their host institutions. As colleges and universities shrink in enrollment, many will decrease the resources that they’re able to provide their students. Programs such as professional development, mental health support, and career guidance will decrease. This void can be filled by Pi Kappa Alpha — and it will be filled with programs specifically designed for Pikes. Another opportunity is the pressure to change our approach and become better recruiters. We’ve already started this journey of building a playbook for Pikes to recruit and win rush in the changing environment of the next 10–20 years. The amazing results of the last 18 months make it clear that our efforts are working. S&D: Clearly Fraternity leadership cares about growing the organization. Why should each individual member care about growth? No matter what career a Pike chooses, they will need to grow. Whether they’re a concert pianist, an attorney, or a sales professional, growth is necessary for their success. Implementing a strategy, introducing yourself to strangers, and asking them to be Pikes — knowing that they might reject you — are all skills that will benefit our members for the rest of their lives. No better time to learn these skills than now. S&D: Speaking of growth and recruitment: What is your ‘Why PIKE’? First, I’d like to answer, “Why fraternity?” I think all young men should explore joining a fraternity. The lifelong friendships, vast network, and skills that fraternity
membership teaches are benefits unique to the fraternity experience. Why Pike? Since joining over 33 years ago, and meeting hundreds of men from other fraternities, I believe PIKE has a higher expectation of its members and will provide the resources to get them to meet these expectations. All organizations expect strong academics and appropriate behavior from their members, but we expect an attitude of competing to be the best we can be at everything we do. I believe that these expectations make life more fulfilling. S&D: You’ve had a lot of professional success as well. What did you learn as an undergraduate member that prepared you for your career? When I entered the workforce, I felt like I was cheating because of where I was in my professional development compared to others my age. Simple skills that can only be learned in a fraternity environment like listening to opposing views, participating in meetings, organizing my week, understanding emotional outbursts, and handling rejection. While others had to grow and learn these lessons along the way, I was using them from day one. S&D: What advice would you give a recent grad about giving back to the Fraternity as a young alumnus? First, do it now, and for any chapter — it’s not just about yours. Next, don’t just think about the experience you had as an undergraduate and the structure of support that was present in your chapter. The benefits a
recent grad can provide to a chapter are incredibly valuable because of their familiarity and ability to relate to the undergraduate members. S&D: How has fatherhood shaped you as a leader? Fatherhood has changed everything about the person I am. Ask anyone who knew me before and after. I’m a more understanding and empathetic person since our daughter was born. I’ve al- ways been a good person — my mom instilled the value of ethics and honesty in me from the beginning — but I see people differently today than I used to. As a leader, I meet people where they are and help them get to where they need to be. Before I was a father, I started at the destination and essen- tially told people “Get here. I’ll help you but get here or leave.” Today, it’s more like: “Here’s where you want to be and here’s where you are. Let’s get moving in the right direction together and take it a few steps at a time.” My ability to influence is much greater now than before. S&D: Are there any individuals that have served as role models in your life? Sure, and they’ve changed as I’ve moved through the different stages of life. They were always real peo- ple, though. I never really
The Presidents Badge that all international presidents wear.
“The decline of the number of young men entering college now and through the next several years has created a major threat for fraternities but has also presented a great opportunity.”
admired celebrities or people I didn’t know.
My baseball and football coaches were everything to me when I was growing up. In college, our house corporation president Rick Nail had a presence that I still wish I had. He held the delicate balance of love for the Fraternity and firmness
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COURAGE TO BE MORE
SPRING 2024
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