Shenandoah University continues to expand its Greek life opportunities for students, as it will add two fraternities beginning in Fall 2025.
Sigma Nu and Phi Kappa Tau will be the first national social fraternities at Shenandoah, which previously announced the addition of its first social sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta, in March. These fraternities will help Shenandoah continue to create more opportunities for leadership building, academic support, and networking for its students during their time at the university and beyond.
Like Alpha Gamma Delta, the Sigma Nu and Phi Kappa Tau fraternities will maintain a physical presence on Shenandoah’s main campus in Winchester, Virginia, but there will not be university-sponsored fraternity housing.
Shenandoah began exploring the expansion of its Greek life opportunities in 2023, as students expressed interest in adding communities to campus that furthered the mission of the university while creating new student experiences. The Office of Student Leadership and Engagement and a committee made up of SU students, faculty, staff, and Board of Trustees members reviewed interested organizations, hosted campus visits, and gathered student feedback to identify organizations that aligned with the university’s values and would enhance the Shenandoah experience.
We’re excited to welcome Sigma Nu and Phi Kappa Tau into our university community as we continue to introduce new ways to enhance the student experience at Shenandoah. At Shenandoah, our mission is to educate and inspire our students to become ethical, compassionate citizens who are prepared to lead and make significant contributions to our society, and we’re eager to partner with Sigma Nu and Phi Kappa Tau to reach those goals.”
Yolanda Barbier Gibson, D.A., Shenandoah’s vice president for student affairs
Sigma Nu, which was founded in 1869 at the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Virginia, was originally established in direct opposition to hazing. Built on the principles of love, honor, and truth, Sigma Nu’s mission is to develop ethical leaders by fostering the growth of each member’s mind, heart and character while promoting lifelong bonds of brotherhood.
In 2004, Sigma Nu established the Helping Hand Initiative, a call to action for collegiate and alumni members to get involved in community service and philanthropy within their local communities. Over the past 20 years, Sigma Nu chapters have raised over $17 million for charity and volunteered over 2.5 million hours of community service.
Sigma Nu is also home to the award-winning LEAD (Leadership, Ethics, Achievement, Development) Program, which is widely recognized as one of the premier leadership development programs in the fraternity world. LEAD equips members with the skills, experiential learning, and principles necessary to become ethical leaders on campus and beyond.
Sigma Nu boasts over 150 active chapters throughout the U.S. and has initiated over 270,000 members since its founding.
Sigma Nu is honored to be selected as one of the first national fraternities to join the community at Shenandoah University. Our mission to develop ethical leaders aligns strongly with Shenandoah’s commitment to academic excellence, character development, and student success. We look forward to building a lasting partnership and empowering students to lead lives of integrity, service, and impact.”
Mac McNeilly, director of expansion and recruitment for Sigma Nu
Founded in 1906, Phi Kappa Tau’s mission is to “champion a lifelong commitment to brotherhood, learning, ethical leadership and exemplary character,” and it challenges its members to improve their college campuses and the world around them.
For 30 years, Phi Kappa Tau has been formally partnered with SeriousFun Children’s Network, an international youth camp founded in 1988 by Phi Tau alumnus Paul Newman that provides an escape for children with terminal or life-threatening illnesses. Phi Kappa Tau has raised nearly $2 million for SeriousFun in those 30 years, and since 2008, Phi Kappa Tau has provided the camp with over 2,000 volunteers and 100 full-time staff members.
Phi Kappa Tau includes over 75,000 living alumni, 81 active chapters and over 3,500 undergraduate members.
Phi Kappa Tau is honored for the opportunity to play a foundational role in the launch of Shenandoah University’s Fraternity and Sorority Life community. It’s a truly unique opportunity, as fraternities in this day and age rarely get the chance to help shape an entire FSL system from the ground up. We’re excited to support student leaders in building a values-based, service-driven experience that will be the start of a lasting legacy at SU.”
Hunter Pemberton, director of organizational growth for Phi Kappa Tau
Shenandoah University was established in 1875, and is headquartered at the top of Virginia, in Winchester, Virginia, with additional educational sites in Clarke and Loudoun counties, and online offerings. Shenandoah is a private, nationally recognized university that blends professional career experiences with wide-ranging education. With approximately 4,400 students in more than 200 areas of study in six different schools, Shenandoah promotes a close-knit community rich in creative energy and intellectual challenge. Shenandoah students collaborate with accomplished professors who provide focused, individual attention, all the while leading several programs to be highly nationally ranked. Through innovative partnerships and programs at both the local and global level, there are exceptional opportunities for students to learn in and out of the classroom. Shenandoah empowers its students to improve the human condition and to be principled professionals and leaders wherever they go. For more information, visit su.edu.
