SeriousFun Stipend Renamed to Honor Bill Jenkins

Jenkins at Camp Boggy Creek in Florida

A fund to provide travel stipends to students who volunteer, intern or serve on the staff of a SeriousFun Children’s Network camp for seriously ill children has been re-named in memory William D. Jenkins, former Phi Kappa Tau as Executive Director and Executive Vice President of the Phi Kappa Tau Foundation who died September 23, 2024.

Jenkins became an ardent supporter of the SeriousFun camps as soon as Phi Kappa Tau adopted the organization, founded by Phi Kappa Tau alumnus Paul Newman, as its national philanthropy in 1996 “Mr. Bill” as he was affectionately known, personally volunteered as a cabin counselor in his 70s and found the camp experience to be life changing. Phi Kappa Tau continues to be the largest single source of male volunteers at SeriousFun camps.

As a consultant to the Delta Zeta Foundation, Jenkins encouraged the sorority’s support of SeriousFun’s Painted Turtle Camp in California as a nod to their mascot turtle. In 2006, The Painted Turtle became the National Service Project of Delta Zeta undergraduate and alumnae chapters and since 2020, the entire SeriousFun Children’s Network has been a Global Service Project of Delta Zeta.

In 2023-24, nearly 60 Phi Taus served as volunteers, interns or staffers at SeriousFun camps around the world, many of who received stipends from the Jenkins Fund. To honor Bill’s memory. Please consider a gift to the Jenkins Fund by clicking here:

Click here to give to the stipend directly.

Phi Kappa Tau Reaches Largest Average Chapter Size in Years

51. What does that number mean to you? This year, for Phi Kappa Tau, it means growth. Chapters across the board did remarkably well in their recruitment efforts this Fall which buoyed the average chapter size of our organization to 51 members per chapter.  

Chapters like Gamma Beta at Cincinnati played a major role in our overall growth success!

This, of course, is just one metric we look at to determine the health of our organization and doesn’t paint the full picture. To give some context, our previous average chapter size was typically in the mid-40s for the past several years. With a current undergraduate base of 4,145 members, we are seeing significant improvement and sustainability in overall membership growth.  

Zooming in, we saw several individual chapters achieve great success with their recruitment numbers. Among them, Alpha Lambda at Auburn took in a strong 50-man associate class and initiated 100% of their new members. Gamma Beta at Cincinatti had one of their largest associate member classes in years, taking in 20 members. Gamma Psi at Texas State took in 36 men after rejoining their campus’ Interfraternity Council. Lambda chapter at Purdue had perhaps the most dramatic turnaround in membership size, growing from just under 10 members to 78 members this fall.  

Expansion chapters like Gamma Omicron at Cal State Fullerton are integral to overall organizational growth.

Our growth efforts were also supported by the creation of new chapters led by the executive offices Growth Team. New chapters were re-established at Cal State Fullerton (Gamma Omicron), Texas A&M (Epsilon Alpha), and our newest restart at SUNY Oswego (Epsilon Eta). Gamma Omicron and Epsilon Alpha began with 37 associates thanks to the onsite presence of the growth teams.  

Growth Consultants will be sent to SUNY Oswego and UC Davis in the Spring, in addition to continually supporting chapters with their growth efforts. The revolutionary Recruitment Services Initiative (RSI) has proven to be a massive success for our chapters, and we can’t wait to see how we will continue to grow year after year. Looking to the future, our growth team continues to look to improve our chapters’ growth effort through the implementation of the Phi Kappa Tau Growth system and educating men onsite in Chicago this year at this year’s Zenith Officer Institute.  

If you or a leader of your chapter is looking to see how they can continue to enhance their recruitment systems, please reach out to the Associate Director of Organizational Growth via email at rcallahan@phikappatau.org. 

