A group photo of Presidents Academy participants and facilitators

Held at the site of our upcoming National Convention in July, the Hilton Fort Worth is a historic landmark situated in the city’s downtown. The site of President John F. Kennedy’s final night, it’s also where JFK gave his last public speech in the hotel’s Crystal Ballroom the morning of November 22nd. Today, there is a sculpture of the President just outside the front doors, along with the inscription, “There are no faint hearts in Fort Worth.”

With an obligation to others in mind and the proximity to historic leadership, a delegation of 70 Phi Tau chapter presidents made their way to the historic Hilton to attend the first educational program of the year – Presidents Academy. For three days, our President-elects engaged with facilitators in small and large groups to discuss ways they can change their chapters for the better and how to create meaningful campus collaborations. They created action plans to improve their Borradaile Challenge metrics, improve recruitment efforts and SeriousFun involvement, and engaged in difficult conversations regarding risk management. By the end of the program, participants were formally installed as chapter presidents by National Vice President Dale Holland, Kent State ‘87.

Alex Thompkins, Columbus State ‘17 (left) — Alex Thompkins, *Columbus State ‘17* (left)

“I enjoyed Presidents Academy because it got me motivated for this semester, and I think I can bring back something very valuable to my guys. I’m ready to get this started,” said Alex Thompkins, Columbus State ’17, President of our newest chapter, Zeta Rho at Columbus State University. Jordan Tran, Middle Tennessee ’18, commented on the applicability of some of the first-hand skills participants practice, “I learned how to lead the guys in the right direction and lots of useful information like learning how to use ChapterSpot and networking with other organizations on campus.”

Jordan Tran, Middle Tennessee ‘18 (left) — Jordan Tran, *Middle Tennessee ‘18* (left)

Presidents Academy is a crucial step in the transition of chapter presidencies. It helps the new President find their own unique leadership style, identify problems in their chapter and map out ways to improve them, and facilitate connections between students by introducing them to brothers from around the country. Without a doubt, one of the most valuable opportunities of the program is the chance to meet other chapter presidents. Last year, Dallas Taylor, Southern Mississippi ’16, testified to this. “A lot of people don’t get the chance to go outside of their chapter and see things other chapters have, so when you go to these National Programs you get to meet people from other chapters that have dealt with similar issues but handled them differently. Because of that, you can learn what works best from them and take it back to your own chapter,” he said. This year, brothers gathered again from all nine Phi Tau domains to meet, discuss their chapters strengths and shortcomings, and bond over the unique challenges and opportunities of being a chapter president.

Simultaneous to Presidents Academy, Volunteer Development Institute (VDI) is held in conjunction with Presidents Academy each year. VDI is our only educational program curated entirely to the needs of alumni. It’s is designed for those directly involved in chapter advising; it helps them discover new and innovative ways to communicate with today’s college students, keeps them up-to-date on Phi Tau policies and procedures, and ensures they are prepared and confident to meet the needs of the chapter in whatever capacity may arise.

By the end of the program, the objectives of VDI, among other items, include:

VDI participant and facilitator group photo

The ability to demonstrate comprehension of the role and responsibilities of volunteers within the structure of the Fraternity
The ability to identify three core responsibilities of a Phi Kappa Tau volunteer
The ability to model effective methods of advising collegiate men
The ability to facilitate an educational program
Demonstrated knowledge of Risk Management Policy

Facilitator Stephen Rupprecht, Oswego State '91 — Facilitator Stephen Rupprecht, *Oswego State '91*

This year, 17 alumni representing 12 chapters took time out of their busy lives to travel to Texas to ensure they’re prepared to be the best advisors they can to the next generation of Phi Taus. We are very grateful to have alumni who so focused on building the Fraternity’s future.

Thank you to our National Education Advisor and facilitators as well as our participants. These programs cannot run without the help of engaged volunteers and we are lucky to have so many willing to dedicate a weekend to Phi Tau!

We trust that our newest Chapter Presidents return to their schools prepared to tackle all the challenges that come with the role. We expect you’ll make us proud.

Our educational programs continue this month and into February with Regional Conferences, beginning January 25 with the Pacific Northwest region. Find dates and locations here.

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