Southeast Missouri State University’s Sigma Nu fraternity has been recognized among the nation’s top 10 fraternity chapters by the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC).

Additionally, NIC has selected Southeast’s Sigma Nu Chapter President Logan Phillips of Hillsboro, Missouri, as one of the nation’s top 12 fraternity men.

NIC Chapter Award of Distinction

The Chapter Award of Distinction recognizes undergraduate chapters that function well, educate others about the benefits of a values-based fraternity experience and work to maintain a healthy relationship with the international and national organization.

NIC recognized Southeast’s Sigma Nu chapter for regularly performing at the highest levels and serving as a model for Sigma Nu and other fraternity chapters.

Dr. Carlos Vargas, president of Southeast, congratulated Sigma Nu, saying, “As one of only nine chapters nationally selected for this award, we are very proud of these young men, the honor they have brought to their chapter at our University and most importantly, of the service and leadership work they have done to be selected. I am particularly pleased to hear of their multi-year ethical leadership development program for all members and that the organization consistently earns GPAs above 3.25.

“When you combine their selection by NIC with their chapter’s selection as the University’s Five Star Fraternity of the Year and the selection by their Headquarters as a Rock Chapter Award recipient, there is a great deal for the men of Sigma Nu to be proud of,” Vargas said.

In announcing the honors, NIC officials wrote that “having been awarded numerous honors from Sigma Nu – including receiving the Rock Chapter Award, which signifies enduring excellence, two consecutive award cycles – it is evident that they truly understand and value the meaning of fraternity. The chapter excels at executing the LEAD program, a multi-phase, multi-year ethical leadership development program for all collegiate members, and consistently earns semester GPAs of above 3.25. Recruitment and retention are strong for Sigma Nu and (the organization) is proud to report that every brother is involved in at least one additional campus organization with numerous holding key leadership positions.” 

Dr. Bruce Skinner, associate vice president of Student Life at Southeast, said "Sigma Nu is a strong part of the Southeast Greek system and their selection by the NIC as a chapter of distinction is evidence of the strength of their membership, the strong leadership within the chapter and the active involvement of their alumni,"

Phillips said, “our active and alumni chapters, as well as advisors and advocates have worked extremely hard for this over the course of several years. We've established a culture that prioritizes personal development and community engagement, and we are excited to take on new challenges in the coming years.”

Undergraduate Award of Distinction

The Undergraduate Award of Distinction recognizes fraternity men who have found in their experience an outlet for developing as both a leader and a better man. They are exemplary members of their organizations and serve their brothers, campuses and fraternity/sorority communities with humble confidence. The recipients embody the values of their fraternity and expect the same from those with whom they associate.

“Logan Phillips has given his best efforts to leave a lasting impact on the SEMO Greek community and each position he has held,” NIC officials wrote.

Phillips, a senior corporate communications major, is a founding member and leader of Iota Chi, an organization that educates members of the fraternity and sorority community about sexual assault prevention and resources for survivors of sexual assault. He also served as Student Government president, Sigma Nu chapter president, secretary and alumni relations chairman. Additionally, he participated last year in the President’s Leadership Academy and was named Interfraternity Council’s Greek Man of the Year last spring. Phillips is the only fraternity man in Missouri recognized among the 12 award recipients.

Vargas said Phillips’ selection for this honor came as no surprise as the qualities for which NIC has honored him – excellence in leadership, service and education within the fraternity community – are the same attributes he has exuded at the University.

“Logan truly sought to make an impact on SEMO through his service” to the campus community, Vargas said. “We are extremely proud of him and his much-deserved honor. I know it is only the beginning of many recognitions to come as he begins his professional career after Southeast.”

Phillips added, “To me, this award is truly a testament to the support group that I've had at SEMO. The advisors of the organizations I am a part of -- faculty, staff, and the members of my chapter -- have all played an integral role in the personal growth and experiences that I've had over the past four years.” 

He said there is undoubtedly “a negative stigma that surrounds Greek life,” he continued. “There is no denying that bad things do happen in Greek Life, however, everything that my chapter and I have done as members of Sigma Nu and the SEMO Greek system has been to address that stigma and bring awareness to the amazing things that Greek Life does for any given community.”

NIC officials wrote that they selected Phillips for dedicating, “his undergraduate experience to serving others. He is genuine, pitches in to assist with projects, big or small, asks the tough questions, challenges the process to improve protocols or procedures, and operates with conviction and integrity. He believes in fraternalism, supports his brothers and is loyal to his chapter affiliation.” 

Skinner added that "Logan is a role model for what is best about Greek Life, and he demonstrates this in how he leads within his chapter and as an engaged Southeast student. Being selected by the NIC affirms the outstanding qualities that I've had the opportunity to see him exemplify as a Southeast student."

About NIC

The North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) represents national and international men’s fraternities, including a diverse range of culturally and religious-based organizations, on campuses in the United States and Canada. The NIC supports opportunities for young men to seek and form positive, enriching fraternal bonds.