Alumni Panel on Higher Education
Moderated by Phi Kappa Psi Executive Director, Ronald K. Ransom II Butler ’00, this session brings together leaders in senior higher education staff and volunteer roles to discuss how colleges and universities are adapting to changing demographics, barriers to entry, and workforce needs, while also addressing the relevance of the fraternities as independent partners in student development.
Panelists will highlight trends they see not only at their own institutions, but across the industry. Rising costs and changes in what today’s student has come to expect in their residence halls and common areas will also be touched on, as well as a growing trend to split their college experience between a community college first and then on to a larger more traditional collegiate experience. Discussions will include what this means for future college students and how the changing landscape of college life may affect the future of fraternities and sororities.
Get to know the speakers
Andrew Jones Butler ’96
Brother Jones is the Vice President for Student Development and Dean of Students at Franklin College in Franklin, IN (just south of Indianapolis). Andrew has worked in higher education for the last 20 years. His experience has been at small private institutions ranging from Admission and Academic Support to Student Affairs and Retention. Andrew’s research interests include academic advising, student success and retention, and masculinity. He holds Bachelor of Music and Master of Science in Education degrees from Butler University and a Doctor of Education degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs from Indiana University – Bloomington.
Judson Horras
Judson is the President & CEO of the North American Interfraternity Conference. After more than 18 years serving Beta Theta Pi — over eight as the Administrative Secretary — he took on this role in 2016 to lead the NIC into the future. Jud is a graduate of Iowa State University. He lives in Indianapolis with his wife, Kara, and two kids, Anna and Andrew, who he hopes will enjoy meaningful fraternity/sorority experiences in the near future.