Last week, representatives from Phi Mu and Kappa Delta took a campus tour which provided them with the opportunity to learn more about Murray State’s campus and the typical day of a student. ­­

Each sorority had the chance to meet the Panhellenic extension committee, where they discussed Greek community and what the committee expects of a new chapter.

The meeting with the extension committee was followed by lunch with members of the Panhellenic council.

Originally four groups were scheduled to visit Murray State, but Jason Hinson-Nolen, interim Greek Life coordinator, said Gamma Phi Beta is no longer in consideration for the new sorority coming in the fall.

He said Gamma Phi Beta is changing its national focus and doing some reorganization and it is over-committed by deciding to drop out of the running for the new Murray State sorority.

Hannah Mylor, representative for Sigma Sigma Sigma on the extension committee, said both visits have gone well and they are excited to have Delta Zeta visit next week.

“They were educational and provided insight into these national organizations and how they would fit on our campus,” Mylor said. “I think it’s a great idea to add a new sorority to campus. Our campus is ready to expand and grow.”

The representatives started their day with a tour of campus. They were then interviewed by the Extension Committee, which consists of a representative and an alumna from each sorority on campus, along with several other staff involved in student affairs.

Afterward the representatives from Kappa Delta and Phi Mu went to lunch with the Panhellenic Executive Board. Each group then gave a presentation that was open to the entire Greek community and was followed by a reception hosted by the current sororities on campus.

“A new sorority is an opportunity for women that haven’t previously been involved in Greek life to get involved, and for incoming freshmen that are looking for an experience that is different from what is already offered with one of our existing sororities and to become a part of the Greek community,” Mylor said.

She said Panhellenic enjoyed the group’s perspective on the Greek community and appreciated their excitement for a new sorority to join the community.

During the presentations, the sororities explained their extension and colony plans for Murray State and their commitment to share a value-based sorority experience with unaffiliated women on campus.

The day concluded with a reception hosted by the Panhellenic community in the sorority suites.

Jessica Winkles, extension director for the Phi Mu fraternity, said Phi Mu was thrilled to have the opportunity to make an extension presentation at Murray State and to be considered as an addition to the fraternity and sorority community.

“We enjoyed meeting with members of the Murray State University administration, office of fraternity and sorority life, extension committee and Panhellenic community,” Winkles said.

She said Phi Mu is interested in opening a new chapter at Murray State for the strength and reputation of the fraternity and sorority community and she believes Phi Mu would benefit from having Murray State students as members of their organization.

Kirstin Barry, extension and new chapter development manager for Kappa Delta sorority, said Kappa Delta was unable to provide detailed comments about the visit, but the group had an enjoyable and informative day on campus and would be honored to return to Murray State.

Delta Zeta is the last group to visit campus and will present to the extension committee on Wednesday. The extension committee will make its vote for which sorority come to Murray State in the fall on March 15.

Story by Meghann Anderson, News Editor.