Phi Delta Theta has been established at Arkansas State University with the recruitment of thirty-nine founders.
The development of the Arkansas Beta Emerging Chapter began in August when Expansion Consultant Seth Crain arrived in Jonesboro, Arkansas. In the first month, Seth was able to recruit 25 undergraduate men. A mix of international students, athletes, and leaders on campus; these men helped recruit another 14 founders. Even as the pandemic worsened in the area, the 39 men were able to do incredible work before their induction.
The Arkansas Beta Emerging Chapter will be supported by a full advisory board that consists of campus professionals and alumni from various Phi Delt chapters.
“These men are rockstars. Every day I have been able to go to work with some of the most incredible people I have ever met,” said Seth Crain. “The men at Arkansas State have not let the pandemic slow them down, and I cannot wait to see everything they do as a Phi Delta Theta chapter.”
On December 4, Arkansas Beta was formally inducted as an emerging chapter at the Reng Student Union at Arkansas State. Safety was a priority during the ceremony with attendance limited to founders, advisers, and special guests. Dr. Charles Welch, President of the Arkansas State University System and Arkansas Alpha (University of Arkansas) Phi Delt was able to attend and speak to the crowd during the induction ceremony. The ceremony was also streamed live through Zoom with alumni, community members, family, and friends watching from home. Executing the induction ceremony was Province President Ryan Frenz, Southeast Missouri State ’06.
“I never thought I would be president of a fraternity, let alone join one. But here I stand in front of the most influential men on campus,” said Arkansas Beta President Kamryn Alkire. “For me personally, my decision to join Phi Delta Theta is among one of the best things to ever happen in my life. Every single man within this Fraternity has impacted me in some way, shape, or form, and I am forever grateful that those bonds were created.”
Arkansas Beta has already raised more than $4,000 for the LiveLikeLou Foundation and has worked very hard to integrate into the campus community. Phi Delta Theta is extremely excited for the future of Arkansas Beta as the newest founders work towards installation as a chapter.
Arkansas State University is a public research university in Jonesboro, Arkansas. It is the flagship campus of the Arkansas State University System and the second largest university in Arkansas. The university was founded in 1909 and has grown to over 9,000 undergraduates.