(The Growth Team Consists of: Hunter Pemberton (Director of Organizational Growth), Ryan Callahan (Associate Director of Organizational Growth), Zak Belbina (Senior Growsh Consultant), Noah Shipley (Senior Growth Consultant)) 

The Life and Legacy of William D. Jenkins - "Mr. Bill" Enters Chapter Eternal

A memorial service will take place for Bill on October 26th, 2024 at 1:00pm at the Oxford Presbyterian Church (101 N Main St, Oxford, OH 45056)

William D. Jenkins (1937-2024)

William D. Jenkins (Bowling Green 1957) entered chapter eternal on September 23, 2024, following a long illness. “Mr. Bill” as he was affectionately known, was one of the most consequential leaders in Phi Kappa Tau and in the greater Greek community for more than half a century. Bill was a giant in the Greek world. No Phi Tau except Jack Anson, Colgate ’47 comes close to matching Bill’s influence on that community and its leaders.

Born and raised in Ravenna, Ohio November 9, 1937, near Cleveland, He enrolled in Bowling Green State University, majored in business, later changing his major to art and joined the marching band. He was invited to join Beta Tau Chapter and was initiated on January 18, 1957. He attended his first National Convention in Pasadena, California in 1958 where he met Founders Shideler and Borradaile, Roland Maxwell and other Phi Tau luminaries. At the time of his death, he held the record for having attended more conventions than any Phi Tau alive. This connection to the national fraternity inspired him to accept an offer to join the fraternity’s professional staff as a field secretary upon his graduation. National Secretary Richard J. Young retired shortly after Jenkins’ arrival on the staff and when the assistant secretary, Jack Anson was not immediately appointed to replace Dick Young, Bill was appointed acting national secretary.

Jenkins with Founder Borradaile

By the time Anson returned to the staff as National Secretary, Bill had been drafted and was away in the service, returning in 1964 and quickly becoming Anson’s assistant and right-hand man. He remained in that position until 1970 when Anson left to become the Executive Director of the National Interfraternity Conference, now North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC), as it was then known and he assumed the recently re-named role as Executive Director of Phi Kappa Tau. His time in that position was challenging. In the tumultuous years of the 1970s, the popularity of fraternities waned. Chapters closed. Others defaulted on loans and revenues to support fraternity operations dwindled. After the better part of two decades on the Phi Tau staff, Bill left in 1978 to work for Compolith Graphics in Indianapolis which served the Greek community. As a well-known leader in the Greek world, Bill soon joined the fund-raising firm of Development Dynamics Group in St. Louis. At DDG, he provided sage fundraising counsel to a long list of fraternity and sorority clients and his unique style of writing fund raising letters raised millions of dollars for his clients, mentoring countless development professionals along the way.

Jenkins at his desk at the Executive Offices

Bill left DDG for the opportunity to serve his alma mater as the assistant vice president and director of development at Bowling Green State University. He enjoyed the chance to serve Bowling Green but Phi Tau came calling and he returned to Oxford in 1991 to become executive director of the Phi Kappa Tau Foundation, the role that would be the capstone to his career. Bill greatly expanded the role of the Foundation, assuming responsibility for the Laurel and expanding the professional staff. He engaged heavily with the Fraternity’s new national philanthropy, now known as SeriousFun Children’s Network. He volunteered as a cabin counselor at SeriousFun camps and found it to be a life-changing experience, often tearing up as he described the interactions with the children he met at camp. Prior to his retirement in 2006, Bill assumed the role of Centennial Coordinator, taking on responsibility for the Centennial Garden fund raising and construction.

Always a leader in the interfraternity movement, Bill was appointed to fill the unexpired term on board of the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) held by Walter G. “Sonny” Strange, Auburn ’70 who died in 1992. Bill was a distinguished member of the NIC board for a decade and was elected president, becoming the only Phi Tau since Roland Maxwell to hold that distinguished office. In 2005, he joined Roland Maxwell, Ewing Boles and Jack Anson to become the fourth Phi Tau to be awarded the NIC’s Gold Medal, its highest award. The NIC’s Foundation Section, now known as the Foundation for Fraternal Excellence (FFE) annually awards the William D. Jenkins Outstanding Foundation Professional Award in Bill’s honor.

