Michael Christakis ’99 named 2023 Pillar of the Profession

As a 2023 Pillar of the Profession, Christakis is honored in recognition of his many years of outstanding contributions to the profession. Being selected as a Pillar is one of the highest distinctions bestowed by NASPA, the largest student affairs association in the world.

The NASPA Foundation recognizes Pillars of the Profession to serve two purposes:  to pay tribute to a select group of people who have provided stellar leadership and service to the student affairs profession; and to honor these individuals with gifts to the NASPA Foundation. The NASPA Foundation supports future student affairs leaders through scholarship support for professional development, and invests in innovative ideas and research to further our knowledge about students, our educational institutions, and the critical impact student affairs has on student success. 

Christakis earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and history from Alfred University in 1999. He has a master’s degree in public affairs and policy and a doctoral degree in public administration and policy, both from the University at Albany. He has been VP of Student Affairs at Albany since 2015.