Phi Kappa Psi wants to make sure all its members are ready for life, and with the Phi Kappa Psi National Fellowship program, brothers and alumni members alike explore opportunities outside of the classroom to help them prepare for whatever may be next on their agendas. Shane Yates Fellowship recipient Jake Johnson Butler ’22 is one alumnus using his award to prepare for the next big challenge as Associate Director of Communications at Phi Kappa Psi.
A video and film production major, Jake realized a little late in his undergraduate career that his much-loved hobby was not what he wanted to do as a job. “I realized too late during my time as an undergrad- uate (2 years in, to be exact), so instead of switching to a different major halfway through my college career, setting me back and having to pay to attend longer than four years, I made the most out of the last couple years in school, enrolling in various classes to explore what it is I wanted to pursue post-college.” Jake found a potential career in the web design and strategic communications classes he took, reinforced by being Indiana Zeta’s social media manager and Headquarters’ marketing intern. He realized that a career in Social Media and Digital Marketing was the path he wanted to take.
Two years in, Jake is now a full-time employee at Phi Psi Headquarters, responsible for the Fraternity’s website, social media, and email communications. He wished to continue learning and improving his knowledge and skills, but the fees and tuition of professional development are often cost-prohibitive. That is when Jake decided to apply to the Phi Kappa Psi Foundation Shane Yates Fellowship, which provides grants of up to $1,500 to offset expenses associated with registration, travel, and tuition for initiatives and experiences to prepare them for life.
Jake’s application was for an American Marketing Association professional digital marketing course and certification covering topics related to digital media, Google Analytics, and social media marketing. “I personally know nothing about Google Analytics, but I know it’s a staple in digital marketing for which I should have the skills. Another topic that intrigues me is email marketing. As a Gen Z individual, I aim to explore how emails can be optimized for marketing across generations, despite our preference for different communication methods. I’m committed to my professional development and staying current with digital marketing trends. The Professional Digital Marketing Course and PCM certification, recognized for their value in the industry, will arm me with advanced knowledge and skills to succeed in my career.” The Phi Psi vision of readying brothers for life through scholarships and grants is one way we can help members and alumni continue on that path of excellence.
Q&A WITH JOHNSON
What made you want to join Phi Psi?
Originally, I had no desire to join a fraternity in college. It was during the middle of COVID-19, and the opportu- nities to meet new people were sparse. While all my friends were involved in fraternities and sororities on campus, I saw how much they enjoyed it, which made me consider joining a fraternity my sophomore year. I heard from some friends in the fall of 2020 that Phi Psi was returning to Butler as a colony, and I thought I would try out fraternity life for myself.
I first met with the Expansion Consultant and some of the guys already in the colony, I liked the vibe I got from everyone and immediately wanted to join. When the Expansion Consultant extended me a bid, I didn’t hesitate a second to accept it.
What are some of your cherished Phi Psi memories?
One of my most cherished memories is the day I learned I would be a Big Brother! I remember the joy and excitement I felt at that moment; it’s like I was starting a family. And in some essence, that’s what happened. Since that day, I’ve grown close to my little Finn Williams ‘22, and his littles (+ their littles, too), and I’m so happy to see our family in Phi Psi continue to grow today.
Another memory that comes to mind is attending the Executive Council meeting in February 2022. After years of hard work from the colony and months of working on the recharter application, the Executive Council voted for the recharter of Indiana Zeta. All of us colony members were initiated that following summer at the 2022 Grand Arch Council in Indianapolis, and it was such an unbelievable experience.
How did your time in Phi Psi change your college experience?
I didn’t know what I was missing in college until I joined Phi Psi. Phi Psi gave me leadership opportunities, friend- ships, brotherhood, mentors, family, everything. I have so much to thank for Phi Psi for changing not just my college experience, but my life.