April 21, 2017
Martin Cobb, Director of Communication
Beta Theta Pi Fraternity
martin.cobb@beta.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Beta Theta Pi Fraternity Closes Chapter at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

OXFORD, OHIO, April 21, 2017 – Beta Theta Pi is disappointed to announce the unfortunate closure of the Fraternity’s Zeta Rho Chapter at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, effective at the conclusion of the spring term.

Dating back at least five years, members have struggled to meet minimum chapter operating expectations, particularly in the areas of recruitment, academics and financial accountability. As a result, the chapter was placed on probation in October 2015. In February 2016, the General Fraternity met with undergraduate leadership to collaborate on a series of directives and related resources that would ensure the long-term viability of Beta on the campus. More than a year later, and in spite of significant efforts by a number of committed members, advisors and university officials, those directives have seen little or no progress.

“When a chapter fails to thrive year after year, the General Fraternity must objectively evaluate the Beta experience being afforded to our young men – and the corresponding burden associated with it,” said Fraternity General Secretary S. Wayne Kay, Virginia Tech ’73. “In keeping with our commitment to the core missions of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and Beta Theta Pi, it was decided that closure of the chapter was the most appropriate course of action.”

Founded in 2002, the Zeta Rho Chapter at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi is home to more than 150 living alumni and 18 current undergraduate members and pledges. The Zeta Rho charter will remain suspended and in the care of the Board of Trustees in the event the chapter is recolonized in the future.

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Beta Theta Pi is a college fraternity committed to developing men of principle for a principled life. Founded in 1839, today Beta serves more 10,000 undergraduate members on 134 campuses across North America, 130,000 living-alumni members and 1,800 volunteers. The Fraternity’s Administrative Office is located near their founding site at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

Press Contact:
Justin Warren, Director of Media Relations & Senior Writer
Beta Theta Pi Fraternity
justin.warren@beta.org