Jenkins (Center, Beige Coat) with several former Phi Kappa Tau Executive Offices Staff Members.

In Phi Kappa Tau, Bill received every significant alumnus award given, including the Borradaile Alumnus Award and the Palm Award. He was among the inaugural class inducted into the Fraternity’s Hall of Fame at the Fraternity’s Centennial celebration in 2006 which he helped to orchestrate in grand style, memorably narrating a series of historical videos at the final banquet. The Fraternity’s award for Interfraternal Excellence is named for him. He is a recipient of the Jack L. Anson Award from the Association of Fraternity Advisors and the Distinguished Service Award from the Fraternity Executives Association. Numerous other Greek organizations have recognized Bill for his service to the interfraternity movement.

And while fraternity took up much of Bill’s life, he was far from one-dimensional. He was a passionate, life-long baseball fan. He particularly loved the St. Louis Cardinals and enjoyed his time in St. Louis where he was able to attend games. He collected baseballs, visited major league ballparks and vacationed around spring training when he could. His son Doug said that during Bill’s final days, he knew he was feeling a little better when he began to complain about the Cincinnati Reds payroll.

Jenkins volunteering at Camp Boggy Creek, a SeriousFun Children’s Network Camp

He was a devoted family man as well. He was married twice, his first marriage ending in divorce but producing his loving sons Chuck and Doug who was his primary caregiver in his last years. He met his second wife Carmalieta, a Delta Gamma executive, at ceremonies recognizing the bicentennial of the American College Fraternity at Williamsburg in December 1976. Bill and Carmalieta were married in December 1982 and were inseparable for the remainder of Carmalieta’s life. Bill was her devoted caregiver as her health declined and was her constant companion, even when she was forced to move into a care facility.

Bill devoted much his community leadership to the Oxford Kiwanis Club, which he first joined in 1964 and served as its president in 1971. He rejoined the club on his return to Oxford in 1991 and faithfully attended meetings and activities as long as his health permitted. He also became known in his retirement years as Santa, even growing his own white beard to add to the authenticity. He appeared throughout the Oxford and Hamilton communities, delighting children and adults. He became a fixture at the annual Phi Tau Christmas office party.

Bill always had an creative and artistic flair which was reflected in his use of language, attention to detail, his distinctive handwriting and lower-case signature and his eye for graphic design. In retirement, he turned his attention to drawing and painting, often making gifts of his artwork and offering them charity auctions and sales.

To his legions of friends, Bill will be remembered for his meticulous and natty appearance, his warmth, his humanity, his good stories, thoughtful notes and his bad jokes.

And perhaps the most lasting legacy to Bill in Phi Kappa Tau will be our cherished Candlelight Ceremony. Penned by Bill for the closing banquet of the 1975 National Convention, Honored Founder Taylor Borradaile’s last Convention, the ceremony has been conducted hundreds of times as a moving capstone to national and chapter events. Bill loved to tailor the ceremony to each event where he conducted it but finally agreed on a standard version which has been included as one of the Fraternity’s public Rituals. A fitting end to each Candlelight Ceremony and to Bill’s memory are the words from the Brotherhood Song “We’ll meet again in heaven, sure, in the name of Phi Kappa Tau.”

Phi Kappa Tau Brotherhood Assessment FAQ

If you are reading this you are likely an undergraduate member or a Phi Kappa Tau volunteer. We hope this list of frequently asked questions will help you to better understand the Phi Kappa Tau Brotherhood Assessment.

What is the purpose of the Survey? 

• In order to get a more accurate picture of the strengths and areas of improvement for Ph Kappa Tau, we will be partnering with Dyad Strategies to administer a simple survey to our entire undergraduate membership. The purpose of which is to provide better resources for groups long term, backed by the data from our membership itself.  

Who gets to take the survey?  

