2026 Kleberg Emerging Leaders Institute Brings Together 1,100 Phis
The 2026 Kleberg Emerging Leaders Institute brought 1,100 Phis to Oxford, Ohio, for three days of leadership development, education, and brotherhood.
Representing 194 chapters from across the United States and Canada, attendees participated in four educational tracks designed to prepare undergraduate members for leadership within their chapters and beyond. Joining them were fifty-five faculty members, including alumni volunteers and General Headquarters staff who helped facilitate the Kleberg experience.
“Many things drove me to be a part of the Kleberg Faculty. I have volunteered for fifteen years in different roles, and I wanted to venture out and provide a different experience to brothers I do not normally see or know. I believe that we can help maintain, but also grow, as a standard. I think, to be able to do that, we need to advise and teach out of our comfort zone. I look forward to continuing to be a large presence for an organization that means so much to me.”
Gregory Gray Jr.
The City of Oxford also proclaimed the week of July 20, 2026, as Phi Delta Theta Week.
About the Conference
The Kleberg Emerging Leaders Institute continues to serve as one of Phi Delta Theta’s premier leadership development experiences for undergraduate members.
Designed for emerging chapter leaders, the Kleberg track gives attendees the opportunity to learn more about the Fraternity beyond their own campus, develop relationships with brothers from across Phi Delt Nation, and build skills they can take back to their chapters.
Throughout the weekend, attendees participated in general sessions, educational programming, and small-group discussions facilitated by Phi Delt faculty members. These small groups allow brothers to share their own chapter experiences, learn from one another, and discuss how they can make an impact when they return to campus.
Attendees have opportunities to explore Uptown Oxford and Miami University’s campus, visit General Headquarters, tour Elliott Hall, and experience many of the places connected to Phi Delta Theta’s history.
Shaffer Honors College of Leadership
Held concurrently with Kleberg, the Shaffer Honors College of Leadership provides an advanced leadership experience for recipients of the Phi Delta Theta Foundation’s Whole Man Scholarships.
Shaffer participants took a deeper look at their individual leadership styles while exploring topics including ethical leadership, innovation, strategic planning, and career preparation.
The program also gives participants the opportunity to learn directly from accomplished Phi Delt alumni and volunteers while connecting with other highly engaged undergraduate leaders from across the Fraternity.
The Craig Scholars Program
The Craig Scholars Program continued to expand Phi Delta Theta’s educational offerings at Kleberg through targeted programming for chapter officers. This year’s tracks focused on recruitment and Phikeia education, inviting each chapter’s current recruitment chairman and Phikeia educator.
Phikeia Educators Track
The Phikeia Education Track brought together Phikeia educators to focus on creating a meaningful and consistent Phikeia experience. Throughout the weekend, attendees discussed the responsibilities of a Phikeia educator, tools for leading education meetings, and ways to create an experience rooted in Phi Delta Theta’s values. Participants returned to their campuses with additional resources, ideas, and connections to help strengthen Phikeia education within their chapters.
Recruitment Track
Craig Scholars also included a dedicated Recruitment Track, giving recruitment chairmen the opportunity to develop the skills and strategies necessary to build stronger chapters.
Programming focused on year-round recruitment, identifying five-star recruits, values-based recruitment, building authentic relationships, and creating meaningful conversations with potential new members.
As Phi Delta Theta continues to grow across North America, participants were challenged to consider how intentional recruitment can help their chapters welcome outstanding men into the brotherhood and build a strong foundation for the future.
Celebrating Chapter Excellence
Kleberg also provides an opportunity to recognize chapters across Phi Delta Theta for their accomplishments throughout the academic year.
During the opening session, the Fraternity announced its 2026 major trophy winners and runners-up, recognizing chapters that demonstrated outstanding performance and a commitment to Phi Delta Theta’s values. These honors represent some of the highest levels of chapter achievement within the Fraternity.
See the full list of 2026 Trophy Winners and major award recipients.
Brotherhood Opportunities
After days filled with educational programming, Kleberg also provided plenty of opportunities for brothers to connect outside the classroom.
Tio’s Roadhouse
At Tio’s Roadhouse, attendees gathered for food, activities, and brotherhood, with Velvet Smoke BBQ serving the Kleberg crowd.
Owned by Phi Matthew Schneider, Cincinnati ’92, Velvet Smoke brought an additional Phi Delt connection to one of Kleberg’s favorite traditions.
Iron Phi 5K
In 2010, Phi Delta Theta launched Iron Phi. This program provides members with an opportunity to make a significant contribution to the battle against Lou Gehrig’s disease. To accomplish this, they must complete an athletic challenge and raise a minimum of $1,000 from their family and friends. Every year at Kleberg, several Phis begin their Iron Phi journey by running a 5K to raise awareness for ALS.
General Council Pizza Night
A favorite Kleberg tradition returned as members of the General Council served up pizza to attendees, creating another opportunity for brothers to connect outside of educational sessions. Feeding 1,100 Phis is no small task—more than 400 pizzas were served throughout the evening as members gathered for food, conversation, and games.
Founders Processional
Kleberg traditionally concludes with the Founders Processional outside Elliott Hall, providing attendees with an opportunity to gather at the place where Phi Delta Theta was founded on December 26, 1848.
With rain moving through Oxford on Monday evening, the Founders Processional was moved indoors. While the location changed, the tradition continued, as hundreds of Phis gathered together to recognize the history of the Fraternity and the brotherhood that began in Oxford nearly 178 years ago.
It was also a fitting final lesson for a weekend centered on leadership: when circumstances change, leaders adapt.
“Being on the faculty for Kleberg renews my faith every year in our undergraduate brothers and our Fraternity that we are helping create quality young men who will be a credit to their chapters and universities now and in the future.”
Steve Finn
Attendees left Mother Oxford with new ideas, new relationships, and new tools to take back to their chapters as the Fraternity prepares for another academic year.
Thank you to the faculty, volunteers, staff, donors, partners, and brothers who helped make Kleberg 2026 possible.
Are you interested in attending a Phi Delta Theta Conference?
We encourage all undergraduate members to attend the Kleberg Emerging Leadership Institute. This conference is intended for members who are seeking to grow in their leadership with the goal of becoming an officer or executive committee member of their chapter. Kleberg is an amazing opportunity for members to learn more about Phi Delta Theta beyond the borders of their campus, develop relations with brothers from across the organization, and build the skills necessary to become a better leader and Phi.
