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Jul 21

Past NIC Chairman James Estes receives FEA Distinguished Service Award

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Sid N. Dunn, Administrator
Fraternity Executives Association
www.fea-inc.com
(317) 496-2411
fea.inc@gmail.com

James R. "Jim" Estes honored for his overall service by the Fraternity Executives Association

Kappa Alpha Order's 35th Knight Commander receives Distinguished Service Award

Carmel, Indiana (FEA) July 18, 2011 - The Fraternity Executives Association is proud to announce that James R. "Jim" Estes is the 2011 recipient of the Association's Distinguished Service Award. Jim accepted the award at the annual meeting of the Association on July 9, at the closing banquet held in Chicago, Ill.

The Fraternity Executives Association Distinguished Service Award is conferred upon persons who have contributed outstanding service in the betterment of all college fraternal organizations by such accomplishments as: Sustained and successful leadership in Interfraternity affairs and in support of the Fraternity Executives Association.

Jim has been a decades long volunteer to his fraternity, Kappa Alpha Order, and to the interfraternal community at large. Starting as a chapter advisor and house corporation board president, he progressed to lead the chapters of the fraternity in the state of Missouri. In 1995 he was elected to the Executive Council, Kappa Alpha's board of directors. In 1997, he became the 35th Knight Commander or national president.

Following his four-year tenure as national president, Jim became involved with the North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) the umbrella interfraternal organization for sixty-five inter/national men's fraternities. He served on its board beginning in 2001, was elected Chairman of the NIC board of directors in 2004, and received that organization's "Gold Medal" in 2010. He has been a zealous and passionate advocate for the fraternity and sorority movement, developing hundreds of relationships, both professional and personally, between volunteers, undergraduates, and professionals in the fraternal world. 

About FEA:  The Fraternity Executives Association, founded in 1930, is the professional association of men's and women's fraternity executives. It is dedicated to the common interests of its members and promotes, supports, and encourages the free discussion and exchange of ideas relating to college fraternal organizations.

About Kappa Alpha Order:  Kappa Alpha Order and its first chapter were founded at Washington College in 1865, now Washington & Lee University. Organized on the knightly principles of chivalry, duty, and honor, the Order seeks to be the moral compass for the modern gentlemen. Kappa Alpha Order has initiated over 150,000 total members and has over 6,200 undergraduate members in its 120 chapters at campuses across the country.

Jul 14

University of Alabama President Recognized With Laurel Wreath

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University of Alabama President Dr. Robert E. Witt

The Awards Luncheon at the Annual Meeting of the North American Interfraternity in early April took on a flair of crimson, as the University of Alabama was recognized with two separate awards.  Founded in 1909, the North-American Interfraternity Conference is the trade association representing international and national men's fraternities.  Through advocacy, collaboration, and education, the NIC works to ensure that fraternities can operate in an environment conducive to their success.

The Beta Delta Chapter of Alpha Tau Omega received the NIC Award of Distinction.   The Chapter Award of Distinction recognizes the undergraduate chapter which is highly functioning, in compliance with NIC Standards, seeks to educate others about the benefits of a values based fraternity experience, and works to maintain a healthy relationship with their inter/national organization.  It is the highest recognition bestowed up on an undergraduate chapter by the NIC, and Alpha Tau Omega is the first chapter from the University of Alabama to ever receive the award.

"The Beta Delta chapter of ATO is honored to receive such a prestigious award," said Mark Foley, president of the chapter.  "It is a testament to years of hard work by our current and past members as well as our alumni. We will continue to strive for excellence and develop men that value scholarship, fellowship, and character."

President Robert Witt and the University of Alabama fraternity community were also recognized as recipients of the Laurel Wreath Award.  The Laurel Wreath Award is presented to organizations or individuals implementing industry leading initiatives that have advanced the fraternal movement.  Dr. Witt is the first university president to be recognized with a Laurel Wreath Award.  To read the NIC's announcement regarding the Laurel Wreath Award, click here.

"The University of Alabama Fraternity Community along with President Dr. Robert E Witt are an example of how institutional commitment to building relationships with stakeholders has led to unprecedented growth and a higher functioning fraternity community," noted Pete Smithhisler, CEO of the NIC.  "President Witt has motivated undergraduate chapters and mobilized large groups of alumni to reengage with the university through housing campaigns and enhanced resources to fraternity life."

 

Jul 13

Wade Lowhorn Named Director of Public Policy

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN (7/13/11) -- The North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Wade Lowhorn to its staff as Director of Public Policy effective August 1, 2011. Lowhorn's professional experience with government agencies, legislative affairs, advocacy management, and regulatory compliance will be a great asset in shaping this new public policy position to advance the fraternal industry.

Lowhorn received both his Bachelors in Political Science and Master's of Public Administration from Ball State University. In addition, Lowhorn has recently served as an Accreditation Consultant for the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy and was the Executive Director of the Indiana State Athletic Commission. Lowhorn also brings years of political and policy advocacy experience from staffing several campaigns and working with the Indiana General Assembly to advocate the legislative agendas of state government agencies.

As the Director of Public Policy for NIC, Lowhorn will coordinate a national advocacy strategy that will include communication with a wide variety of audiences including elected officials, government agencies, fraternal organizations, and college/university administrators to convey policy positions in an effort to develop effective coalitions for the advancement of fraternities. These policies relate to Freedom of Association issues, NIC Standards, relationship statements/agreements, restrictive recruitment and expansion policies and indemnification requirements. He will also develop strategies to identify industry trends and provide benchmarking information to member fraternities.

NIC President and CEO Peter D. Smithhisler stated, "Wade will be a great addition to the NIC staff and advance our agenda for fraternal advocacy. His professional skills and experiences will have an immediate impact on NIC's success in managing policy issues."

Lowhorn, a member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, resides in Indianapolis with his family.

He can be reached at wade@nicindy.org.

Founded in 1909, the NIC, through advocacy, collaboration and education, works to ensure that fraternities can operate in an environment conducive to their success. For more information regarding North-American Interfraternity Conference, please visit www.nicindy.org or call 317-872-1112.

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