENTIRE community. He challenges the ENTIRE community. He makes our team and our chapters engage in conversations about unhealthy societal norms, traditions, practices, and behaviors. He challenges our department to rethink program content that does not speak to our ENTIRE community. I have learned so much just by being around his body of work and his expectations of us as a department.”

Ro said, “This is how I believe I use my leadership courageously: to share my truth, my perspective, my insight when I feel it is needed the most. To not be afraid, to back down, or hold my tongue even if there is an impact or cost to me personally for sharing my perspective and advocating for others. Sometimes you have to risk something personal to advance something or someone that you truly believe in.”

Ro, we could give you an award for each of the Aspirations for Student Learning. Today, I am proud to present to you the Aspire! Award for PREPARE FOR A LIFE OF COURAGEOUS LEADERSHIP.