• All undergraduates, including new members. The assessment will be sent to each member INDIVIDUALLY via email, to the email address listed in Phi Kappa Tau Portal. The survey link is unique for each person and will not work if it’s forwarded to other people.   

How long will it take?  

• The entire survey will take 25 – 30 minutes to complete.  

What’s the deadline? 

• Ideally the survey is completed at the first chapter meeting you hold after receiving the survey via email. Chapters will have until November 5th, 2024 to complete the survey in a timely manner.

Does everyone have to take it?  

• We hope everyone will. Chapter presidents will receive weekly reports showing exactly who – and who hasn’t – completed the survey. To get statistically significant results, each chapter needs to have 60% of their members complete the survey. 

Are the results confidential? 

• Results are confidential and intended for internal use, individual results will not be made public nor will your chapter’s leadership have access to your response.  

Members who don’t receive the survey email 

• If you do not receive the survey via email it is likely due to a minor database error, please have your chapter president reach out to their Success Manager to resolve the issue. 

Help! We have problems!  

• Please refer to your Chapter Consultant for diagnosing email issues, participation issues, general concerns, etc. 

What will the weekly participation reports look like?  

• The chapter president will get a weekly participation report. It will be a simple excel sheet that lists overall participation statistics for your chapter, plus a detailed report of each member and his survey status. For instance, you’ll be able to see that 72% of the chapter started the survey and 67% completed the survey.  

• Then, for an individual member, you can see if he received the email, opened the email, started the survey, or completed the survey. You won’t be able to see any survey answers, just the completion status.  

• This is how you’ll be able to offer incentives to individuals who complete the survey quickly and follow up with members who haven’t started it yet 

What if people don’t answer seriously? Will that affect our chapter results?  

• Possibly. This survey is for the benefit of chapter leaders, to provide direct feedback from your members. If students give dishonest or glib answers, that will affect your results. The survey tabulation software has some built-in controls for “fake data,” so one or two goofballs won’t skew your results. The best way to prevent this is to build excitement for the survey, offer incentives, and make it a priority for the fall term. 

What if we don’t agree with what the report says?  

• The Brotherhood Assessment will convey feedback directly from your members. It’s possible that what your members say is different from your own thoughts and assumptions. That’s OK. The chapter report is intended as a starting point for information and conversation about the culture of your chapter.  

Will the results be used for any disciplinary action against a chapter?  

• No. The questions are about the attitudes and experiences of your members. There aren’t any questions about specific incidents or events. 

The Winners Are...

 See below for a list of winners for this year’s Awards of Distinction. For a PDF version of this list please click here.

PHI KAPPA TAU AWARDS OF DISTINCTION 

(ANNOUNCED JULY 2024 FOR THE 2023 CALENDAR YEAR) 

