Indianapolis, April 22, 2025 – The North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) and Foundation for Fraternal Excellence (FFE) jointly announce a significant staff leadership transition.
FFE Executive Director Ashley VanDewark will be stepping down from her role to join Tri Delta’s team as the Chief of Staff. With the vacancy created by her departure, Will Foran has been appointed to the role of FFE Executive Director.
VanDewark has been a valued member of the NIC/FFE team since 2017. During her tenure she implemented major changes for FFE including the adoption of a new brand; growth of flagship programs; the successful completion of the Foundation’s first strategic plan; maintained and developed meaningful connections through the NIC/FFE Alliance Partner program; and was instrumental in leading the Amplifying Sorority Campaign (ASC).
Since 2022, Foran has served the NIC as Chief Operating Officer. Throughout his nearly 20 years on the NIC team, he has worked closely with fraternity/sorority life professionals, institutional administrators, NIC member organizations and the Governing Council, the NIC Campus Support team, as well as industry stakeholders and partners to enhance and elevate the fraternity experience for the future.
“I have had the honor of working closely with Ashley over the past eight years as Alpha Chi Omega Foundation’s chief development officer and member of the FFE board. It was evident the day we met that she was personally invested in my success — and I know others have felt that same support from her. She is passionate about the success of FFE, and her leadership has helped the organization accomplish great things to move the industry forward. I wish her nothing but the best!
“Change is hard but creates opportunity. I believe that Will will continue to move FFE in a positive direction with the support of a professional staff well-equipped to deliver best-in-class programs and services for our member organizations and Alliance Partners. I am excited about the new opportunities created for our staff and FFE,” said FFE President Marsha Grady.
With this shift in leadership, Russell Best, who has served as a Vice President of Campus Support since 2022, has been promoted to the role of NIC Chief Operating Officer and will oversee the Campus Support team and the NIC’s Engage initiative.
Desiree Paulhamus has also accepted the role of FFE Assistant Executive Director in which she will continue to oversee FFE’s flagship programs — Seminar, Summit, Advance and Aspire — industry survey data collection and assume VanDewark’s role in supporting ASC fundraising efforts.
Additionally, Hillary Brewer will now serve as Chief Communications Officer of the NIC and FFE. She will continue to support the strategic communication initiatives of both entities and assume VanDewark’s role supporting the ASC Research Committee.
Lastly, a new role will be created in the coming months to strengthen and enhance communications and public relations with the goal of further sharing the value of the fraternal experience.
Foran will begin transitioning into the FFE Executive Director role effective immediately and can be reached at will.foran@foundationfe.org; VanDewark’s last day as a member of the NIC/FFE team will be on May 16.
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The North American Interfraternity Conference is the trade association representing 60 inter/national men’s fraternities. The NIC’s member organizations boast more than 6,000 chapters located on more than 550 campuses in the United States and Canada, with approximately 250,000 undergraduate members and nearly 4.2 million alumni.
The Foundation for Fraternal Excellence is comprised of more than 65 men’s, women’s and co-ed fraternal educational foundations and operates to advance the various needs of the dynamic industry. FFE provides operational support for new and emerging fraternal foundations, working hand-in-hand with various fraternal communities and the NIC to strengthen and improve the entire fraternity/sorority experience through culture of care, connection and research.
At Greek University, we believe in the leadership of fraternity and sorority members. Since 2015, our award-winning speaking and consulting team has changed behavior in the long term and created safer campuses by leveraging the leadership in fraternities and sororities with an optimal balance of challenge and support. Our favorite moment? Watching all the ‘ahas’ go off in student’s minds as we help them solve problems with our campus keynote presentations, leadership conferences, workshops, research, and books. This form of student engagement correlates positively to student learning, student success, retention, and degree completion. To learn more, please visit greekuniversity.org.
Client Relationship Story:
Dr. Michael Ayalon and his team at Greek University are determined to help end hazing, among many other initiatives to help grow fraternity and sorority life and help to protect our members and guests over the next decade. In the first quarter of 2025, Dr. Ayalon took a new and more intimate approach to hazing prevention in the form of interactive chapter workshops versus the more traditional keynote presentations. Hazing prevention workshops included Alpha Delta Phi at the University of Chicago, Zeta Beta Tau at Penn State University, and Sigma Alpha Epsilon at Michigan State University. The chapters analyzed the origins of hazing, described why hazing happens, reviewed the progression of hazing-related media coverage over the last decade, summarized the new federal hazing laws covered in the Stop Campus Hazing Act, identified campus reporting mechanisms, practiced bystander intervention strategies, and produced substitute activities that promoted brotherhood.
Client Feedback:
“Dr. Michael Ayalon recently delivered a powerful and eye-opening hazing prevention workshop for the brothers of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity at Michigan State University. Grounded in the findings of his recently defended dissertation, ‘The Early Warning Signs of Hazing in College Fraternities and Sororities,’ Dr. Ayalon’s presentation was both comprehensive and deeply engaging.
