Delta Chi - University of Alabama

A s a first-generation college student, Steven Yates '03 didn't have anyone in his family to provide insight on Greek life or prepare him for recruitment. Fortunately, as a Tuscaloosa native, he had friends from high school who shared their UA recommendations and experiences to help him decide which fraternity would be the best fit. Finding that Delta Chi was the most welcoming, Steven knew he wanted to be a part of our Chapter. Two decades later, the friendships he made at UA remain some of the strongest in his life. Through Delta Chi, he learned the power of networking and connections across campus and the Tuscaloosa community. His time with the Alabama Chapter also prepared him for life after college and ultimately motivated him to stay connected to the Brotherhood. "My Delta Chi experience helped me grow as a man and understand how the 'real' world works," he said. "I want to be sure students have that opportunity at UA." After earning a Bachelor of Arts in Geology and History, Steven had his sights set on law school. However, he soon realized he and the LSAT "did not get along," so he switched gears and completed a Master of Arts in Communication Studies at UA. From there, he discovered that he had a passion for teaching. He received a fellowship to complete a Master of Library and Information Studies and decided he wanted to stay in Alabama and give back to his home state. "I worked in K-12 education and public libraries in the Birmingham area for six and a half years before being hired as a full-time instructor on the faculty of the School of Library and Information Studies (SLIS) at UA," he explained. "Since my hire in 2013, I've completed my Ph.D. in instructional leadership and am now an assistant professor." Steven is also the assistant director and school library media coordinator for SLIS in UA's College of Communications and Information Sciences. Steven also recently joined our Alumni Board of Trustees, serving as the Faculty Advisor. "I started this role this spring, so I'm just getting started. I've had the opportunity to help a couple of the actives navigate some issues around campus, and that's how I see the role of Faculty Advisor—to leverage my understanding of how UA faculty and staff operate to make sure Delta Chis are as active around campus as they'd like to be," he shared. "Whether that be scholarships, memberships, elections, or just temporary academic issues, I want to be a resource to continue our Chapter's success on campus." As a new member of ABT, Steven is excited to assist with ensuring our Chapter has a well- maintained House as a recruitment tool and knows it takes Alumni commitment to make it happen. He's proud to be a Delta Chi and to pay it forward. In his career, Steven is most proud of his current and former students who are committed to making a difference through libraries around the world. "I've been fortunate to have a small part in their preparation to provide learning opportunities for their communities," he said. Personally, he's proud of his work with Mystic Krewe of Druids, a 501(c)(3) in West Alabama that raises funds for Five Horizons Health Services, a United Way agency. The Krewe's annual Mardi Gras masquerade ball raises around $50,000 for Five Horizons each year. You can connect with Steven via email at steven.d.yates@ua.edu. Dr. Steven Yates '03 Commits to Alabama Chapter's Continued Success D elta Chi has had a strange but successful year. It started with our summer recruitment; some events were in person (following all COVID-19 protocols) and others were virtual. We initiated 51 new members—one of our largest pledge classes in years. We have a bright future ahead as our numbers grow along with our retention rate. Unfortunately, we were unable to host our annual V for Valentine's philanthropy event due to COVID-19. However, we have plans for another event, Victories for V, that will benefit the Jimmy V Foundation; Tuscaloosa has lifted restrictions that would otherwise prevent such plans. We are projecting to raise at least $2,000 through this event. Our Chapter became DEI certified in the fall as we went through the university's program to further educate ourselves on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Additionally, as an act of community service, we have been adopting dogs for a few hours every week from the Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter. We have also been focusing on our academics and have implemented weekly study hours. Our Chapter GPA rose this semester and we hope to continue that trend. Individually, our Brothers have shown that they live by the Delta Chi Preamble to promote, develop, advance, and assist. John McLendon '24 was elected as a Student Government Association senator for the Culverhouse College of Business. We also had three members initiated into Order of Alpha: Jackson Brooks '22, John Tausz '22, and Todd Thomas '22. A special thank-you to our Alumni who contribute and support our Chapter. We would not be as successful without you. Roll Tide! In the Bond, Jackson Drury '23 Corresponding Secretary "E" (2021) Success rough Safety Alabama Chapter Adapts to a Tough Year

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