Tyris Gillis

Tyris serves as the Program Director, leading the Students Achieving First-Year Excellence (SAFE) Program. Tyris received his Bachelors of Fine Arts in Mass Media with an emphasis in Video Production from Valdosta State University. Tyris continued his education at NC State University where he received a Masters of Education in Higher Education Administration. For four years, Tyris served as a Community Director at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill before arriving at Niner Nation. 

Throughout his professional career, Tyris has done extensive work with historically marginalized populations in higher education, particularly male students of color. Tyris helped create the Black Male Initiative at NC State and coordinated the Men of Color Monthly Gatherings in Chapel Hill. Tyris enjoys tennis, roller coasters, baking, movies and television. 

Favorite Quote/Mantra

“Everyone fails at who they’re supposed to be. The measure of a person, of a hero, is how well they succeed at being who they are.”