Interfraternity Council to elect new president

Members of the Interfraternity Council will elect a new leader tonight. And no matter who wins, the new president will be expected to build upon a largely repaired image two years after the Greek system faced some of its darkest days.

The council will elect either Jack Partain or Bryce Holcomb to take over a system that has, in the eyes of administrators, made great strides in improving its behavior.

Partain, current vice President of IFC recruitment, said he has been a part of the changes in the IFC during the past two years.

“Now that the problems are fixed we can move forward with making the council as good as it can be,” he said.

Partain’s platform includes two scholarships for dues for fraternity membership, which range from $500 to $4,000 a semester.

Holcomb said if he is elected, he will focus on increasing fraternity membership and improving precautionary actions against hazing.

“Once perception is heightened, everyone can see each fraternity is different.”

The president-elect will take over the IFC under substantially different circumstances than Tucker Piner faced when he became president in 2009.

Earlier that year, Delta Kappa Epsilon’s president, Courtland Smith, was shot and killed by police after leaving a party at a fraternity house, which brought scrutiny on the Greek system. About a month later, fraternity and sorority members were arrested for possession of cocaine.

“Our values weren’t aligning with our behaviors,” Piner said.

“We were the future leaders of America but we weren’t taking advantage of our opportunities and not contributing to the University.”

Piner said he worked toward improving communication between the Greek organizations and UNC administration.

Through a resolution drafted with the help of outside consultant Jordan Whichard, the IFC identified areas within the system that could be improved.

Piner made changes to the initiation process such as requiring each fraternity to submit plans for bringing in new members.

Current IFC President Brent Macon worked to maintain many of the programs Piner established.

“I don’t deserve credit from doing just one thing,” Macon said.

Partain said the two presidents changed the public image and focus of the council at a time when it was viewed negatively.

Holcomb and Partain both said they want to raise campus awareness about what makes each fraternity unique.

Holcomb said new leadership in the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life and Community Involvement will also help improve the Greek system’s reputation.

Contact the University Editor at university@dailytarheel.com.