Miami University

Norris receives national award

09/14/2005

Don Norris, associate professor of marketing at Miami University, is being honored as the top professional fraternity adviser in the nation in recognition of his efforts with Miami's chapter of Pi Sigma Epsilon (PSE), a business fraternity.

Norris, who is three-time recipient of the national PSE’s top adviser award, is now being recognized by the Professional Fraternity Association (PFA), which annually chooses one person in the nation from among professional fraternities in all disciplines for its Faculty Advisor Award of Excellence.

Norris, who teaches in Miami’s Richard T. Farmer School of Business, says he’s made the commitment to serve as PSE’s adviser for the past 18 years because professional fraternities give college students hands-on opportunities they’d never get in a classroom setting.

During his tenure as adviser, the organization has grown to more than 150 members and been named top PSE chapter in the nation seven times, including winning the number one honor the last four years. Miami's chapter completes an average of 15-25 projects per year in the areas of marketing, sales and service, including participating in projects with large corporations such as Procter & Gamble.

Jeremy Livingston, a Miami student who serves as a vice president of the local PSE chapter, says Norris’ expertise and experience at the chapter level have set the standard for the entire PSE community. In 2005, Norris was elected president of the National Council of PSE.

Norris received his latest award Sept. 10 at the annual PFA meeting in Orlando, Fla.

He is being recognized for his exemplary relationship with students based on criteria including chapter achievements, professional activities, membership growth and development, chapter leadership, activities and management and principles.

PSE is the nation’s only professional fraternity for men and women focused on sales, marketing and management.