⭐⭐⭐ 

CHAPTER  AWARDS 

Roland Maxwell Outstanding Chapter | Top Chapter 

Beta Beta, Louisville  

Founders Four Chapters | Top Four Chapters 

Phi, Bethany 

Chi, North Carolina State 

Alpha Kappa, Washington State 

Beta Beta, Louisville  

Harold E. Angelo Award | Most Improved Chapter 

Alpha Kappa, Washington State 

Jack Jareo Award | Outstanding Newsletter 

Upsilon, Nebraska Wesleyan 

Richard Massock Award | Best Chapter Alumni Event  

Phi, Bethany 

Gamma Alpha, Michigan Tech  

Best New Associate Class | Best New Associate Class 

Epsilon Nu, Clemson   

Ross E. Roeder Award | Best BOG 

Kappa, Kentucky 

Academic Excellence | Chapter GPA above 3.0 or above AMA 

Alpha, Miami 

Delta, Centre 

Epsilon, Mount Union 

Upsilon, Nebraska Wesleyan 

Phi, Bethany 

Alpha Gamma, Delaware 

Alpha Kappa, Washington State 

Alpha Rho, Georgia Tech 

Alpha Tau, Cornell 

Alpha Chi, Mississippi State 

Alpha Omega, Baldwin Wallace 

Beta Beta, Louisville 

Beta Theta, Kansas 

Beta Omicron, Maryland 

Gamma Alpha, Michigan Tech 

Gamma Mu, Bradley 

Delta Kappa, Tennesse 

Zeta Alpha, Belmont 

Zeta Zeta, Illinois-Springfield 

Zeta Xi, South Carolina 

Zeta Omicron, Arizona State 

Zeta Pi, Boston  

George V. Voinovich Excellence in Community Service Award | Most Community Service Hours  

Chi, North Carolina State 

Community Service Scroll | Chapters that average 20 service hours per member 

Chi, North Carolina State 

Epsilon, Mount Union 

Delta Lambda, Muskingum 

Zeta Epsilon, Lynchburg  

Frederick R. Fletemeyer Prize | Outstanding Associate Chapter Award 

Epsilon Nu, Clemson  

Monoroe Moosnick Scholarship Trophy | Top Chapter GPA 

Alpha Tau, Cornell 

Order of the Star | Borradaile Challenge Rating 

Alpha, Miami 

Upsilon, Nebraska Wesleyan 

Alpha Rho, Georgia Tech 

Beta Beta, Lousiville 

Delta Lambda, Mukingum 

Delta Nu, Wright State 

Delta Rho, Eastern Kentucky 

Zeta Alpha, Belmont 

Zeta Omicron, Arizona State  

Recruitment Pacesetter Award 

Beta, Ohio 

Alpha Gamma, Michigan Tech 

Alpha Tau, Cornell 

Beta Beta, Louisville 

Beta Chi, Southern Illinois 

Beta Omega, Chico 

Beta Xi, Georgia 

Delta Kappa, Tennesse 

Delta Lambda, Muskingum 

Epsilon Nu, Clemson 

Epsilon Sigma, Chapman 

Gamma Beta, Cincinatti 

Omicron, Penn State 

Zeta Alpha, Belmont 

Zeta Xi, South Carolina  

Paul Newman Award | Highest Dollar amount donated to SeriousFun 

Beta Beta, Louisville  

Norm W. Brown Philanthropy Scroll | Donated more than $2000 charity  

Delta, Centre 

Upsilon, Nebraska Wesleyan 

Phi, Bethany 

Chi, NC State 

Alpha Gamma, Delaware 

Alpha Rho, Georgia Tech 

Alpha Chi, Mississippi State 

Alpha Omega, Baldwin Wallace 

Beta Beta, Louisville 

Beta Gamma, Ole Miss 

Beta Chi, Southern Illinois 

Gamma Xi, East Central 

Sonny Strange Recruitment Award | Top Recruitment/Retention Award 

Delta Kappa, Tennessee 

Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award (Chapter) | Chapter DEIA Award 

Lambda, Purdue University  

⭐⭐⭐ 

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS 

Taylor A. Borradaile Undergraduate Memorial Award | Top Undergraduate 

Tanner Schultz, Louisville  

William Henry Shideler Award | Outstanding Senior 

Max Draus, Nebraska Wesleyan  

Dwight I. Douglass President’s Award | Top Chapter President 

Keegan Tingle, Louisville (Beta Beta)  

Best New Associate

Tavyn Likosky, Baldwin Wallace (Alpha Omega)  

Jack Anson Award | Outstanding Interfraternal service to their community 

Zachary Schubert, Kansas (Beta Theta) 

Clinton D. Boyd VPAR Award | Best VPAR 

Nolan Eatherton, Nebraska Wesleyan (Upsilon)  

Dr. Edgar Ewing Brandon Award | Outstanding Advisor 

Jeff Moser, Tennesse (Delta Kappa)  

Greg Hollen Associate Chapter President Award | Best Associate Chapter President 

Vincent De Luca, East Carolina (Gamma Eta) 

Outstanding Associate Chapter Advisor Award | Outstanding Associate Chapter Advisor 

Tom Gooden, Beta Theta (Kansas) 

Outstanding Greek Advisor Award | Outstanding Greek Advisor 

Carter Lukes, West Virginia University 

Phi Award

Scott Conroe, Alpha Tau (Cornell)

Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award (Individual) | Individual DEIA Award 

Matt Olson, North Texas (Zeta Theta) 

Orlando Selected for Convention 2025

The location for the 66th National Convention of Phi Kappa Tau has been etched in stone, and it reads... 

