So, How Are We Doing?

This is a part of the Strategic Plan 2025 series.

Phi Kappa Tau’s 2025 Strategic Plan kicked off in January of this year. We’ve already explored the intent behind each of the strategic pillars in a series of four articles. You can find those articles and more details on the strategic plan by clicking here.  

It is one thing to state that there is a new strategic plan, and another thing to achieve it.  So, you may be asking yourself, how have we done so far?  

Victories 

A major success so far with the new Strategic Plan was the overall awareness and alignment of the Phi Kappa Tau organization around the plan. Videos, news stories, social media posts, The Laurel and a monthly touchpoint in our newsletter, Sidelights, together have garnered well over 20,000 views from our members and stakeholders. New processes and technologies have been implemented to drive progress in executing the strategic plan, including weekly touchpoints between Executive Offices staff and key volunteers.  

Growth Summit 2022

The Expansion and Growth team has grown from a one-person department to a five-man team with multiple strategic partnerships established with universities across the country. With this structure the fraternity will be able to grow to the intended size of 100 active chapters by 2025 while also supporting recruitment at existing chapters through the Recruitment Services Initiative. Speaking of growth, an inaugural Growth Summit was held in Ft. Worth, Texas - a weekend geared towards teaching chapter leadership and advanced recruitment strategies for a successful fall recruitment. To aid this, multiple new recruitment resources were developed and delivered to chapters, as well as an updated branded resource guide made publicly available. It is safe to say the fraternity is in a great position to grow this Fall and beyond.  

Opportunities and Shifts 

Undergraduate Advisory Board Members have a major impact on advocating for Undergraduate Membership

While the Fraternity has already made progress in several areas, we are also continuing to hone our approach and continuously improve. We have already experienced the need to enhance our quarterly planning, weekly progress check-ins, cross-organizational alignment, and overall pace of accomplishment and change. While we have made great strides already, there are areas of the strategic plan where we are behind or missed our quarterly objectives. Those misses are attention points going forward to ensure that we finish the drill and deliver the targeted value of each of our OKRs. We are seeing the fruit of these improvements and focus areas. The adjustments to daily and weekly cadences, as well as transparency and collaboration through the fraternity’s new OKR tracking software, have yielded positive results. The same goes with a heightened emphasis on spreading responsibilities among entire Executive Offices staff and broader volunteer structure, such as the National Council and the various committees housed within. As part of recent leadership changes and the recruitment of the Fraternity’s new CEO, there will be a heightened emphasis on the ideal go-forward organizational design to maximize our strategic goals.  

This also includes gathering more feedback from the brotherhood, as it is every Phi Tau’s job to help push the Strategic Plan forward. To refamiliarize yourself with the Strategic Plan, click here to read an overview and catch up on our multiple zoom-ins.  

University of Tennessee Wins the Maxwell Outstanding Chapter Award

By Dalton Lee, Baldwin Wallace ’11

Shideler award winner Callahan with Delta Kappa Alumni with Charter

Most of you will know the saying, “it takes a village to raise a child,” but I’d like to pose a spin on that proverb for the purposes of this piece, “It takes a chapter to win a Maxwell Trophy.” 

Rising to the ranks of Maxwell Founder’s Four is challenging in and of itself, but to claim the title is an act of determination, hard-work, and brotherhood that displays the commitment of an entire group of men. The Maxwell Outstanding Chapter cannot be willed into fruition by a single member or even a small contingent, it takes the chapter as a whole to come together and share a common goal and mindset. Taking into account recruiting, scholarship, community service, fundraising, and countless other factors, it’s nearly impossible for the Founder’s Four and the eventual winner to hide areas in need of improvements within their chapter. The chapters that comprised this year's Founder’s Four were no strangers to success, but they all vary in personalities and time spent on their respective campuses. Earning the rank of the 2022 Founder’s Four are: the Upsilon chapter at Nebraska Wesleyan, the Chi chapter at North Carolina State, the Zeta Xi chapter at South Carolina, and the Delta Kappa chapter at Tennessee. These four groups displayed the utmost commitment to living as men of distinction and rightfully ranked among the best our organization has to offer.