“The session offered critical historical context around hazing, explored its continued presence in campus culture, and—most importantly—equipped attendees with actionable strategies to drive meaningful change. Dr. Ayalon skillfully guided participants in identifying early warning signs of hazing, understanding key federal legislation such as the Stop Campus Hazing Act, and creating alternative chapter traditions that foster brotherhood without harm.
“The interactive nature of the workshop encouraged reflection and dialogue, allowing our members to assess what is working well within the chapter, what areas need improvement, and how Sigma Alpha Epsilon can take a leadership role in hazing prevention efforts at MSU in the coming year.
“We are incredibly grateful to Dr. Ayalon for sharing his time, knowledge, and encouragement with our chapter. His insights and practical guidance have already begun influencing positive cultural shifts among our members. The feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive — describing the session as valuable, relevant, actionable, inspiring, and engaging.
“We wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Ayalon to any organization or campus community seeking to make a lasting impact in the areas of hazing prevention, leadership development, and organizational culture change.”
– Steadman Boston, Director of Risk Management for Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity
Key Findings of Dr. Ayalon’s Research:
Inconsistencies in hazing definitions, activities, and organizational values.
The necessity of building trust and ensuring early intervention.
Limited funding and capacity within Fraternity and Sorority Life offices.
A lack of comprehensive data within the profession.
The emotional burden placed on Student Affairs professionals.
Hazing laws are being circumvented by outsourcing case resolutions.
Implications for Institutional Policy:
Increased awareness of federal hazing laws.
Encouraging students to report hazing incidents.
Establishing hazing prevention task forces with campus-wide representation.
Creating transparency in hazing reports across universities and national organizations.
Developing a national database for fraternity/sorority members to advocate for change.
Allocating more resources and staffing for Fraternity and Sorority Life offices.
Implementing hazing prevention education in K-12 schools.
Benefits of Membership in Fraternities and Sororities:
Significant, positive direct relationships with student engagement
Strong positive indirect relationships with self-reports of learning
Higher levels of interaction with people different from themselves
Providing a proven student retention tool for institutions
Sharing the latest research on hazing prevention with our members is important. Students don’t often understand the definitions of hazing, bystander intervention techniques for their campus, replacement activities, or why the hazing activity does not actually get them the solidarity they seek in their chapter. Our team of hazing prevention experts have done chapter workshops over the last six months for various fraternities that have changed their new member process as a result. One undergraduate member from Sigma Alpha Epsilon at Michigan State said, “He is a very passionate and engaging speaker. I think many brothers in our chapter where changed from the conversation.” Another undergraduate member from the same chapter said, “We learned many things about what’s actually happening which helped me open my eyes and realize it. We also were very interactive and we worked together.”
Our team of speakers and consultants are ready to help your members, whether that be at your conventions, leadership conferences, or even on a chapter level. Visit our website for more information: greekuniversity.org
The Outstanding IFC Award recognizes Interfraternity Councils (IFCs) that excel in operations and positively impact their member chapters, their fraternity/sorority communities and host institutions.
Auburn University exemplified a strong commitment to leadership development, community service, and peer accountability. Through philanthropic events like the IFC Murph Challenge and Batting Practice with Butch Thompson and mentorship initiatives with Project Uplift, IFC members made a meaningful impact both on campus and in the Auburn community. The Cabinet and Delegate Program prepared emerging leaders for future roles, while the IFC Court System reinforced integrity through fair, student-led accountability.
Auburn University
Creighton University demonstrated excellence in leadership, service, and peer governance while they fostered a fraternity community grounded in integrity, inclusion and academic success. With strong recruitment, a community GPA that exceeded the all-male average and comprehensive education on safety, mental health and hazing prevention, IFC supported student development at every level. Through philanthropy, community service and transparent judicial processes, members actively strengthened campus culture and local partnerships. These efforts reflect Creighton IFC’s commitment to student success, accountability and the Jesuit values that define the Creighton experience.
Creighton University
Iowa State University stood out as an exceptional model of sustained leadership, innovation and commitment to the fraternity experience. Building on years of national recognition, the council continued to advance in recruitment, civic engagement and health and wellness through student-led initiatives. Personalized recruitment strategies drove record-high membership, while new service partnerships and expanded wellness programming strengthened campus impact and community culture.
Iowa State University
Kansas State University demonstrated exceptional leadership and impact throughout 2025 through record-setting service, engagement and community building. The council’s most successful Greek Week to date united all fraternities and sororities, resulting in significant increases in food donations, volunteer participation, service hours and funds raised for charitable causes. Through updated governance documents and sustained community impact, the IFC has left fraternity life at K-State stronger and more unified than ever.
Kansas State University
Pittsburg State University made notable progress through a renewed emphasis on scholarship, accountability and collaboration. Academic performance improved significantly with the all-IFC GPA rising 5% and surpassing the all-undergraduate average, while strengthened governance replaced punitive fines with educational sanctions in partnership with the Office of Student Conduct. Recruitment grew by 73% and new campus partnerships expanded IFC’s presence through collaborative events and student engagement initiatives.
