SPEAKERS

Thursday at 6:30pm

Evan M. Hanna (Epsilon

Evan joined staff in May 2018, after graduating from Arkansas Tech University with a degree in broadcast journalism. There, he and his chapter brothers worked to re-establish the Epsilon Zeta chapter. Since then, his efforts have focused mainly on the cultivation of the Order’s provisional chapters, and assisting these chapters in their goal of regaining their charters. Evan hopes to continue to serve the Order to the best of his abilities in his role as Director of Chapter Operations.

Thursday at 6:45pm and Friday at 1:30pm

Anthony M. Graziani (Zeta Pi–Florida Gulf Coast ’07) is the Assistant Executive Director for Chapter Services supervising the Director of Chapter Operations, Director of Chapter Development, Director of College & University Relations, Director of Risk Management, Associate Directors for Chapter Services/Development, and the Fraternity Services Assistant. Anthony joined the staff as an Associate Director for Chapter Services in 2011 and returned in 2014 to become the Director of Chapter Development. He has served as the Zeta Pi Alumnus Advisor and Number I, 2010 E. Fleming Mason Memorial Intern, and while an undergraduate, he was the IFC President and Student Body Vice President.

Thursday at 7:00pm

Marlon L. Gibson, Ph.D. joined staff in January 2020 as Director of Community Engagement. In his role, Marlon develops and facilitates the curriculum for educational initiatives related to the Order’s values alignment on campus. He is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi, a seasoned higher education professional, and completed his doctorate at the University of Georgia in 2021. Previously, he was the Director of Greek Life at Emory University, where the Order recently rechartered our Epsilon Chapter. Marlon has worked extensively with members of sororities and fraternities across the country. He is married to Dr. Sheree Williams Gibson and they have a son, Adam Patrick.

Friday at 1:30pm

Linda Wright joined the National staff as a Risk Management Consultant in March 2023. A long friend of Kappa Alpha Order, Linda has been helping national fraternity headquarters, fraternity chapters and individual fraternity members navigate the difficult world of claims and litigation for 30 years. She has spoken at numerous fraternity leadership programs as well as headquarters staff training events. She believes strongly in the value of the fraternity experience and has been a vigorous advocate.

Friday at 6:45pm

Dr. James M. “Jim” Schmuck (Alpha Eta–Westminster ’69) spent more than 33 years as a teacher of English and Communications at the high school and college levels. An award-winning cross country and track and field coach, Jim has been named to the Missouri Cross Country and Track Hall of Fame as named the National Coach of the Year. Jim served as Commander of Henry C. Chiles Province from 2007 to 2015, before being elected to served on the Executive Council at the 76th Convention & Sesquicentennial Celebration. Jim is a member of numerous Courts of Honor. He is a Forever KA participant, a member of the Loyal Order, and an 11-year member of the KAOEF Crimson & Gold Society. He and his wife, Judy, live in St. Louis, Missouri.

Saturday at 9:00am

Kenny Davis (Beta Delta–Georgetown ’68) is one of the most decorated players in Kentucky Basketball History. A high school All-State Player, three time College All American, and a three time AAU All American ranks him as one of the best to ever hit the hardwood in the “Hoops Crazy” Bluegrass State. A member of the 1970 World University and 1971 Pan American Team, his big break came in 1972 when he was named captain of the U.S. Olympic team that competed for the gold medal in Munich, West Germany, which was named by USA Today as “The Most Controversial Sporting Event in the History of the Olympics.” Now, more than 40 years later, he talks about Munich, terrorists, the slain athletes, medals and keeping life in perspective.

Saturday at 11:00am

E. Preston Pritchett (Nu–Auburn ’10) is a lecturer and program coordinator at Troy University. As a professional educator, Preston has instructed classes in middle school, high school, and higher education. Prior to his career in education, Preston previously served as an Associate Director for Chapter Services for KA. While an active member, he held the roles of Number IX and New Member Educator. A lifelong Tigers fan, Preston received both his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Auburn University, and was also a member of the AU Football Team. Currently, Preston is pursuing his doctoral degree in Global Leadership from Troy University.

Saturday at 2:00pm

Larry Stanton Wiese (Gamma Omega–Midwestern State ’87) is the Order’s Executive Director and General Counsel, as well as President of the Kappa Alpha Order Educational Foundation. Larry served as an Educational and Leadership Consultant from 1990 to 1991, Mikell Deputy Province Commander from 1991 to 1995, and Assistant Executive Director from 1995 to 1996. Larry is a past President of FIPG, Inc., the Fraternity Executive Association, and the Fraternity and Sorority Political Action Committee. He is a member of the American Society of Association Executives. Larry is admitted to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia and the District of Columbia.

Saturday at 6:45pm

C. Douglas Simmons III (Beta Tau–Mississippi State ’95) is the 41th Knight Commander. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agricultural Economics. He is the managing Partner in Simmons Planting Company in the Mississippi Delta where his family has been engaged in row crop production agriculture for several generations. On behalf of U.S. Department of Agriculture, he has officially represented the soybean and rice industries on five continents and in numerous countries. He is the recipient of the Knight Commander’s Accolade, and a member of multiple Courts of Honor. A long-time ritual lecturer and former Model Initiation Director, he authored the Stewards of the Order Program He resides in Tribbett, Mississippi.

Sunday at 9:45am

Dwain P. Knight (Delta Kappa–Stephen F. Austin State ’04) is the Order’s National Chaplain and has held that distinction since 2009, as well as serving as the Secretary of the East Texas Alumni Chapter. In 2007, he was inducted into the William A. Walsh Court of Honor for his meritorious service to the Walsh Province. He is recognized as a Steward of the Order and as a member of the Crimson and Gold Society. Dwain is a retired high school teacher and coach, an ordained minister, and resides in east Texas with his wife Camille.