Derrick Mills ΚΚΨ Chapter Field Representative
D
errick joined the National Headquarters staff on July 1, 2000. A native Ohioan, he graduated in August of 1998 from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, with a degree in Political Science. While at Ohio State, Derrick participated in all athletic bands, and served in several leadership positions. He is a life member of Kappa Kappa Psi, a Member of the National Alumni Association, a member of the North Central District Alumni Association, and an alumnus of the Eta Chapter. As an active member of Kappa Kappa Psi, Derrick served as chapter historian for two terms and as North Central District Vice President for Programs. Derrick continues his involvement with Ohio State as a life member of The Ohio State University Alumni Association and the T.B.D.B.I.T.L. Alumni Association. "You get out of Kappa Kappa Psi and, especially, life, what you put into them. Not too many people are afforded the opportunities we have, so use them to better your life."
M
oving to Oklahoma and working for Kappa Kappa Psi is definitely a culture shock. I was already in my second year removed from college and already in “the real world” when I applied for this job for the second time. People in my home town (Columbus, Ohio) asked me, “Why are you applying for this job when you already have a great job?” The answer is very simple: Kappa Kappa Psi aided me in my life, and it’s time for me to again offer my services to the fraternity. I made that decision when I first was a CFR finalist in 1998. That was the first time that I ever visited our National Headquarters, and I fell in love with the place. To see all the history of the fraternity all over the walls and to think that I could work here was a humbling experience. I was disappointed when I was not selected in 1998, but I promised myself that I would apply just one more time, and here I am, your CFR! I am extremely excited and anxious to start traveling and working with everyone. I am eternally grateful for immediate past CFR Jeremy Thomas and his incredible CFR training manual. I would have been lost without his help. Looking over the reports of the past CFRs and discovering what they each accomplished is overwhelming. I welcome the challenge to continue working
30—The PODIUM, Fall 2000
hard at this awesome level over the next two years. I look forward to meeting as many brothers as possible. I am excited about experiencing our diversity firsthand. Working to improve communication between the National Council, Headquarters, and Chapters is one of my many goals. I want each of you to feel comfortable in talking to me about any of your concerns. As brothers we should not feel intimidated by one another, whether it be a national officer or a first-year member. Please remember that, especially when serving your bands. Working hard and together for our bands is our primary goal. In July, we had our District Leadership Conference in Stillwater, and I sensed much energy and support from your district leaders. They represented your respective districts with great pride and enthusiasm. I feel after meeting each of them that you are in store for some worthwhile and fun-filled district conventions. Over the same weekend I attended National Council meetings and visited with the members. We should feel blessed that we have such a loyal and friendly council, dedicated to the ideals and goals of our fraternity, who have put into action programs that will help make your college experience more enjoyable. Our National Council is committed not only to assist you in serving your college bands, but also to help all of us develop into better leaders. My most meaningful event over the summer has to be meeting and working with Dollie McDonald, Tau Beta Sigma CFR, to paint and fix-up the ΤΒΣ side of the CFR house. We have had nothing but fun since we both arrived here in July. Dollie is a great asset to ΤΒΣ with her professionalism, hard work, and especially her humor. Until moving to Stillwater, I had never been more then ten minutes away from home, but Dollie and the National Headquarters staff have made me feel welcome. I look forward to these next two years working with Dollie. These next two years are going to be a welcome challenge in my life. I promise to give you my best and a one-hundredpercent effort, but in order for to be effective, I will need your help. By responding timely to all correspondence and preparing for visits in advance, you can assist me in assisting you to make your chapter a better one. I want Kappa Kappa Psi to be a strong program at every university where there is a chapter. Together we can make that happen.
