Phi Sigma Nu (ΦΣΝ) is the oldest and largest Native American fraternity in the United States. It was founded in 1996 in North Carolina.
| Phi Sigma Nu | |
|---|---|
| ΦΣΝ | |
 | |
| Founded | February 13, 1996 University of North Carolina at Pembroke |
| Type | Social |
| Affiliation | Independent |
| Status | Active |
| Emphasis | Native Americans |
| Scope | National |
| Motto | "Men of Valor. Men of Pride" |
| Pillars | Leadership, Individuality, Community, Honesty, Wisdom, Pride, and Unity |
| Colors | Red, Yellow, Black, and White |
| Symbol | Snapping Turtle |
| Publication | Warrior's Words |
| Chapters | 6 active collegiate 1 active professional |
| Colonies | 1 professional |
| Headquarters | PO Box 2040 Pembroke, North Carolina 28372 United States |
| Website | www |
History
editPhi Sigma Nu is a Native American fraternity founded on February 13, 1996 as a student organization at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.[1][2] Its founding fathers and their tribal affiliations are Tony Carter (Lumbee), Earl Evans (Haliwa-Saponi), Clarence “Bo” Goins II (Lumbee), Chad Hedgepeth (Haliwa-Saponi), Sandon Jacobs (Waccamaw Siouan), Greg Richardson (Haliwa-Saponi), Marty Richardson (Haliwa-Saponi), and James Worriax (Lumbee).[3]
Phi Sigma Nu was recognized as a Greek letter fraternity on February 3, 1997.[3] It is the first national Native American Indian fraternity to be formed in the United States.[1][2] The fraternity uses no alcohol in its ceremonies or initiation, as these ceremonies are viewed as a purifying processes.[1]
As of August 29, 2020, the fraternity reports it has more than 400 brothers representing more than 55 tribes.[4] The fraternity is recognized by the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors.[5]
Symbols
editThe motto of Phi Sigma Nu is "Men of Valor. Men of Pride."[3] The fraternity's seven founding principles or pillars are Leadership, Individuality, Community, Honesty, Wisdom, Pride, and Unity[3]
Its colors are red, yellow, black, and white.[3] Its symbol is the snapping turtle.[3] Its publication is Warriors Words.[6]
Governance
editPhi Sigma Nu is governed by a National Chief Council, an elected body of national officers presided over by a chief president. The current chief president is Brian Hunt.[3] The fraternity's national heaquarters are in Pembroke, North Carolina.[7]
Chapters
editCollegiate chapters
editFollow are Phi Sigma Nu's collegiate chapters, with active chapters indicated in bold and inactive chapters in italics.[7][8][9]
| Chapter | Charter date and range | Institution | Location | Status | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpha | February 13, 1996 | University of North Carolina at Pembroke | Pembroke, North Carolina | Active | |
| Beta | April 18, 2001 | North Carolina State University | Raleigh, North Carolina | Active | |
| Gamma | October 31, 2003 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Chapel Hill, North Carolina | Active | |
| Delta | April 2, 2006 – 2017 | Oklahoma State University–Stillwater | Stillwater, Oklahoma | Inactive | |
| Epsilon | April 22, 2006 – 2021 | Northeastern State University | Tahlequah, Oklahoma | Inactive | |
| Zeta | November 1, 2007 – 2015 | Arizona State University | Phoenix, Arizona | Inactive | |
| Eta | 2011–20xx ? | University of North Carolina at Charlotte | Charlotte, North Carolina | Inactive | |
| Theta | 2011–20xx ? | New Mexico State University | Las Cruces, New Mexico | Inactive | |
| Iota | April 1, 2014 | Haskell Indian Nations University | Lawrence, Kansas | Active | |
| Kappa | 2014 | Dartmouth College | Hanover, New Hampshire | Active | |
| Lambda | 2016 | Southeastern Oklahoma State University | Durant, Oklahoma | Active |
Professional Chapters
editThe Fraternity provides for alumni and volunteer networking after graduation with Professional Chapters that are formed to provide local alumni support of campus chapters. Active chapters are indicated in bold and inactive chapters are in italics.
| Chapter | Charter date and range | Location | Status | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nu Alpha | December 15, 2007 | Southeastern North Carolina | Active | [9] |
| Nu Beta | Kansas | Provisional | [9] | |
| Nu Gamma | Oklahoma | Inactive | [9] |
See also
editReferences
edit- 1 2 3 Torbenson, Craig LaRon; Parks, Gregory (2009). Brothers and Sisters: Diversity in College Fraternities and Sororities. Associated University Presses. pp. 133–156. ISBN 978-0838641941.
- 1 2 Barnett, George A. (2011). Encyclopedia of Social Networks, Volume 1. Sage. p. 298. ISBN 978-1412979115.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "About". New Phi Sigma Nu. Retrieved March 27, 2026.
- ↑ Press Release, 2020 annual meeting, accessed 7 Nov 2020.
- ↑ "Special Interest Fraternities & Sororities". Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors. Archived from the original on October 23, 2012. Retrieved August 13, 2012.
- ↑ "Warrior's Words vol. 1 no. 1" (PDF). Phi Sigma Nu Fraternity, Inc. July 26, 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 18, 2017. Retrieved March 27, 2026.
- 1 2 Carroll Lurding; Fran Becque, eds. (January 11, 2026). "Men's Organizations (P)" (PDF). Almanac of Fraternities and Sororities. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Retrieved March 27, 2026 – via University Library: Student Life and Culture Archives.
- ↑ ΦΣΝ Chapter list, from the national website, accessed 7 Nov 2020.
- 1 2 3 4 "Experience Phi Nu". New Phi Sigma Nu. Retrieved March 27, 2026.