Christian Perry was named executive director of community and belonging at Franklin & Marshall on April 20. Over the past year, he has led the Office of Community and Belonging as its interim executive director.

Perry joined F&M in 2021 as inaugural director, a role established in direct response to student advocacy and the demand for a dedicated leader to support the College’s diverse student community. 

“Christian has done exceptional work to fulfill that role; indeed, he has far exceeded expectations,” said F&M President Andrew Rich. “Christian’s strategic approach and collaborative spirit ensure that his focus remains steadfastly on the well-being and success of our students.”

Several signature programs at F&M have been shaped by Perry, including Campus Inclusion Week, Day of Dialogue, and community-building traditions.

Perry’s commitment to F&M students goes beyond programming. He has co-taught a first-year course, "Identity, Power, and Inequality," and has served as a dedicated adviser to numerous student organizations. He is also F&M’s liaison for the nonprofit Posse Foundation, a full-tuition scholarship and mentorship program for high-achieving students. 

“I remain passionate about creating a more inclusive and equitable society, and I am committed to using my skills and knowledge to make a positive impact for F&M students,” Perry said. 

"I remain passionate about creating a more inclusive and equitable society, and I am committed to using my skills and knowledge to make a positive impact for F&M students."

Christian Perry

Perry brings a wealth of experience working with students from diverse backgrounds. His deep understanding of social justice and anti-bias issues has been an asset to F&M’s campus and the broader community. 

Prior to joining F&M in 2021, he was director of the Popel Shaw Center for Race and Ethnicity at Dickinson College. Previously, he was assistant director of admissions for Dickinson and an admissions counselor at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology. Perry received his M.B.A. from South New Hampshire University and his bachelor’s degree in communications from Lock Haven University. 

Perry and his wife, Nakia Perry, are the parents of Christian, age 5, and Nyla’rae, age 3. Nakia is the former assistant director of Greek life at F&M and now serves as the campus inclusion and compliance officer at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology.  

Christian Perry joined F&M in 2021 as inaugural director of community and belonging, a role established in direct response to student advocacy and the demand for a dedicated leader to support the College’s diverse student community. (Photo by Deb Grove)