The date Nov. 4, 2000, is a special one for Kristin Whitver Fouts, a 2003 graduate of Monmouth College.
It’s also proof that college – and life – can be full of surprises.
Today, Fouts serves as the director of education and chapter development for Zeta Beta Tau fraternity. It’s an interesting position to hold for someone who entered college with no thoughts at all of being in a sorority.
“I never planned to go Greek,” said Fouts, who was initiated into Kappa Kappa Gamma on the aforementioned date, well into her sophomore year. She went on to be named Greek Woman of the Year as a senior.
Fouts made that comment while delivering her induction speech at Monmouth’s Fraternity and Sorority Hall of Fame ceremony, which was part of Homecoming festivities on campus in October.
Her Kappa Kappa Gamma nominators delivered a compelling case of why Fouts was deserving of the honor, stating that it recognizes not only her professional excellence but “uplifts the spirit of what our fraternity stands for: a lifetime commitment to developing women of purpose and impact.”
‘An inspiring mentor’
“Kristin is not only a sister by ritual, but a sister by example,” they wrote. “Her influence in the fraternal world and her love for Kappa make her a role model for current and future generations. … She gives back without fanfare, out of deep loyalty to our sisterhood and a belief in the transformative power of fraternity.”
Fouts’s career in Greek life – where she has become a “national leader” – has ensured that “her legacy reaches far beyond Monmouth,” they added. “Her professional path reflects the very best of Kappa’s ideals – intellectual development, leadership and a commitment to inspiring others. She’s been an inspiring mentor and facilitator for countless individuals.”
Noting that she’s a published scholar, a nationally recognized speaker and a mentor to countless professionals, the nominators praised Fouts’s work as “innovative and grounded in both research and human connection.”
Throughout her career, Fouts has trained student leaders, advised campus fraternities and sororities, and implemented transformative leadership experiences across multiple campuses and national organizations. Some of her tasks have included developing community wellness reviews, supporting coalition building around hazing prevention, and leading professional staff development workshops.
From 2005-11, she served as the fraternity and sorority life adviser at Wichita State University and Western Michigan University before moving to the Indianapolis area to work at the North American Interfraternity Conference. She led the membership experience team at Delta Sigma Phi’s headquarters from 2017-23.
Her Monmouth experience
“The slogan when I first started here was ‘What college was meant to be,’ and for me, it truly was,” said Fouts in her acceptance speech. “It was a perfect fit – small enough for it to feel like home and bold enough to help me grow. Monmouth College taught me how to think deeply and to challenge the status quo.”
Coming to campus from Chenoa, Illinois, Fouts was part of the first wave of students in the new public relations program, and she was also an Honors Program participant. After graduating, she earned a master’s degree from Illinois State University.
“Say ‘Yes’ to opportunities,” she told the large number of current students in the Mellinger Commons audience. “They can be scary sometimes, but they will help you grow. Each ‘Yes’ took me further down a path that I wouldn’t trade for anything. I love my career because of the difference I can make, member by member. I’m eternally grateful that I said ‘Yes’ to Monmouth College and ‘Yes’ to Kappa Kappa Gamma.”
***Courtesy of Barry McNamara, Monmouth College***
