Undergraduate Profile: Ethan Lester, Rogers State ’26
Ethan Lester is currently majoring in strategic communications. His academic interests include leadership, communication, and organizational development. He is passionate about pushing himself and others to take advantage of every opportunity presented to them. A founding father of Oklahoma Epsilon, Ethan also served as the chapter’s recruitment chair and vice president. He earned the Outstanding Freshman of the Year Award in 2023, is a member of the Trustees Roundtable, was a Kleberg and McKenzie peer mentor, and is an Iron Phi.
Why did you choose to join Phi Delta Theta?
I chose to help start a Phi Delta Theta chapter on my campus because I was seeking an organization that truly aligned with my values and offered a strong sense of belonging. Phi Delta Theta’s emphasis on leadership, academic excellence, and genuine lifelong relationships is what ultimately drew me in. Being part of Phi Delt has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally while contributing to a supportive, values-driven community.
Phi Delta Theta just launched the new Rising Phi initiative at the McKenzie Family Presidents Leadership Conference, and you have already completed 21 out of 24 milestones. Do you think this program will help you become a better leader after you graduate?
The new Rising Phi program is one of the greatest developments I had the privilege of experiencing before I graduate. If I had this freshman year, it would’ve helped guide me on what I should accomplish during college, and I believe it will do just that for every incoming student and brother.
How has your leadership style adapted while in college and Phi Delta Theta?
My leadership style has evolved significantly during my time in college and throughout my involvement in Phi Delta Theta. When I first entered college, I had zero leadership experience, but Phi Delta Theta provided me the opportunity to learn and grow. Through Phi Delta Theta, I developed a leadership style that emphasized accountability, empathy, and motivating others to take action. I’ve learned the importance of listening to different perspectives, leading by example, and adapting to meet the overall needs of the team. These experiences have helped me become a more confident, flexible, and people-centered leader.
You’ve attended Kleberg, McKenzie, and Convention. What impact did these opportunities have on your leadership journey?
I had the privilege of attending Convention twice, Kleberg three times, and McKenzie twice. As you can see, I fell in love with these conferences primarily because of what they offered me. They allowed me to connect with many brothers from across the nation, those with whom I’ve remained in contact for years. It taught me many ways to not only improve myself but also my chapter as a whole, by teaching me an incredible amount of ways to enhance my leadership skills within an organization, which has been invaluable. Every year, I am able to learn something new, which is why I enjoy returning eager to grow more.
Ethan Lester at the 2026 McKenzie Family Presidents Leadership Conference. Ethan is pictured fourth from the left.
How has Phi Delta Theta helped you become the greatest version of yourself?
Phi Delta Theta has helped me become the greatest version of myself by providing me with a brotherhood that challenges, supports, and holds me accountable to a higher standard. Through Phi Delt, I’ve learned the value of leadership, integrity, and service. These principles have pushed me to show up consistently not just for myself, but for others. Being surrounded by motivated, like-minded men has strengthened my confidence and discipline, while also teaching me humility and teamwork. Phi Delta Theta has provided opportunities to grow beyond my comfort zone, whether through leadership roles like recruitment chairman or vice president, community involvement, or navigating challenges with the support of my brothers. Most importantly, it has helped me develop lifelong values and relationships that shape who I am today and who I strive to become in the future.
What was the hardest point of your college journey, and why did you decide to stay with Phi Delta Theta through it?
The hardest point of my college journey was trying to figure out what I truly wanted to do with my life. I struggled with uncertainty about my future and questioned whether Rogers State University was the right place for me. At one point, I strongly considered transferring to a larger university, believing it would offer me clearer direction. During that time, Phi Delta Theta played a crucial role in helping me find clarity and confidence. After being installed as an official chapter during my freshman year, I couldn’t walk away from something I helped build. My brothers provided guidance, support, and honest conversations that pushed me to reflect on my goals rather than avoid the uncertainty. Seeing their commitment to growth and brotherhood reminded me of why I chose to join Phi Delta Theta in the first place. Ultimately, I decided to stay at Rogers State University because of the Fraternity’s influence, which gave me a sense of belonging, purpose, and direction during a time when I felt unsure of myself. Staying with Phi Delt allowed me to grow through that challenge instead of walking away from it.
What was your biggest takeaway from attending Kleberg Honors College? What would you tell other Phis about this opportunity?
My biggest takeaway from attending Kleberg Honors College was learning how to think more intentionally about leadership, values, and my role within the Fraternity. Rather than focusing on how to become a leader, it dives deeper into what you’ve done previously as a leader and how you can incorporate that into the professional world. The experience pushed me to reflect on who I am, what I stand for, and how my actions impact others. Through group discussions, workshops, and connecting with Phi Delts from other chapters, I gained new perspectives and a deeper understanding of what it truly means to live the values of Phi Delta Theta both inside and outside the fraternity. Kleberg Honors College challenged me to grow personally and as a leader and helped reinforce the importance of holding myself to a higher standard.
To other Phi Delts, I would say that the Kleberg Honors College is an opportunity you shouldn’t pass up. It allows you to step outside your chapter, learn from brothers across the country, and return with ideas, motivation, and a renewed sense of purpose. It’s an experience that strengthens not only you as an individual, but also your chapter and the Fraternity as a whole.
Shaffer’s Honors College at the 2025 Kleberg Emerging Leaders Institute. Ethan is pictured in the front row four from the left.
What did it mean for you or your family to receive a Phi Delta Theta Foundation scholarship?
I had the honor of receiving both the W.H. Sterg O’Dell Undergraduate Scholarship and the Whole Man scholarship. These scholarships have supported me in more ways than one. The W.H. Sterg O’Dell Undergraduate Scholarship helped take away the financial burden of a loan I had taken on, while also recognizing my dedication to community service and leadership, which motivated me to continue striving for greater impact. The Whole Man Scholarship meant more to me than financial assistance; it provided invaluable connections with fellow brothers and GHQ faculty, along with opportunities to grow professionally. Through this experience, I learned more about professional development and how to utilize my leadership experience in the real world.
