Kappa Mu Celebrates Outstanding Year at 2026 Leadership Conference

The Star and Crescent came to the Crescent City this summer as more than 1,800 Brothers gathered in New Orleans for Kappa Sigma’s 2026 Leadership Conference. 

Held July 17–19, the annual conference brought Brothers together for professional development, officer training, networking, and the unveiling of new programs and initiatives. It also provided an opportunity to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of Brothers, chapters, and districts from across the fraternity.

For Kappa Mu at Tennessee Technological University, the conference was a particularly memorable occasion, as the chapter was recognized with several of Kappa Sigma’s highest honors.

Kappa Mu Named a Founders’ Circle Chapter

The Kappa Mu Chapter was presented with the Founders’ Circle Award, the highest and most prestigious national honor presented to an undergraduate chapter of Kappa Sigma.

The Founders’ Circle Award recognizes the very best chapters in the fraternity and celebrates excellence in the four pillars of Fellowship, Leadership, Scholarship, and Service. Reserved for the top-performing chapters among those receiving the Founders’ Award of Chapter Excellence, the Founders’ Circle distinction represents the absolute top tier of Kappa Sigma chapters.

Earlier, Kappa Mu learned that it had also earned the Founders’ Award of Chapter Excellence (FACE). The FACE Award is Kappa Sigma’s premier annual benchmark for chapter excellence, recognizing chapters that demonstrate outstanding management, programming, and operational success. With only approximately the top 10 percent of the fraternity’s nearly 300 active chapters earning the distinction each year, receiving the FACE Award is itself a significant accomplishment.

Earning both the FACE Award and the Founders’ Circle Award represents an exceptional year of achievement for Kappa Mu and reflects the dedication of the chapter’s undergraduate members and alumni.

Bob Evans Recognized as top Alumnus Advisor

The conference also brought individual recognition to Kappa Mu alumnus Robert H. Evans (Kappa-Mu ’82), who received the Alumnus Advisor of the Year Award.

The award recognizes an outstanding Kappa Sigma volunteer who provides exceptional day-to-day operational guidance, mentorship, and support to an undergraduate chapter. Brother Evans’ recognition reflects his continued commitment to Kappa Mu and the development of its members.

Kappa Mu Officers Honored

Several Kappa Mu officers were also recognized for their exemplary leadership, dedication, and service to the chapter:

• Outstanding Grand Master Award: Bryson L. Bell (Kappa-Mu ’22)

• Outstanding Grand Procurator Award: Lucas J. Safin (Kappa-Mu ’23)

• Outstanding Grand Scribe Award: Hunter R. Goins (Kappa-Mu ’24)

• Outstanding Grand Treasurer Award: William W. Russell (Kappa-Mu ’23)

These individual honors are a testament to the commitment of the brothers who have served Kappa Mu and helped strengthen the chapter for future generations.

A Year Worth Celebrating

From chapter excellence to outstanding alumni and officer leadership, the 2025–2026 award season was an extraordinary one for Kappa Mu. The recognition received in New Orleans is more than a collection of individual awards—it reflects the hard work, tradition, and commitment to excellence that define the Kappa Mu Brotherhood.

Congratulations to all of our brothers, alumni, and supporters who contributed to this remarkable year. The future of Kappa Mu is bright, and the Star and Crescent continue to shine brightly in Cookeville.