Media Releases
Statement Regarding MTSU
CONTACT:
Brad Beacham, Executive Director
Sigma Nu Fraternity, Inc.
540-463-1869
brad.beacham@sigmanu.org
Andrew Oppmann, Vice President and Spokesman
Middle Tennessee State University
615-494-7800
Andrew.Oppmann@mtsu.edu
November 3, 2015
Lexington, Va. – Sigma Nu Fraternity, Inc., has suspended the charter of the Theta Iota Chapter at Middle Tennessee State University, effective immediately, for alcohol misuse and hazing- related incidents. For the same reasons, Middle Tennessee State University announced the suspension of recognition of the Theta Iota Chapter for a three-year period.
The Fraternity’s decision, made in consultation with Theta Iota alumni leaders and MTSU officials, means the chapter will cease to function until recolonization. Activities of the chapter must immediately cease and student members of the chapter have been notified of the suspensions and the terms. The Theta Iota Chapter will be eligible to recolonize at MTSU for the Spring 2019 semester.
“Sigma Nu regrets the loss of the Theta Iota Chapter. However, in keeping with our mission to develop ethical leaders, the Fraternity cannot tolerate such violations of its law, policies and principles,” said Brad Beacham, executive director of Sigma Nu Fraternity, Inc.
“We will work with Theta Iota alumni leaders, University officials, and student leaders to re- establish a legacy of leadership at MTSU in the future. We are grateful for our strong partnership with MTSU, and we appreciate the University’s continuing support,” Beacham added.
MTSU spokesman Andrew Oppmann said Sigma Nu’s investigation and findings mirrored a similar inquiry by the University. “We appreciate the leadership put forward by Sigma Nu’s national organization and concur with its decision,” he said. “We look forward to working with Sigma Nu officials when the chapter is eligible for reinstatement.”
Headquartered in Lexington, Va., Sigma Nu Fraternity was founded in 1869 at Virginia Military Institute in Lexington. The Fraternity currently has 165 chapters and colonies and has initiated more than 235,000 members since its founding.
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