The Willis Fellow was awarded beginning in 2001 to recognize innovative programming in the fraternal world.  The focus of the Willis Fellow for Educational Leadership Development was centered on innovative programming, developed by an individual or organization, with willingness to share the supportive materials and resources for adaptation by other fraternal organizations and peers. Additionally, selection of the Fellow concentrated on the overall breadth of the organization served and the ability of such programming to generate lasting change and deliver desired results over a significant period. Since its inception, nearly 90 programs have been nominated and 20 individuals and organizations have been recognized for excellence in educational initiatives as Fellows or as runners-up for the award.

 

Regrettably, the Willis Fellow has been discontinued.  The Fellow was initiated in partnership with and at the request of the Fraternity Executives Association in 2001, and enjoyed a productive partnership for ten years.  Today, however, other priorities have emerged for both the FEA and Willis that do not make continuation of the Fellow a viable option.  Our thanks to the FEA for all the assistance they provided over the years in promotion of the Fellow.

 

Willis Fellow Recipients  

 

Motivation for the Fellow was based on a core understanding and belief; necessary implementation of risk management policies and liability programs among fraternal organizations in the 1980's and beyond required the redirection of a great deal of human and financial resources from positive program development to policy enforcement and procurement of insurance. As the fraternal community continued to provide positive programming and initiatives to compliment these policies, recognition was provided to those who continually pioneered a new vision and fundamental education.

 

Willis wishes to acknowledge the breadth of educational initiatives that are continually developed and refined by fraternal organizations, and we would like to once again recognize the body of Fellows:

 

§       Delta Delta Delta: Reflections: Body Image Program (2010) 

§       Greek Video Consortium: ResponseAbility: Transforming Values Into Action (2009) 

§       Gamma Phi Beta: Collegiate Advisor Development and Volunteer Leader Training Programs (2008) 

§       Alpha Chi Omega: Programming With Purpose (2007) 

§       Alpha Chi Omega: Work Hard. Play Smart. (2006)   

§       Beta Theta Pi: The Miller Nichols, Chapter Presidents Leadership Academy & The Hugh E. Stephenson Leadership Summit (2005) 

§       Sigma Alpha Epsilon: The True Gentlemen Initiative (2004) 

§       Sigma Phi Epsilon: The Leadership Continuum (2003) 

§       Mark E. Timmes, CEO,Pi Kappa Phi: STAR Program (Students Talking About Alcohol & Responsibility) (2002) 

§       Beta Theta Pi: The Men of Principle Initiative (2001) 

 

It is the mission of Willis North America to focus the attention of fraternal organizations and individuals upon successful program/initiative development within the Greek community and reward these leaders for their efforts to realign their membership and others with the founding values of their fraternity.