I’m a Kansas Beta Phi, Bond #1360. I was drawn to the chapter due to the fact that my step-dad was initiated in the same chapter, along with several guys from my hometown. At one point, we had a fairly large Wellington, Kansas, contingency in the Kansas Beta chapter house. I recall vividly that I attended a recruitment party in late May, signed a bid card, and two days later left for Air Force Basic Training. I completed basic training and technical training over the summer and arrived at Washburn the first week of September. I served as recruitment chairman, warden, alumni secretary, and president. After graduation, I continued to look for ways to stay involved during graduate school at Oklahoma State University. During my time in Stillwater, I served as an unofficial assistant chapter adviser and had a great experience. It opened my eyes to the differences and similarities in the Phi Delt experience at a smaller school like Washburn vs. much larger universities like OSU.
Phi Delta Theta had a substantial impact on my life as an undergraduate and I looked for ways to get involved as an alumnus. Since my graduation from Washburn University, I have been a consistent volunteer. Serving as chapter adviser, CAB chair, housing corporation president, province president, education commissioner, as well as serving on faculty at multiple McKenzie Family Presidents Leadership Conferences, alumni summits, and Kleberg Emerging Leaders Institutes. I also serve on the planning committee for Leadership Kansas and teach part-time as an adjunct professor in the School of Business at Washburn University.
In my full-time capacity, I am a lieutenant colonel in the Air National Guard and currently serve as the commander of the 190th Comptroller Flight and Wing Staff Agencies, stationed at Forbes Field Air National Guard Base, Kansas. In this role, I serve as the principal financial advisor to the wing commander as well as an assistant United States Property and Fiscal Officer for the State of Kansas, responsible for planning, managing, and directing the resource management activities for the Wing’s $45 million in annual funds. I reside in Topeka with my wife Amy, a fellow Air National Guard Officer, along with our blended family of five children, Hannah, 20; Maddy, 18; Jay, 17; Evie, 16; and Bailey, 16.
Who or what inspired you to become a volunteer:
I had an adviser when I attended what was then known as Leadership College as an undergraduate. That experience in Oxford had a profound experience on my life and what would turn out to be my lifelong love of being a Phi Delta Theta volunteer.
What would you tell someone who is considering volunteering for Phi Delta Theta?
It will be the best investment you ever make; in the future of our Fraternity, in the men that you impact, and in what it will do for you as a mentor.
How have you stayed connected with Phi Delta Theta after graduation?
Nearly all of my closest friends are Phi Delts; three of my five groomsmen in my wedding were Kansas Beta chapter brothers.
What accomplishments or career milestones are you most proud of, and how do you attribute them to your experience?
I’m proud to be an Air Force officer. I served for nearly twelve years as an enlisted member before being selected as an officer, and becoming a commander in multiple units has been a privilege and an honor. Being a dad/stepdad to five amazing kids has been an amazing experience as well. In Phi Delta Theta, I have loved all of my volunteer experiences: serving as education commissioner and province president have been the highlights of my Phi Delta Theta volunteer experience thus far.
Do you have any advice for current students?
Take full advantage of the opportunities that you have as a Phi Delt: the leadership opportunities, the volunteer and philanthropic opportunities, and the lifelong bonds of friendship you will make with your chapter brothers. If you are lucky enough to have a chapter house, and if you are lucky enough to live in it, enjoy every minute of that experience! Some of my best memories are the simple and low-key times—simply having lunch or dinner together at the house, hanging out between classes, or just being at the house with your brothers in the middle of the day.
