“AI is like electricity… poised to [transform] every major industry.”
Andrew Ng, Deeplearning AI
People have always been at the core of the fraternal experience. Full stop.
As a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. for almost 20 years, I cherish the brotherhood that comes from in-person meetings, programs, and events that foster brotherhood, scholarship, and service. These values are reflected in the work I do each day. I served as a chapter advisor for several years which allowed me to forge strong mentoring relationships with undergraduate brothers, several of whom now work in higher education. I have also facilitated leadership programs across the country and developed relationships with students and professionals. Authentic personal engagement is paramount.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the way people learn, communicate, and interact with the world around them. With tools like ChatGPT providing instant writing and promotional support, AI is becoming a regular part of daily life for professionals and students alike. As students and organizations adapt to these advancements, fraternity and sorority life has an opportunity to help technology support, rather than replace, authentic human connection.
For many members and alumni, the fraternal experience is about mentoring, shared experiences, leadership development, and lifelong relationships. AI can assist with tasks such as event promotion, scheduling, and idea generation, but it cannot replicate the impact of a meaningful conversation with a brother, sister, chapter advisor or headquarters staff member.
As institutions incorporate AI into more academic and administrative spaces, student organizations must prioritize educational programming that develops interpersonal skills alongside technological literacy. Students and alumni leaders will still need to understand emerging tools while prioritizing emotional intelligence, ethical decision-making, communication skills, and the ability to build trust within diverse communities.
Fraternity and sorority life is well-positioned to help students develop these competencies. Leadership retreats, wellness initiatives, diversity and inclusion workshops, alumni networking, service projects, and peer mentoring programs create opportunities for students to strengthen the human-centered skills that technology cannot replace.
The future will include increased technology and digital interaction. However, the lasting value of fraternity and sorority life will continue to come from deeply human experiences. As the field moves forward, fraternity and sorority professionals must embrace innovation while remaining grounded in the principles and values that define their communities. Technology will affect how fraternity and sorority professionals work, but human engagement will continue to shape who students, alumni, and professionals become.
About the Author
Dr. Ryan Upshaw has been working with college students for nearly 20 years having held roles at the University of Mississippi, Millsaps College and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College where he currently serves as Dean of Student Services. A proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, he has served as a chapter advisor, leadership facilitator and serves as co-chair of Educational Programs for the AFA Annual Meeting. He is passionate about leadership development and student engagement. Earlier this year, he was named the 2026 Dr. Tom Shoemaker Advisor of the Year by the Southeastern Greek Leadership Association.
