Pi Kappa Phi

This exhibit chronicles the origins and enduring legacy of the Beta Phi Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi at East Carolina College, from its founding in 1961 to its modern resurgence. The materials on display are drawn from the personal collections of Beta Phi founders, whose memories and stewardship have preserved the chapter’s early history.

The story of Beta Phi begins in a moment of unexpected opportunity in Chapel Hill. In January 1961, Wayne Scott sat at a desk taking final exams at UNC when the phone rang. The voice on the other end belonged to Durward W. Owen, Executive Secretary of Pi Kappa Phi—a leader with a vision to expand the fraternity to new southern campuses. Owen asked Scott whether he had plans for graduate school. He did not. But when Owen offered a scholarship on one condition, that Scott go to East Carolina and establish a fraternity colony, Wayne answered without hesitation: “I’ll be there next week.” 

This decisive yes would initiate generations of brotherhood. 

Scott arrived in Greenville with traveling counselor Jim Lloyd and secured approval from the Dean of Men, Jim Mallory, on February 4, 1961. Just four days later, in the inexpensive, cramped rooms of the Kenwood Motel, five young men—Morrie Simpson, Paul Brewer, Dan Ray, Ed Fulford, and Chester Boone—were initiated as the first pledges of what would be called “Kappa Phi Local.” 

There was no chapter room, no house, and few resources beyond enthusiasm. Meetings were held in Wright Auditorium on campus at East Carolina College. The earliest brothers shared a growing conviction that they were building something meant to last.