WWU ranked 15th among best colleges for Greek Life

Steve Merriott, a senior American Sign Language interpreting major from St. Charles, had no intention of joining a fraternity when he came to William Woods University. Now he is president of Phi Gamma Delta.
"After seeing the inclusive, and positive role Greek life had on students, I ended up joining and making one of the best decisions of my life," he said. "My fraternity has giving me many valuable opportunities in leadership during college, and I cannot wait to see what's in store after college."
Experiences like Merriott's led William Woods University to be ranked 15th nationally among the 50 Best Colleges for Greek Life, according to Best College Reviews (bestcollegereviews.org). A high ranking indicates that fraternity/sorority life plays a significant, positive role in campus life and a high percentage of the student body participates. Only one other Missouri school made the top 50.
The ranking was based on the following criteria:
Percentage of students enrolled in Greek life.
Number of Greek organizations on campus.
Greek organizations must be chapters of national organizations, such as the Panhellenic Conference and Interfraternity Council.
Number of criminal offenses occurring on campus during 2011-13.
Average Greek Rank rating.
Greek life at William Woods began in 1965 when chapters of three national sororities were chartered: Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Phi and Chi Omega. In 1977, a fourth chapter, Delta Gamma, was added. In 2001, two fraternities were established: Phi Gamma Delta and Pi Kappa Alpha. The newest fraternity chapter, Sigma Tau Gamma, received its charter last spring.
More than 40 percent of the undergraduate study body is in sororities or fraternities, which provide opportunities for academic achievement, campus involvement, community service and lifelong friendships.
The all-Greek GPA is traditionally higher than the all-campus GPA. Greeks have consistently attained an average GPA above 3.0 for the last 10 years.
"My sisters always push me to work hard for the grade I'm looking for," said Alyssa Scheele, an Alpha Chi Omega from Beatrice, Nebraska. "I have spent many late nights in the library with my sisters studying and working on projects, but it's all worth it."