Billy Heller

S tockton University student leader Billy Heller has earned national recognition for his work strengthening collaboration and leadership within the university’s fraternity community.

Heller, president of Stockton’s Interfraternity Council (IFC), was named an Outstanding IFC President by the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC). The national award recognizes student leaders whose work promotes growth, accountability and positive change among fraternities on their campuses.

The IFC is the governing body that oversees and coordinates activities among member fraternities at a college or university. IFC leaders work to support collaboration between chapters, establish standards for fraternity life and represent student organizations within the broader campus community.

Heller, of Egg Harbor Township, was selected alongside a small group of approximately 15 IFC presidents from institutions across the country. He is the lone honoree from the region this year. The Business Administration major with a minor in Computer Information Systems also serves as the Grand Master of Ceremonies for the Kappa Sigma fraternity. In that role, he oversees recruitment and the organization’s new member process. 

When he began his term as IFC president, Heller said one of his main goals was improving relationships between Stockton’s fraternity chapters.

“When I got into the role, our community was very divided,” the junior said. “It was a great group of people with great ideas, but they were separated. I wanted to bring everybody closer together.”

Heller said he worked to strengthen the community by encouraging everyday interaction and cooperation among members of different organizations.

“It was really just promoting fellowship,” he said. “Being friendly, being kind and being a familiar face around campus.”

Heller transferred to Stockton from Montclair State University and said he was initially unsure what to expect from the campus environment.

“I was anticipating it just kind of being a commuter school environment,” he said. “But it was the most welcoming community I could possibly imagine.”

One initiative he highlighted is an upcoming campus event scheduled for April 10 in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The event, titled “Walk a Mile in Her Heels,” will feature fraternity members participating in a race around the university track to raise awareness about sexual assault prevention.

“This is something that can showcase how much the community has come closer,” he said.

Heller was nominated for the national award by fraternity alumnus Kyle Somers, who serves as District Grand Master. When he learned he had been selected, Heller said he was surprised.

Heller will receive the recognition at Stockton’s Greek Awards ceremony on April 23.

While fraternity life can sometimes be associated with stereotypes, Heller said the experience provides students with opportunities for leadership development, networking and personal growth.

“You’re not paying for friends. You’re paying for an opportunity,” Heller said. “It’s about what you make of it and the experiences you build.”

He added that the leadership skills and connections he has developed through fraternity involvement have already supported his professional development.

“Most of the opportunities I’ve been granted have been through connections I wouldn’t have had otherwise,” he said.

— Story by Ella Johnson