Volunteer Spotlight – August 2015

Bill Mulligan
Murray State University

Name: Bill Mulligan

Chapter Position: President

University Position: Professor of History

Years of Service to the Chapter: 7 years

Degree(s)/Discipline: A.B. in History, Assumption College; A.M. and Ph.D. in History, Clark University

How did you become involved as a chapter officer? Our chapter had a lull after chartering and I was part of a group that met and was interested in reviving the chapter and making it more active. That led to my first term as president. I think Phi Kappa Phi can play an important role in promoting academic excellence at Murray State and we are making progress.

What has your chapter done that has made you proud? I guess responded positively to changes and ideas I proposed to make us more active and visible. We have gone from doing nothing but inviting new members to holding workshops for students on Phi Kappa Phi study abroad grants and other topics, to sponsoring a lecture, and having a very successful book drive led by our student vice presidents.

What does Phi Kappa Phi mean to you? It is an organization committed to rewarding excellence and thereby encouraging people across all disciplines to push a little harder to do their very best.

What do you enjoy most about being a chapter officer? Interacting with motivated, active people from across campus and working with the students.

What advice would you give to a new chapter officer? Go to the convention and see what as many other chapters as possible are doing. In your chapter never accept that you are doing all you can – we need to grow and explore new areas to encourage students and faculty.

What are your hobbies? I collect stamps from the U.S., Canada, Ireland, and the Vatican City. I also enjoy photography and reading mysteries – Anne Perry and Christine Trent.

Where are you from? I was born in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn, N.Y., and grew up in Hempstead, N.Y.