Delta Kappa Chapter Participating in Community Service Event

Although each of these individual groups is deserving of the praise and recognition that comes with the Maxwell Award, it was up to the dedicated volunteers who comprised the selection committee to render the tough decision and select just one. As was first announced at the Virtual Brotherhood Banquet on August 17th, this year's Maxwell Outstanding Chapter winner was the Delta Kappa chapter at the University of Tennessee. Although proud and sure of their hard work, this award came as a bit of a surprise to the men of the Delta Kappa chapter. Former President and Sheidler Award Winner for Outstanding Graduating Senior, Ryan Callahan, Tennessee ’20, stated, “No one expected us to accomplish so much in just three years.” Having just recently rechartered, the group was quite familiar with the Borradaile Challenge—following it closely to regain their status as an active chapter. While some might be tempted to relax following the accomplishment of rechartering, the men of Delta Kappa used this as a guiding star to carry them to further success. After the announcement of their victory, Callahan described the feeling of the chapter and its alumni as “exploding with excitement,” and received praise from two key players in the new era of the Delta Kappa chapter—Harrison Moser, Tennessee ’20, and Jeff Moser, Tennessee ’87.  With help and constant mentorship from alumni and supporters, Callahan and this diverse group of men were able to come together and rise to heights that far exceeded expectations.

Join us in congratulating all the Founder’s Four chapters on their diligence, dedication, and representation of our fraternity. Please send some extra congrats to the Volunteers on their Maxwell award win. Continue to make your chapter and organization proud.  

Rise to the Challenge: A Message From National President, Dale Holland

Brothers of Phi Kappa Tau,  

National President Holland

Every new semester presents an opportunity to rise to the challenge and be everything a man is capable of being. I want to thank all of those who attended the recent Virtual Brotherhood Banquet, the awards delivered that night exemplify all that is great about Phi Kappa Tau. I want to give special congratulations to Ryan Callahan, Tennessee '20, on his Shideler Award win as well as the Delta Kappa chapter at the University of Tennessee on taking home the Maxwell Outstanding Chapter Trophy. Truly great accomplishments that I hope all chapters take note of in the school year to come.  

Just prior to the Virtual Brotherhood Banquet, the fraternity announced the departure of Tim Hudson, Truman State ’98, as the Chief Executive Officer of the Fraternity. I want to take this opportunity to thank him for his dedicated and steadfast service to Phi Kappa Tau in his eight years as CEO, and his almost 20-year career at the executive offices. In collaboration with Foundation Chairman Buzz Green, Ole Miss '66, the National Council and Phi Kappa Tau Foundation Board of Trustees are working diligently on a transition plan. We are exploring options for a third-party consultation group to lead the CEO search under the watchful guidance of our councils, as well as beginning a proactive deep dive into fraternity operations to ensure the ship is running smoothly for years to come.  

All the while, Brother Sam Medley, Transylvania '94, has stepped in to provide day-to-day support to the Fraternity Staff during this time of change, and I would like to thank him for the impact he has had in just two short weeks. Sam is integral in setting the next CEO up for success in the role. He, along with the current executive offices staff, are laser focused on providing our undergraduate and graduate members the most outstanding fraternity experience possible.  

So, what does this mean for you, brothers? You can sit back and let change happen around you, or you can be a part of the change. Phi Kappa Tau has a role for each and every one of you in our 2025 Strategic Plan. To our chapters, I want to wish you success in your fall recruitment efforts, chapter operations, and brotherhood. To our graduate members, I empower you to engage in our brotherhood, provide feedback, and support our collegiate men on campus. We are a fellowship that began long before any of us were born, and it will be here long after we’re gone.  

Have a safe and great Labor Day weekend brothers and remember, “Brotherhood first, Phi Tau always.” 

