East Texas A&M University senior Jackson Benedetto has been named Sigma Chi Fraternity’s 2026 Consul of the Year, a national honor recognizing outstanding leadership among chapter presidents across the United States.

Sigma Chi is a North American social fraternity dedicated to developing men of character through friendship, justice and learning. The fraternity has approximately 15,100 active undergraduate members.

The Consul of the Year award recognizes a chapter president who demonstrates exceptional leadership, creates meaningful change within the chapter and embodies the fraternity’s values. During Benedetto’s term leading the university’s Zeta Eta chapter, the fraternity recorded the largest recruitment classes on campus in both the fall and spring semesters, earned the highest fraternity grade-point average, maintained its status as the university’s largest fraternity and raised more than $25,000 in a single week for the Huntsman Cancer Foundation to support cancer research. Benedetto was also named East Texas A&M’s Fraternity and Sorority Life President of the Year.

“Being named Sigma Chi Consul of the Year is one of the greatest honors I’ve ever received,” Benedetto said. “It represents the hard work and dedication of our entire chapter, not just me. This award is a reflection of what we were able to accomplish together.”

A kinesiology major, Benedetto has been active across campus, serving as a Student Government Association senator, Lion Ambassador, Orientation Leader, Lion Camp counselor and two-time Interfraternity Council recruitment chairman. He credits those experiences with strengthening his communication, decision-making and leadership abilities while connecting him with mentors and lifelong friends.

Benedetto encourages students to become involved early in their college careers, saying campus organizations provide opportunities to build leadership skills, expand professional networks and develop lasting relationships. Whether through Greek life, student government or other organizations, he said stepping outside one’s comfort zone can make the college experience more meaningful while opening doors to opportunities both during college and long after graduation.