“May The Work I’ve Done, Speak For Me”

I am Christopher L. Medley, known by most as "Medley". I serve as the Associate Dean of Students leading Residence Life and Student Conduct.  Raised in Southern Virginia and coming directly from Massachusetts, I arrived at St. Olaf October 2022.

Living on-campus is an essential part of being on The Hill.  I want to ensure that you are exhausting all of your opportunities to leverage your residential experience to support your success as a student and beyond.  Yes, we are here to support you with roommate agreements, work order issues or preparing for housing selection the next year.  But we can also help you with learning how to create programs and events, speaking in front of groups, and building your toolbox to navigate challenging conversations. Understanding the value of community standards and community will facilitate your ability to, “Live. Learn.  & Grow!

I lived on-campus all four years of my undergraduate degree at Virginia Tech while obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Vocal Performance.  I continued my education and received a  Masters of Arts in Education from the Educational Leadership and Policy Studies Department. My professional career has been framed within on-campus living, facility operations and diversity, equity and inclusion.  My areas of research and practical interest include male group dynamics/attitudes, religiosity, gender/sexual identity, fraternity/sorority life, and social inequality. 

When able, I enjoy utilizing my personal contacts and networks to support students with their future endeavors.  I am an event planner and specialize in brand management.  Led by the third principle of Kwanzaa, collective work and responsibility, I am involved in the community through service organizations including 100 Black Men of America, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., NAACP, Order of the Eastern Star, and Prince Hall Free & Accepted Masons, Inc.

                                                      “Every Person has the ability to Teach and be Taught”