CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity and the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors (AFA) partnered to host the 2012 Carolinas’ Fraternity/Sorority Life Summit at the Kelley A. Bergstrom Leadership Center of Pi Kappa Phi. A group of 56 professionals from more than 30 organizations and campuses joined 26 members of the Pi Kappa Phi staff for the summit to discuss opportunities for community growth, take part in professional development and network.
The summit began with an opening keynote from CAMPUSPEAK Chief Executive Officer T.J. Sullivan, Alpha Psi (Indiana). His presentation, which was based on his book “Motivating the Middle,” focused on the role that student affairs professionals can play in helping to identify the “middle third” of students in our organizations and use them to help advance the fraternal movement. T.J. encouraged participants to “…lead, motivate, influence, and impact students where they are.”
Throughout the remainder of the day, attendees were able to choose from nine educational breakout sessions highlighting a range of topics including: public health campaigns; the relationship between campus and headquarters; hazing prevention efforts; extension and expansion; hazing, homophobia and transphobia; and a new advising model for fraternity/sorority communities.
“It was spectacular to have the opportunity to meet some of my colleagues in the area while also getting the chance to talk and collaborate on common issues facing us today. I can't wait for the next time I get to attend a drive-in hosted by AFA.,” said Michael Keane, an incoming graduate student at Clemson University.
Additionally, participants heard a video message from Larry Wiese, executive director of Kappa Alpha Order and Fraternity Executives Association (FEA) president with an update on behalf of FEA, and an update on behalf of AFA from Kyle Jordan and Michelle Guobadia. Pi Kappa Phi’s Chief Operating Officer Christian Wiggins, Epsilon Alpha (Elon), also provided an update on Pi Kappa Phi’s efforts to engage the higher education community. The day’s events concluded with an interactive roundtable discussion about trends in higher education and a networking social hour.
“It has been encouraging to watch the attendance of the Fraternity/Sorority Life Summit grow over the past four years. To have 80 professionals participating validates the continued need for professional development opportunities locally and nationally,” said Pi Kappa Phi’s Chief Executive Officer Mark Timmes, Alpha Epsilon (Florida). “We look forward to continuing our partnership with campus professionals from around the Carolinas and nation.”