Chapter History
Founded in 2007 by Nelson McCoy of Beta Chi, Brian Johnson of Beta Epsilon, Lenwood Bruce of Delta Phi, John Loyd-Montgomery of Gamma Omicron and Monwell Benson of Ball St. Colony, the Jacksonville Graduate Chapter of Iota Phi Theta was founded in the midst of a community lacking in a youthful and motivated graduate chapter. Under the leadership of Brother McCoy (who is also the north Florida State Director), the Jacksonville Graduate Chapter has initiated their first line of brothers into the chapter. Brandon Jacobs, Walter Brown, and Jay Nightingale were brought into the chapter in April of 2010.
Along with growing their own chapter, the brothers of the Jacksonville Graduate Chapter have also assisted in the growth of Iota on an undergraduate level as well. Brother Nelson McCoy, Brother Mike Ranglin, and Brother Monwell Benson all played a pivotal roll in the chartering of the colony of Iota Phi Theta on the Campus of the University of North Florida. The chapter has recently celebrated their one year anniversary and continues to grow.
UNF Colony Founders
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| Nelson McCoy |
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| Monwell Benson |
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| Mike Ranglin |
2011has seen the Jacksonville Graduate Chapter double in size; adding recent graduates from the local undergraduate chapters and brothers who have moved to the Jacksonville area from the Gulf Coast, Eastern, and Ohio Valley Regions. On a community service level, the Jacksonville Graduate Chapter has excelled, in contributing to our cities youth in a positive way. The Iota Youth Alliance is known in the Jacksonville area for assisting the city’s youth with the challenges of high school and assists them in their preparation for life after high school (i.e. - preparing college applications/financial aid/scholarship documentation, finding the school that best fit them as an individual, etc.). The Jacksonville Youth Alliance has aided in a number of Jacksonville’s youth enrolling and succeeding in their collegian careers. Some former Youth Alliance members go on to become Iota’s and Iota Sweethearts while others choose different directions within the Divine Nine.
Within four short years, the Jacksonville Graduate Chapter has become a staple in the Jacksonville community with its diverse activities and desire to build a tradition and not simply rest upon one. If you want to know more you can contact us at iota.jax@gmail.com, submit a message in our message box on the right side of your screen, or contact the office at the number listed below.
Office of Jax Grad Chapter
904-531-4682