In Phi, 

Dale Holland, Kent State ’87

National President 

Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity

Phi Tau Nominated for NIC Undergraduate of Distinction

By Dalton Lee, Baldwin Wallace ’11

Chris Gomez in front of the Cal State-Long Beach house.

When Chris Gomez, Cal State-Long Beach '19, transferred to his new educational home in the Fall of 2019, he had no interest in getting involved with Greek Life. Coming to Cal State-Long Beach as a marketing major, Gomez was more focused on completing his degree and having fun with his friends along the way. Yet, as more and more of his friends decided to rush, he was compelled to join them. As you may have surmised, our Beta Psi chapter was fortunate enough to show him the many benefits and merits of Phi Kappa Tau. The addition of Gomez to the chapter, and the natural leadership he carried with him, was immediately felt.  

Enticed by the leadership roles, as well as the philanthropic and sporting events, Gomez took on the position of Chapter Historian—giving him experience creating recruitment videos and documenting brotherhood events. Following his stint as Chapter Historian, Gomez was elected Vice President of Alumni Relations. He would find equal success in this position, parlaying it into a Presidential Election. As the head of the Beta Psi chapter, Gomez helped lead a successful recruitment season, made sure 100% of dues were paid, ran the most successful alumni dinner in the organization's history, built strong trust between the chapter and university, and created strong relations with every sorority chapter at CSULB. 

Following his flourishing presidency, Gomez set his sights on a larger organization and is now a member of the Interfraternity Council—hoping to make positive change across all Greek organizations. This much dedication and success is rightfully fit for reward. Held in the esteem of the top undergraduate fraternity men around the country, Gomez was nominated for the Undergraduate Award of Distinction by the North American Interfraternity Conference. The NIC had this to say of Gomez, “As IFC director of recruitment, Gomez went above and beyond to help struggling chapters at CSULB and was a champion for bringing another group on campus through virtual expansion during the height of COVID-19. He is a full-time student who works off-campus, holds leadership positions and is a budding entrepreneur bringing nacho bars near college campuses providing an expanded sense of belonging and community to more than just students.” 

Join us in congratulating Chris Gomez on all his accomplishments and thanking him for the dedication to our organization. The results of this award and many more will be announced this fall.  

Welcome Back from Phi Kappa Tau

From the Chapter Services Team:

As we prepare to embark on a new academic school year, the chapter services team wanted to share key items that can be helpful in navigating this upcoming semester. Our team is looking forward to seeing your successes and we are happy to field questions or thoughts you may have!

​​​​​Key Items

Fall 2022 Billing Update
The organization will be shifting back to a structure similar to what was rolled out in 2019. For more information, click here or contact your Chapter’s Success Manager 

Who is my Success Manager? 

Undergraduate Members posing outside of the main entrance to the Executive Offices

Your Success Manager can be seen as your chapters individual account manager. They are the first line of communication for your chapter and the Executive Offices. They can be used as a general resource and an advocate for you and your chapter. At the minimum, your chapter president is expected to connect with your chapter success manager, at least once a month. You do not need to be a chapter president to speak with them, so feel free to schedule a call or reach out. The individual that works with your chapter can be found here.  

Chapter Services and Expansion Team Offer New Recruitment Services 

The Recruitment Services Initiative is a service developed collaboratively between both departments that focuses on providing hands-on support to chapter’s recruitment teams. This service provides chapters the opportunity to discuss their goals, troubles, and recruitment plans with skilled Expansion Team staff members on a regular basis. To find out more, contact your chapter’s Success Manager.  

Want a refresher on any other policies or governance updates? 

You can visit our Governance & Policies page to view all of Phi Kappa Tau’s policies as well as the Constitution & Statutes by visiting phikappatau.org/governance. If you have any questions about a policy or section of governance, please reach out to your chapter’s success manager. 

What is Phi Kappa Tau’s Policy on receiving membership badges, shingles, and membership cards? 

