College campuses are full of opportunities for both students and faculty. When switching from a state legislature to teaching full-time, Dr. Jonathan Wharton, Stevens Renaissance, found a unique opportunity to help SigEp at Stevens while advancing his career. Through continued engagement, Wharton went on to become a Renaissance brother in the New Jersey Alpha chapter.

Entering Academia

Wharton’s work at Stevens began by filling in for a professor who needed help staffing classes. He completed his doctorate while researching New Jersey politics and collecting data for his dissertation, with the help of some New Jersey Alpha brothers.

“The opportunity came for me to be a resident scholar as a graduate student, and it was perfect timing because the house was undergoing renovation; there were all these changes going on. They’re starting from scratch, going through the BMP; it was a good opportunity for everybody.”

SigEp Involvement

AVC President Chris Lantz ’07 reached out to Dr. Wharton regarding the faculty fellow opportunity, and Wharton was glad to help out with many members he already knew as prior students.

“I was kind of wearing multiple hats,” Wharton said.

He would lead discussions over dinner, organize workshops for the chapter, and assist with various programming activities for New Jersey Alpha.

“It was very reminiscent of the intentions of the university environment in the first place—having more academic connectivity with graduate students and faculty.”

Finding Brotherhood

After supporting New Jersey Alpha for so long, Wharton was offered the chance to join the Fraternity. Becoming one of several Renaissance brothers who support SigEp in various ways, Wharton has continued his involvement beyond Stevens as much as possible.

“I’ve maintained my connection with the Fraternity even beyond Stevens, trying to connect Stevens with other chapters as best as possible. That means a lot to me.”

“I think the timing was right for me to join, and I’m glad I did. I was already a part of it in many respects, but for me to do more and join as a Renaissance, it meant a lot.”

Continued Impact

Dr. Wharton currently teaches at Southern Connecticut State University. Though the university lacks a SigEp chapter, that hasn’t stopped him from attending Conclave, helping with the Carlson Leadership Academy, and supporting SigEp’s return to UConn. He thoroughly enjoyed his time as a counselor for Connecticut Alpha.

Sigma Phi Epsilon provided Dr. Wharton a unique opportunity to connect with undergraduates like never before, and he is grateful for continuing to support the SigEp experience to this day.

Read more about Dr. Wharton’s research in the SigEp Journal

This article is shared from the New Jersey Alpha newsletter in the Alumni Communications Program.