At the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, sorority and fraternity life is more than a social experience. With 29% of the undergraduate population involved in Greek-letter organizations on campus, it is a central part of the university’s student life efforts. By fostering servant leadership and academic excellence in partnership with national Greek organizations, the Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life is investing in members’ leadership development and empowering their personal and professional growth.
Membership in a Greek organization presents students with the opportunity to engage with the chapter’s philanthropy efforts and make a difference both on and off campus. In 2024, more than 103,500 service hours were logged through UT’s Jones Center for Leadership and Service by Greek-affiliated students, an increase of nearly 21% from 2023.
OSFL also saw an almost 36% increase in philanthropic donations in 2024, with over $1 million raised to support causes like medical research, leadership development for young women, and domestic violence and abuse awareness.
“These numbers speak to the desire our Greek community has to make a lasting impact,” said John Keith, director of OSFL. “The reason why our students give at such a high level is because they really do believe in the Volunteer Creed. We say ‘It takes a Volunteer,’ and they prove it. They go above and beyond to show their pride in this institution by showing up in our community.”
In addition to increases in service and philanthropy, Greek students demonstrated excellence in the classroom. Fall 2024 saw an average chapter GPA of 3.49, surpassing the all-campus average for the 16th consecutive semester.
Housed in the Division of Student Life, OSFL works with more than 48 active registered student organizations at UT and advises four councils: the Interfraternity Council, the Multicultural Greek Council, the National Pan-Hellenic Council and the Panhellenic Council. In 2024, more than 8,800 students were members of fraternal organizations on campus.
“People join people, and I believe our Greek communities are composed of individuals from all walks of life who have a healthy dose of respect for one another,” said Keith. “It creates a welcoming atmosphere that other people want to join. Our job is to amplify that by providing opportunities for groups to tell their stories.”
Through its support of service and academic achievement, OSFL is enriching the Volunteer experience, improving student outcomes and inspiring others to carry out UT’s traditions of service and leadership.
“There are so many misconceptions and stereotypes ascribed to fraternity and sorority life, and our job is to amplify the good,” said Keith. “It’s our mission to ensure our organizations and our students have what they need to thrive and be successful.”
