As the student population at Tarleton State University continues to grow, increasing the opportunities for student involvement remains a primary goal for Texan leadership groups. To keep up with the expanding student populace, Tarleton’s Division of Student Life has implemented three new organizations – Phi Kappa Sigma, Phi Beta Sigma, and Alpha Omicron Pi – into the Greek community over the last year.

Phi Kappa Sigma, an InterFraternity Council organization, initiated activities in the spring of 2014, following a series of letters sent to National Greek organizations by the Tarleton administration pertaining to expanding Greek life. Alpha Omicron Pi is a Panhellenic Council sorority that was founded locally in fall 2015, and Phi Beta Sigma is a historically black fraternity, part of the InterGreek Council, that colonized at Tarleton this fall as well.

“I’m excited these organizations provide students an opportunity for leadership development, diversity, inclusion, social responsibility and multi-cultural awareness,” said Darrell Brown, Executive Director of Student Engagement.

One invaluable contribution the Tarleton Greek community provides are its philanthropic efforts in the realm of community service.

“Greek organizations contribute over 10,000 hours in community service to the campus, we don’t always do a good job telling out story; but, you will find these organizations working at Tarleton Round Up, local nursing homes, and contributing to local community food banks,” Brown explained.

As it currently stands, there are 900 students who compose the 17 various Greek organizations on campus. Aside from structural differences between organizations, the common goal of perpetuating a sense of brotherhood, sisterhood, and service to one’s community remains constant, according to Brown.

“Hopefully, members of these organizations use this time to not only build a bond that will last forever, but will become engaged in their community and when the time comes, become financial supporters of their alma mater Tarleton State,” said Brown.

Essentially, joining a Greek organization is a commitment that requires involvement in something bigger than one’s self. As Tarleton continues to grow, so should the degree of community involvement. The addition of these three organizations is one of many signs that with each academic semester, the external impact Tarleton generates will only become more significant.