Orlando, Florida!  

Wednesday July 23rd—Sunday, July 27th, Phi Taus of all ages will descend upon Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando, Lake Buena Vista South and commence the most historic celebration of brotherhood this fraternity has ever known. This will culminate in our Brotherhood Banquet taking place on Saturday, July 26th along with a full day of brotherhood activities.

Convention registration, participation packages, and hotel reservations will be available starting September 1st. Attendees that book with the Convention hotel will have their registration discounted. Your stay at the Convention hotel will include free made-to-order breakfast (2 per room) and a complimentary evening reception each day.

In one year, we will Turn the Tide of brotherhood—unifying our organization with the common goal of advancing the Phi Kappa Tau mission to young men all over the country! 

More information on the 2025 Convention is still to come, including details on a theme park trip and several affinity reunions. If you want to be the first to know more information and even receive an early bird discount, click here.

Remembering a Dynamic Leader

The Fraternity and Foundation are saddened to report the death of David A. Ruckman, Ohio State ‘62, a Distinguished Trustee and former chairman of the Phi Kappa Tau Foundation Board of Trustees, following his courageous 20-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Dave is remembered for his selfless philanthropy and for his dynamic leadership at the start of Phi Kappa Tau’s second century. 

Initiated into Gamma Chapter in April 1962, Dave was later elected chapter president and continued his support of his chapter and fraternity for more than six decades, retiring from his final term on the Foundation board in April. He was a Trustee of the Foundation for most of last two decades and served as chairman from 2007 until 2014. His philanthropy benefited the national organization and his local chapter. His gifts of time and treasure were recognized with Phi Kappa Tau’s highest honor, the Palm Award in 2014. 

Dave had a distinguished career at Merrill Lynch and mentored countless young members of that firm. As District Director, he supervised over 1000 Merrill Lynch professionals. 

His leadership and philanthropy benefitted his home city of Cleveland where he served on the board of directors of the renowned Cleveland Orchestra and was a major supporter of the Salvation Army. 

He leaves behind his loving wife of 60 years, Marilyn, two daughters, Samantha and Nicole, and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter Danielle in 2016. 

While we mourn Dave’s entry into Chapter Eternal, we also celebrate the life of a Phi Tau who leaves behind a legacy of remarkable philanthropy and leadership. We are brothers now and ever… 

A complete obituary may be found here.

Tips for Staying Connected with Your Chapter During Summer

by Craig Krygowski, Southern Illinois ‘17

Summer is the perfect time to unwind after a hectic school year. You can leave the stresses of schoolwork and fraternity responsibilities behind and focus on enjoying the sunshine and relaxing. However, while it's important to recharge, it's equally crucial to stay connected with your chapter and brothers. If you're feeling lonely or bored, chances are, one of your brothers is too. Here are some easy ways to keep in touch with your bros: 

1. The Group Chat 

The infamous group chat. Whether your chapter already has one or not, it's a key tool for staying connected. If things have gone quiet, bring some life back into it! Share a meme or two, post a video from your favorite social event, start a debate about the best fast food, or talk about your plans for the upcoming year. Keeping the conversation going helps maintain the bond and keeps everyone in the loop. 

2. Summer Meet-Up 

Does your chapter plan a summer meet-up? If not, it's time to start! Summer meet-ups are a great way to reconnect, have fun, and get some planning done for the Fall semester. Organize some activities, fire up the grill, and enjoy the company of your brothers you haven't seen in a while. You could even coordinate with other Greek organizations for a big summer event. 

