During the 85th Biennial Convention, Phi Delta Theta proudly presented the 2025 Oliver J. Samuel Outstanding Province President Award— an honor reserved for the Fraternity’s most exceptional and dedicated province presidents.
Phi Delta Theta chapters are divided into geographical regions that we call provinces. Each province is assigned a president who is a Phi Delta Theta alumnus volunteering his service to the Fraternity. The role of the province president is to serve as a deputy of the General Council in safeguarding the welfare of the Fraternity in the region committed to his care. The province president appoints chapter advisory board chairmen, assists in the expansion of the Fraternity in his area, works alongside the chapter support coordinator in the region, and makes visits to each chapter when necessary to work with the chapter and volunteer officers.
Named in memory of Brother Oliver J. Samuel, who faithfully served as the Mu West province president for twenty-five years (1969–1994), the award recognizes a province president who exemplifies the same unwavering commitment, leadership, and impact. Brother Samuel’s legacy lives on through this biennial tribute, celebrating those who follow in his footsteps.
This year’s recipient, Joe Morel, WKU ’02, has been a steadfast volunteer leader of Phi Delta Theta for over twenty-one years. His deep involvement spans across roles on chapter advisory boards and house corporations, where his mentorship and guidance have consistently elevated his chapters to be among the top on their respective campuses.
Beyond the local level, Brother Morel has shaped the lives of countless young Phis through his long-standing service as a faculty member at both the Kleberg Emerging Leaders Institute and the McKenzie Family Presidents Leadership Conference. For more than fifteen years, his influence in these roles has helped mold the next generation of principled leaders.
Joe’s impact extends beyond Phi Delta Theta as well; his alma mater, Western Kentucky University, has recognized him as an outstanding fraternity advisor, volunteer, and alumnus of the year, affirming the breadth and depth of his service and leadership.
For his enduring dedication and exceptional contributions to the Fraternity and the broader Greek community, Phi Delta Theta proudly recognizes Joe Morel as the 2025 recipient of the Oliver J. Samuel Outstanding Province President Award.