To receive your membership badge, shingle, and membership card; there are two key requirements: 

  1. Ensuring you have completed your tightrope course via the Phi Kappa Tau portal  

  1. Ensuring your $250 affiliation fee has been paid and the chapter has submitted payment to the Executive Offices. 

After you have done these two steps, your chapter president will need to change your membership status from Associate to Undergraduate on the Phi Kappa Tau Portal. This status change request allows for us to begin processing shingles and membership cards as well as place an order for your membership badge to our vender, Herff Jones. Page Break 

Phi Kappa Tau Mark of Distinction program  

The National Fraternity has fully rolled out the updated Mark of Distinction program for new associate members during Fall 2017. All Chapters and Associate chapters are expected to fully adhere to the program during the association process of new associates as outlined.  If you have any questions about the program, please reach out to your chapter’s success manager. 

Phi Kappa Tau and Tightrope 

Phi Kappa Tau is committed to ensuring that you have the safest and most rewarding college experience possible. That's why we are continuing to partner with Plaid to offer the Tightrope Education Program for our associate members.  

Tightrope is a research and data driven program consisting of online courses and optional in-person chapter activities to provide practical training on:  

  • Alcohol and Other Drugs 

  • Hazing 

  • Sexual Misconduct 

  • Mental Health 

 This program has a requirement of Full associate member participation. 

Phi Kappa Tau Risk Management Policy 

With the Fall 2022 academic term shortly underway, be sure that you are taking time to review the Fraternity's Risk Management Policy. This policy ensures that your chapter is providing a safe environment for all members and guests.  

Furthermore, during the semester, chapter officers and advisors will work to ensure that every member of the chapter is aware of the Phi Kappa Tau Risk Management Policy. The first program they will hold is the Risk Management Policy Overview.  

Please take some time to review the policy by clicking here prior to the beginning of the academic year. 

Phi Kappa Tau Good Samaritan Policy 

To encourage members and chapters to act without fear of disciplinary action The Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity has two Good Samaritan policies, one for individual members and guests and another for the chapter itself. Remember to always call emergency services by dialing 911 for anyone needing immediate medical attention. 

Please read and familiarize yourself with our full Good Samaritan policies by clicking here. 
Need a refresher on Phi Tau Portal? 

If you need a refresher or perhaps even an introduction on how to navigate the Phi Kappa Tau Portal, check out these helpful How-To videos.  

Where do I look for further updates? 

Keep an eye out for Sidelights, the Phi Tau Minute, our website, or schedule a conversation with your chapter success manager to stay up to date and in the know on all things Phi Kappa Tau. 

Tim Hudson Steps Down as CEO of Phi Kappa Tau

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

OXFORD, OH - In an era in which change is constant and management of transition is necessary for organizational success, Phi Kappa Tau itself enters a period of transition.   

Today, we announce that a dedicated Man of Distinction, Tim Hudson, Truman ’97, has stepped down as CEO of Phi Kappa Tau after a multi-decade career working in our Executive Offices, including the last eight years as CEO.   

Tim has brought to the organization a lifelong commitment to the bonds and ideals of our brotherhood, and thanks to his stewardship, Phi Kappa Tau has successfully navigated the difficult decisions brought to fraternal organizations by way of the Covid-19 pandemic.   

Tim leaves our organization well-positioned to find success in the years to come, in which all Greek organizations will face new and greater existential challenges than ever before. The National Council and National Foundation will form a board to review a panel of applicants to lead our organization into its next, thriving era. Sam Medley, Transylvania ’94, will assume the role of interim CEO as the review board seeks out qualified candidates. 

We as brothers should all be grateful to Tim for his dedication, commitment, and service to our organization.  

Questions, concerns and additional contact can be directed in the form of an email to communications@phikappatau.org. 

Intergenerational Brotherhood on the Campaign Trail

Richardson and Pfeffer on election day.