3. Shared Experiences 

Summer is packed with fun and engaging experiences, and at least one of your brothers will be down to hang out and try something new with you. Whether it’s a music festival, food truck fair, NASCAR race, or dog show, don’t hesitate to invite some bros along. Sometimes, the most spontaneous and random experiences end up being the most cherished memories. 

Remember, staying connected over the summer not only strengthens your bonds but also makes coming back to campus in the Fall even more exciting. So, take the initiative, reach out, and make the most of your summer with your brothers! 

Dr. Rupprecht Named Assistant Vice President and Dean of Students

Dr. Stephen M. Rupprecht.

Former National Councilor, Dr. Stephen M. Rupprecht, Oswego State’91, has been appointed Assistant Vice President and Dean of Students at Kutztown University. Rupprecht has been a dedicated Phi Tau since his years as an undergraduate student, and not only held the position of National Councilor, but was also the Philanthropy Director from 1999-2002.  

With nearly 30 years of experience in higher education, Rupprecht previously held key student affairs roles in Philadelphia-area colleges, most recently serving as Dean of Students at Cabrini University from 2018-2022. He also served as Cabrini’s Director of Residence Life and an adjunct faculty member.  

Before Cabrini, Rupprecht spent 16 years at Drexel University, including 10 years as the Assistant Dean of Students and Director of the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards. He managed crisis situations and played a pivotal role in transforming Drexel's fraternity/sorority community. 

Rupprecht holds a Doctor of Education from Drexel University and a Master of Arts from Bowling Green State University. 

On his new position, Rupprecht stated, “I’m excited to be back working on campus, and I’m particularly happy that this includes fraternity and sorority life. I believe in the great value of this experience, whether it’s Phi Tau or our interfraternal friends.” 

Congratulations to this Man of Distinction, who has remained dedicated to fostering an enriching environment for undergraduate students across the country.  

The Man Behind the Stripes

Ben with the “Road to Omaha” statue.

By Dalton Lee, Baldwin Wallace ’11

Ben Brownlee, Bethany '03, has dedicated much of his life to collegiate athletics; from four years of swimming at Bethany College to building a career with various conferences and at the NCAA over the past 17 years, Brownlee made a name for himself within the industry. Before arriving on campus in Bethany, West Virginia, Brownlee had already developed a fondness for the university. He first fell in love with the campus as a freshman in high school and only deepened his connections over the next four years. His route to Phi Tau was similarly destined to be—he had friends who were already in the Phi chapter before stepping onto campus, so he patiently waited for his chance to join and turn friends into brothers. Brownlee revered his time as an undergraduate member of Phi Tau and remembers his favorite moments of brotherhood being the little things—eating lunch together, playing intramurals sports, and having a community to lean on following the passing of his father.  

Ben at the NCAA Convention.

Following the completion of his degree, Brownlee began his career with the Presidents’ Athletic Conference, eventually moving to the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference where he worked his way up to the Acting Commissioner. Following that role, he spent two years with the Moutain East Conference and got the opportunity to start with the NCAA in 2015. For almost nine years, Brownlee was the Assistant Director of the NCAA, where his primary function was to lead and expand the background check and vetting process for officiating hopefuls. As the NCAA worked to create a new role—Associate Director of Officiating—Brownlee was the ideal candidate, having already fulfilled many of the daily responsibilities of the position. For the last six months, he has continued to improve upon and ensure that the NCAA gets the most dedicated and honest officials possible. As sports betting and gambling become legalized throughout the country and widely more accessible, this job is of the utmost importance, and it is pivotal to ensuring the success and authenticity of collegiate sports.  

Ben and his wife.

Living in Indianapolis, Brownlee married his wife in 2018 and the couple now have twin daughters who are 4 and a son who is 2. Congratulations to a great Phi Tau man who is helping student athletes, spectators, and coaches have the most rewarding experience possible.