Christopher Blakely

Dr. Christopher Blakely has been named assistant vice chancellor for student engagement and leadership at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. In the newly created position, Blakely will oversee all operations of the Student Engagement and Leadership collaborative, including sorority and fraternity life, leadership development, student organizational development and management, student businesses, student governance, facilities and student media.

The appointment of Blakely, who most recently served as assistant vice president for campus life at Florida Gulf Coast University, was announced Dec. 3 by UMass Amherst Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Campus Life Shelly Perdomo-Ahmed.

Prior to his new role, Blakely served as director of the Multicultural and Leadership Development Center (2018-2020) and dean of students (2020-2024) at Florida Gulf Coast University. Blakely managed the team’s effort and response to a comprehensive range of student development programs and services. He was responsible for overseeing the university’s Student Conduct Process.

Given his diverse experiences, he is driven to improve students’ lives through motivation, inspiration and excellence.

Additionally, Blakely served as chair of the Equity and Diversity Advisory Committee for the Lee County School District and as president of the Black Faculty and Staff Association at Florida Gulf Coast University.

His responsibilities also focused on oversight of student conduct, crisis and discipline; guidance on campus policy; and oversight of the Behavioral Consultation and Assessment Team. He previously served as minority retention coordinator at Morehead State University in Kentucky. There, he developed systems to foster a diverse and inclusive living and learning environment through mechanisms such as student advising, educational programs, leadership development, and co-curricular and retention initiatives.

Blakely earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Mount Union in Ohio and his doctorate in education from Eastern Kentucky University. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

As assistant vice president for campus life, Blakely supports the leadership of the following areas: Fraternity and Sorority Life, Eagle Media, the Organizations and Student Involvement, Programming Board, the Multicultural and Leadership Development Center and Student Government.

His wife, Camillá, and their two children, Israel Christopher and Imani Christine, support Blakely as he works to serve as a resource agent for students to ensure adaptability and success.