As a first-time candidate for political office in Tennessee, John D. Richardson, Tennessee '97, reached out to active brother Chris Hilton, Tennessee '20, (VP of Alumni Relations) with the Delta Kappa chapter of Phi Kappa Tau at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. As a UT alumnus, John shared with Chris that he was a political candidate in need of volunteers for Election Day on Thursday, August 4, 2022. John sent Chris an overview of what the volunteer opportunity entailed and the gear (campaign shirt and hat) that volunteers would receive for volunteering. Chris sent a message out to all of the active Delta Kappa chapter brothers that lived in the greater Nashville, TN area, since everyone was still back home enjoying their Summer vacation.

Current Delta Kappa chapter active brother, Gehrig Pfeffer, Tennessee '21, responded to Chris' message.

On Election Day, Gehrig drove over an hour from Clarksville, TN to the polling location in Nashville, TN and arrived promptly at 6:45am before the polls opened at 7:00 am.

Throughout the day, Gehrig helped voters learn about his fellow Phi Kappa Tau brother, John D. Richardson, and shared with them why they should vote for him. It was a hot, sunny day standing in the parking lot of a local church in Nashville, with the temperature passing well over 90 degrees.

After a long day of holding a 2ft by 3 ft election sign, the Phi Kappa Tau team of Gehrig and John were able to secure more than 75% of the votes at that polling location which in-turn helped John secure a win over his opponent with a 142 vote margin.

On Tuesday, August 9, 2022 at 8:00am, John and Gehrig connected for breakfast at a First Watch restaurant in Brentwood, TN.

Over breakfast, they discussed their shared experience on Election Day, the film projects that Gehrig is working on as a college student, and John introduced Gehrig to a friend of his that may be able to help him further his career in the film industry.

Gehrig's willingness to assist a Brother in need and be his "Brother's Keeper" paid off with a new life-long friendship and potentially helping Gehrig advance in his career.

This is Brother Submitted news story, if you want to submit a story for consideration please use this link.

Expansion and Chapter Services Team to Offer New Recruitment Services

From the Chapter Services Team:

The Expansion Team and Chapter Services Department are proud to unveil a new service that is available to all active and associate chapters!

Brothers at Leadership Academy, July ‘22

The Recruitment Services Initiative is a service developed collaboratively between both departments that focuses on providing hands-on support to chapter’s recruitment teams. This service provides chapters the opportunity to discuss their goals, troubles, and recruitment plans with skilled Expansion Team staff members on a regular basis.

This will assist with the strategic plan and better establish the organization for our 2025 goals.

As stated, this service is available to every chapter; and support will vary depending on each chapters individual needs. Chapters are highly encouraged to take advantage of this service and may direct any questions to their respective Success Manager!

Announcing the 2022 Maxwell Founders Four

After great deliberation by the Phi Kappa Tau awards committee, we are excited to announce this year’s Founders Four Finalists. All four of these chapters will be presenting for the prestigious Maxwell Award, given annually to the top performing chapter in the country.

Your 2022 Founders Four are:

In Greek Letter Order

  • Upsilon - Nebraska Wesleyan University

  • Chi - North Carolina State University

  • Delta Kappa - University of Tennessee

  • Zeta Xi - University of South Carolina

This group is comprised of past presenters, as well as newcomers - in fact, three of the four chapters represented chartered within the past 5 years. The presentations will take place on August 15th at 7pm ET, and you can watch them live by clicking here to register. The schedule is as follows:

  • 7PM - 7:30PM - Chi

  • 7:30PM-8PM - Upsilon

  • 8PM-8:30PM – Delta Kappa

  • 8:30PM-9PM – Zeta Xi

The winner will be announced at the 3rd Annual Virtual Brotherhood Banquet taking place on August 17th at 8:30pm ET, streaming live on Facebook and YouTube!

In a crisis? Text PHITAU to 741741 to access the Phi Kappa Tau Crisis Textline. Confidential and free mental health support via text that is available 24/7 to Phi Kappa Tau Members