The Phi Kappa Psi Foundation is honored to invite undergraduate and alumni Phi Psi brothers to apply for a first-of-its-kind educational fellowship.

The Shane Yates Fellowship Fund was established in 2016 following the passing of Brother Shane Yates Ashland ’97, who for more than a decade had passionately served the leadership development needs of Phi Psi brothers.

The Yates Fellowship makes funding available for brothers pursuing educational opportunities that build leadership, values-based learning, healthy lifestyles, and/or emotional and cultural intelligence. The fellowship covers a significantly broader area of education than any existing chapter or national scholarship.

Patrick Griffith, Phi Psi Foundation Director of Advancement Services notes, “This award is unique in the kinds of educational opportunities that qualify. Members can apply to enhance their own development with programming both within and outside the Fraternity. It is the first of what we hope will be many more like it in years to come.”

Examples of initiatives not currently addressed by other Phi Psi awards that would qualify for funding under the Shane Yates Fellowship might include tuition reimbursement for a college class on emotional intelligence; costs for becoming certified in a mental health-related area, such as suicide prevention; fees for attending a one-day men’s healthy lifestyle seminar.

“Through this fellowship,” Griffith says, “we want to honor the memory of our brother and friend, and pay tribute to his phenomenal commitment to Phi Psi.”

Following his graduation from Ashland University in 1997, Brother Yates worked tirelessly as a Phi Psi Educational Leadership Consultant. He served as Director of Leadership Development for 10 years, then turned his attention to assisting individual chapters. His influential legacy as a positive role model, friend, and advisor echoes in the lives of thousands of young brothers.

The Phi Kappa Psi Foundation wishes to extend a very special thanks to the brothers of the Ohio Theta Chapter and the Ohio Xi Chapter for their outpouring of generous gifts to endow the Shane Yates Fellowship Fund.

The Yates Fellowship is open to Phi Psi undergraduates and alumni of any age. Brothers are encouraged to apply. Candidates may visit the National Fellowships page on the Foundation’s website to access an application. Applications open September 15 and run through January 15. Grant applications for project expenses between $250 and $1,361 will be considered.

For more information, please contact Cara Augspurger at the Phi Kappa Psi Foundation office, (317) 275-3400.

Following his earlier roles in Phi Kappa Psi, Brother Shane Yates served as Executive Director of the Ohio Physical Therapy Association. At the time of his passing in early 2016 at age 40, he was Executive Director and President of the Ohio Society of Association Executives.