A sophomore with a 4.0 grade-point average, Cody McClanahan is forging new paths as president of the newest fraternity on campus.
The business information systems major and Columbus native is the president of MSU's Pi Kappa Phi chapter, which will charter in fall 2013.
"Starting up a new chapter can definitely have its bumps in the road," McClanahan said. "You have to set precedents that could determine the path the chapter takes."
In this position, McClanahan's duties include running chapter meetings, representing the fraternity at Interfraternity Council meetings, serving as a liaison between the active chapter and alumni base, and heading the chapter's executive council.
"It's a big task, one that takes a lot of patience and hard work," McClanahan said. "If you are willing to put in that hard work and time, it can become one of the most rewarding things you can do. I would not change this experience for the world."
He recently helped raise funds for the fraternity's philanthropy, Push America, a nonprofit with numerous programs educating undergraduates, alumni and communities about the abilities of people with disabilities. He and other fraternity members sang, sold t-shirts, and even took pies in the face for a week to raise funds for the organization.
After he graduates, McClanahan plans to either develop websites or programs for companies and may pursue working for Pi Kappa Phi on the national level.
McClanahan is very involved in other aspects of campus life as well, as he is a student worker in the President's Office and treasurer for the honor society Lambda Sigma. He also is a volunteer for the Maroon Visitor Information Program.
"The best part of attending MSU is the people. I've made memories with so many different people that I will never forget," he said. "I love this place, and I'm positive I chose the right school."