Pittsburg State University
Samford University Interfraternity Council exemplified excellence through strong operations, transparent governance and collaborative leadership that advanced the value and accessibility of the fraternity experience. Record-setting recruitment and strategic engagement efforts drove significant growth and expanded the community while supporting the chartering of new fraternities. The IFC prioritized the holistic development of members through education, wellness initiatives and innovative tools like the MANUAL digital platform. Through proactive safety efforts, service and campus partnerships, Samford IFC stood out as a model of innovation, impact and student-centered leadership.
Samford University
Texas State University exemplified strong fraternity leadership through sustained service, innovation and campus engagement. Longstanding partnerships and record-setting philanthropy, including an annual food drive benefiting the Hays County Food Bank, demonstrated a deep commitment to the surrounding community. Innovative recruitment strategies and educational partnerships fueled historic growth while supporting student development and wellbeing.
Texas State University
University of Missouri delivered an exceptional year marked by growth, innovation and strong community impact. The IFC supported the expansion of two new chapters and welcomed more than 1,000 new members through intentional recruitment strategies and large-scale community events. The council strengthened internal connections through collaborative programming while continuing meaningful partnerships focused on hazing prevention and student safety.
University of Missouri
University of Nebraska-Lincoln demonstrated a strong commitment to community impact, leadership and engagement throughout the past year. IFC expanded its reach through large-scale education initiatives, a new mentorship program, record-setting fundraising for a local shelter and significant growth in digital engagement across campus and the city. The council fostered collaboration, accountability and student development across all chapters.
University of Nebraska – Lincoln
Washington State University exemplified leadership, innovation and a strong commitment to fraternity values through values-driven education, recruitment and member development initiatives. The IFC has strengthened peer governance, promoted social accountability and fostered greater collaboration across chapters. The council has built a safer, more inclusive and engaging fraternity community that emphasizes personal growth and wellbeing.
Washington State University
Outstanding Community Impact
This award recognizes Interfraternity Councils that participate in and provide opportunities for meaningful community outreach, service, and actively engage campus and community partners to enhance belonging and inclusion in the fraternity experience.
Auburn University
Creighton University
Florida Gulf Coast University
Kansas State University
Texas State University
University of Alabama
University of Arizona
University of Missouri
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Virginia Tech
Washington State University
Outstanding Peer Governance
This award recognizes Interfraternity Councils that excel in operations, member accountability, safety and prevention efforts.
Auburn University
Boise State University
Creighton University
Oklahoma State University
Texas State University
University of Idaho
University of Missouri
Outstanding IFC President
The Outstanding IFC President Award recognizes IFC Presidents whose leadership has been a driving force for growth, positive change and interfraternalism on their campus.
Charlie Fox Creighton University
Joshua Lopez Florida Gulf Coast University
Cooper Hillman Kansas State University
Grayson Ruark Lehigh University
Mason Reed Monmouth College
Owen Mall Pittsburg State University
William (Billy) Heller Stockton University
Jose Villarreal Texas State University
Gabe Phillips The Ohio State University
Kendall Desporte The University of Southern Mississippi
Max Brown University of Alabama
Wyatt Carlson University of Missouri
Max Hamill University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Kohl Hansen Washington State University
Bryce Cloonan William & Mary
Outstanding IFC Advisor
This award recognizes campus-based professionals working in fraternity/sorority life providing exceptional support to an Interfraternity Council in a manner that contributes to overall Council excellence, enhances peer-governance among students, exemplifies interfraternal values and models effective partnerships.
Katie Bodlak Creighton University
Caitlyn Gastfield Florida Gulf Coast University
Christian Rodriguez Florida International University
Indianapolis, December 27, 2024 — The North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) is thrilled that President Biden signed the Stop Campus Hazing Act (S. 2901, H.R. 5646) into law on December 24. The bill was passed by the House on September 24 and by the Senate on December 11.
A founding member of the Anti-Hazing Coalition (AHC) — comprised of parents who lost their sons in senseless hazing-related deaths, the NIC, the National Panhellenic Conference, Hazing Prevention Network and other organizations — the NIC has advocated for state and federal anti-hazing legislation for nearly a decade.
“The Stop Campus Hazing Act will bring transparency to make a lasting cultural change in student organizations and on university campuses,” said NIC President and CEO Judson Horras. “Our member fraternities firmly believe that hazing has no place in the fraternity experience and every student has the right to learn and thrive in a safe and healthy campus environment.”
We would like to thank the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, the bill’s sponsors Rep. Jeff Duncan, Rep. Lucy McBath, Sen. Bill Cassidy and Sen. Amy Klobuchar, each co-sponsor in the House and Senate, and the AHC parents who have advocated for this federal legislation in the most difficult of times.
While we are excited by the passage of the Stop Campus Hazing Act, this is an important milestone, not the finish line. We have more work to do to eradicate hazing from all student organizations.
“NIC member fraternities stand united in providing positive, hazing-free, meaningful membership experiences that strengthen and develop young men,” continued Horras.
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