The Phi Gamma Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. Chartered on the campus of Methodist University on November 9th 2019.
In the spring of 2016, a group of young men gathered to discuss the possibility of bringing a chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., to the Methodist University campus. These young men knew of the work of the fraternity on the local, state, national and world stages and were impressed by what they had witnessed. They, too, wanted to be affiliated with an organization that exemplified the high scholastic standing that they exhibited. They had a desire to bring about positive change in their community. Their wish was to enhance the campus life at their institution.
The young men reached out to Bro. Mato Brown, a graduate student at Methodist University. Bro. Brown instructed the young men to contact Bro. Jeffery Womble, who served as advisor for the Epsilon Zeta Chapter at Fayetteville State University. Bro. Womble spoke with the young men and he and Bro. Clifford Parker, then president of the Epsilon Rho Lambda Chapter, the graduate chapter in Fayetteville, N.C., had a luncheon meeting with them in the Berns Student Union Cafeteria on the campus.
After speaking with the 20 interested young men, it was clear that the institution indeed was ready for an Alpha Phi Alpha Chapter. In the fall of 2016, the process to establish one began. Bro. Womble held several meetings with university officials and on January 25, 2017, an official letter of acceptance for expansion was issued to Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity by Methodist University. The acceptance was contingent upon approval of a chapter by the fraternity at its General Convention in Baltimore, Maryland in the summer of 2017. On Friday, July 14, 2017, during the Third Business Session of the 94h General Convention, Methodist University was granted a provisional charter as the Phi Gamma Chapter, Key #949 of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
On August 29, 2017, the Phi Gamma Chapter held its first Alpha Informational Seminar in the Alumni Dining Room of the Berns Student Union. On November 4, 2017, the Charter Line of the Phi Gamma Chapter was initiated into Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Charter Line members included: Erran Greene, Lennon McNeill and DeShawn Warren. On November 8, 2017, the Charter Line was introduced to the Methodist University campus. Bro. McNeill was the chapter’s first president. Bro. Womble served as the chapter’s first alumni and campus advisor.
The chapter continued its growth in Spring 2018. Three new members were initiated into the chapter: KyShawn Ralls, Mark Stanford and Busani Mhlanga. Bro. Quincy Malloy became the chapter’s campus advisor.
The chapter experienced its largest growth in the Spring 2019 when five members were initiated: John Felton, Brandon Hunt, Will Lopez, Efferem Moore and Jordan Younger. In July 2019, Bro. Billy Buckner took over the duties as campus advisor.
In July 2019, the provisional charter status was lifted, and Phi Gamma was approved for permanent status. The chartering ceremony was held on November 9, 2019 in the Alumni Dining Room of the Berns Student Union. Presiding was Southern Region Vice President Kelsey Rushing, and other fraternity officers present were District Director TeJuan Manners and Assistant District Director Bercario Bodie.
The Epsilon Rho Lambda Chapter, the graduate chapter in Fayetteville and Phi Gamma’s sponsoring chapter, provided administrative, financial, development, and leadership support throughout the two-year chartering process.
Charter members included: Erran Greene, Lennon McNeill, DeShawn Warren, KyShawn Ralls, Mark Stanford, Busani Mhlanga, John Felton, Brandon Hunt, Will Lopez, Efferem Moore, and Jordan Younger. Bro. Womble served as the alumni advisor and Bro. Buckner served as the campus advisor.