Greek Leaders on Campus
Students who are a part of Greek life have played an influential and visible role in campus leadership at Kansas State University, extending their impact far beyond their own individual chapters. Historically, sorority and fraternity members have been deeply involved in student government, academic honoraries, the performing arts, and many of the the other student organizations on campus.
The men and women who belong to Greek organizations have consistently been selected for prestigious leadership roles such as Kansas State Ambassadors, serving as liaisons between students and alumni of the university. Students in Greek life have also had historic participation in honor societies like Mortar Board, Blue Key, and Chimes. This legacy of participation is a representation of K-State Greek life's commitment to developing leaders who are not only active in their chapters, but who are also meaningfully engaged on campus and in the community.
This graphic from the fall 1999 NewsGreek, states that despite only comprising 20% of the student population at the University, 65% of K-State leadership positions are held by students involved in Greek life
Photo of the Collegiate 4-H Club courtesy of the Manhattan Memorandum. This pamphlet encouraged women interested in joining sororites to also join other campus organizations such as Collegiate 4-H
Photo from the 1986 Sorority Way. This pamphlet was sent to incoming freshman interested in joining a sorority and highlights how no matter what organization they may want to join, one of their sorority sisters will be able to help them become involved on campus
A Culture of Leadership
Students in Greek life have historically been active in campus leadership because fraternities and sororities have long encouraged members to be involved outside of their chapters. From the start of their membership in Greek chapters, members are urged to use their free time to join student organizations and honor societies as a way to develop leadership skills and grow personally. This culture of involvement has made campus leadership a natural extension of Greek life at K-State, leading to many members to take on leadership roles across the university. This commitment to involvement is more prevalent today than ever. The K-State Fraternity and Sorority Life Office requires each chapter to have at least 50% of its members involved in a second on campus organization, however many chapters exceed this minimum. In the 2024-2025 school year 76% of students involved in Greek life were a part of another campus organization.
Student Government
Students involved in K-State Greek life have long been active in the university's Student Governing Association. Fraternity and Sorority members frequently serve as senators, committee members, and executive officers, bringing thier leadership experience from their chapters into campus leadership roles.
As a member of the Delta Chi Fraternity, Tracey Mann was actively involved in the chapter, advocating for the need for a chapter house. He was also engaged in campus life, serving as the Student Body President in 1998. After graduating from K-State he pursued a career in politics, serving as a Kansas state senator, Lieutenant Governor of Kansas, and currently as a U.S. Representative for Kansas's First District.
Tracey Mann's composite photo from the 1998 Royal Purple
This photo of Angela is from the front cover of the Spring 1981 edition of the K-State Greek newspaper
Angela Scanlan made history at Kansas State University when she was elected Student Body President, becoming the first women to hold the position. As a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, her election demonstrates how students in Greek life have meaningfully contributed to the University through leadership positions outside of their chapters.
Sam Brownback's was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity and also served as the Student Body President. His experience in campus leadership helped shape his career beyond K-State, as he went on to build a prominent political career, serving as a U.S. Senator, Governor of Kansas, and a U.S. Ambassador.
Photo of Sam Brownback holding the referendum for a new basketball arena to replace Ahearn Arena, courtesy of the 1979 Royal Purple
Student Ambassadors
Students in Greek life have consistently served as Kansas State University Ambassadors, reflecting how the leadership and communication skills that are developed through Greek life can be transferred to other leadership opportunities. The Student Ambassador role emphasizes knowledge of the University and the ability to connect students and alumni. Because Greek students are actively engaged across campus and have experience representing their chapters, they have been well suited to served as Ambassadors, helping to promote the university at campus and alumni events.
Other Involvement
Greek life involvement at K-State has extended far beyond student government and the Student Ambassador program. Members of fraternities and sororities have made significant contributions across nearly every campus organization and honorary society. All of these examples are from the Sorority Way, the rush booklet sent to women interested in joining a sorority. Once again highlighting how campus involvement was encouraged before members of Greek life even joined their prospective chapters.
Photo of the three Pi Phis in Mortar Board courtesy of the 1961 Sorority Way
In 1961, three members of the Pi Beta Phi house were "tapped" by the Mortar Board. Membership in this organization in based on the qualities of outstanding leadership and service. A Pi Phi was also elected to be the president of this organization this same year. Along with Mortar Board, three Pi Phi's were also admitted into Chimes the honorary for junior women in 1961.
Photo of Virginia Railsback a senior in Alpha Chi Omega courtesy of the 1961 Sorority Way. Virginia graduated Summa Cum Laude, was a member of Mortar Board, Phi Kappa Phi, and many other honoraries all while being the senior with the highest grade average in the School of Home Economics
Members of Alpha Chi Omega were highly active on campus in the 1960s. Their members held numerous leadership roles across campus, including positions on the Arts and Sciences Council, Home Economics Council, as well as presidencies in numerous academic honoraries and student clubs. They also had five members serving as officers in the Student Education Association.
Members of Kappa Delta that were in the A Capella group courtesy of the 1961 Sorority Way
Members of Kappa Delta were also highly involved outside of just their chapter. They had members in a plethora of organizations. Such as A Capella choir, Orchestra, Band, Alpha Lambda Delta, Union committees, International Relations Board, Student Education Association, Purple Pepsters, Clinic Club, Phi Upsilon Omicron, College Chorus, Women's Glee Club, K-State Players, and the Royal Purple staff.