Ole Miss IFC President Seeks to Improve Sustainability in Jordan

By Joe Procopio
Hottytoddy.com intern

Ole Miss student Thomas Lee grew up in a military household which instilled in him the importance of servitude to the community and to others.

Thomas Lee sightseeing in Jordan. Photo courtesy of Thomas Lee.

As a junior in the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College at Ole Miss and a triple major studying Arabic, Spanish and political science, Lee devotes his time to his studies and aspires to attend law school. He is also heavily involved in leadership roles on campus.

Lee is affiliated with the Chi Psi fraternity, Golden Key and Order of Omega—both honor societies—and the Intensive Arabic Program. Additionally, Lee is involved with the Undergraduate Research Journal as design editor of the social sciences section.

Since freshman year at Ole Miss, Lee’s involvement and service to Chi Psi includes being an Interfraternity Council delegate—the governing body of social fraternities—his freshman year, risk management chair, and recently, president of the Council.

Thomas Lee (bottom right) with his Chi Psi brothers after winning several Greek Life awards. Photo courtesy of Chi Psi Ole Miss.

Originally from Gulfport, Mississippi, Lee said his decision to attend Ole Miss was not much of a decision after all.

“I had always come to Ole Miss every summer and it always felt like home for me,” Lee said. “Hearing leaders on campus talk about Ole Miss being a family resonated with me as my experience has been special and unique.”

Studying Abroad

Lee also enjoyed the essence of Ole Miss having a top language program in the nation. As studying abroad is required for his program, Lee used the opportunity to embrace the study of a language and culture more in-depth. Therefore, he decided to visit Jordan and engage with the country’s cultural values and behaviors.

“The dialect and ultimately seeing myself working there in my near future led me to that region of the Middle East,” Lee said. “I learned a lot about myself and not being afraid to put myself out there to be in situations that most people would deem uncomfortable.”

Leaving to study abroad in Jordan, Lee’s close-knit family overcame the hurdle of the distance and the world’s political climate. Lee said his parents knew the visit had to happen and how much it would enhance his college experience along with learning more about the Arabic language.

“The opportunity and relevance of studying abroad were big parts for my parents being on board with me going to Jordan,” Lee said.

The second time studying abroad in Jordan was more natural for his family as daily communication and picture sharing calmed his parents’ nerves. Among one of the things he learned in Jordan was how to be the best leader possible.

“It has been one of my most treasured experiences as president to have been able to work alongside Thomas,” said Chi Psi President Brijesh Dadlani. “His attention to detail and relentless work ethic are both inspiring and reassuring.”

As risk management chair, Lee read contracts, made sure that brother’s and their dates were safe, and understood the risks associated with events. The role gave him a unique perspective on the fraternity and the university, he said.

“It definitely has helped me confirm my notion of pursuing a career in public policy or law,” Lee said.

After college, Lee aspires to enter the military to be a part of the Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG) to serve as a military lawyer and deal with cases involving war criminals.

Giving Back

After graduating from law school, Lee envisions living in Jordan as it would be a natural fit with the food and culture that he has experienced in the past.

His knowledge and desire to make a difference to establish a culture of sustainability and being green is also prevalent in his career aspirations in government in either the United States or in Jordan.

“Even though Jordan is a beautiful country they struggle with sustainability. Trash is in places it shouldn’t be, as well as the lack of clean water puts a burden on a country that struggles with sanitation,” Lee said.

As Lee’s tenure as Chi Psi’s risk management chair is coming to an end, he said he has enjoyed the perspective of the college experience and the ability to interact with university administration and members of other fraternities that his position has given him.

“It has been a great opportunity to serve as a leader in my fraternity and healthily interact with people outside of my inner circle and hopefully make a change that will be here for years to come,” he said.