SAN ANTONIO (July 11, 2026) – Theta Chi Fraternity proudly announces Carlos Abrams of Iota Beta Chapter at Missouri State University, class of 2026, as the 2025/2026 recipient of the Reginald E.F. Colley Award, the Fraternity’s most prestigious collegiate honor. Since 1929, the Colley Award has annually recognized a collegiate brother’s distinguished service to alma mater, Fraternity, and community.
Brother Abrams’ service to his chapter began when he was a freshman, serving as Fundraising Chairman for his pledge class and also assisting with the implementation of the 1856 Fund, an alumni giving effort created to support the chapter’s goal of securing a permanent chapter house on Greek Row. He later served Iota Beta as Vice President and Standards Board Chairman. During his time as Vice President, he increased accountability within his chapter, strengthened internal operations, and steered meaningful growth.
Chapter Adviser Kris Wolfe (Iota Beta/Missouri State 1999) said, “What distinguishes Carlos Abrams most is not simply the breadth of his accomplishments, but the consistency with which he pursues excellence and service to others. . He leads with intention, follows through with integrity, and elevates those around him.”
Abrams assisted in recruiting the largest group of potential new members during a spring semester in Iota Beta’s history and guided the chapter through major campus and interfraternal competitions, including a Greek Week victory, a Greek God victory, and a second-place finish during Homecoming Week. Abrams also earned his Resolute Man distinction through the Individual Track and Experience Track after attending the Entrepreneurship Experience in Newport Beach, CA.
Abrams also reformed internal conduct processes and reorganized the chapter’s committee-head accountability structure. By creating and implementing a goal system for committee leaders, he helped the chapter increase its impact and raise more dollars for the USO than it had in the previous three years combined. As Standards Board Chairman, Abrams was elected to serve on the chapter’s Executive Board as a freshman just seven days after Initiation. In that role, he revised and reformed local bylaws to better align with International Headquarters standards and strengthened accountability within the chapter.
“Carlos consistently demonstrates exceptional leadership and has a genuinely servant-hearted mindset in everything he does,” Iota Beta Chapter President Davin Vernon (2027) said.
For Abrams, it’s “Alma Mater First.” A psychology major with a minor in human resource management, he also earned certificates in leadership development and financial awareness and maintained a 3.69 GPA. He served as a research lab assistant from 2022 to 2026, contributing to work focused on student retention, academic self-efficacy, institutional commitment, and student success. He presented first-authored research at Missouri State’s Student Research Symposium in both 2023 and 2025.
Abrams’ commitment to advocacy extended beyond campus. He was a student board member for the national Fraternity/Sorority Political Action Committee and participated in visits to Capitol Hill to advocate for the Freedom of Association in Higher Education Act and the fraternity/sorority experience. He also participated in the Fraternity/Sorority Action Fund’s First Amendment Institute in Chicago and used what he learned to advocate for viewpoint neutrality and fair student organization recognition processes at Missouri State.
Beyond the chapter, Abrams became one of Missouri State’s most visible and active student leaders. In 2024, he was crowned Missouri State Homecoming King after an intensive two-month campaign centered on the student experience, campus involvement, and the positive impact of Greek-letter organizations. His crowning was a result of student votes, his participation and effort in Homecoming events, and an interview panel of university administrators and community leaders.
Abrams was also inducted into Missouri State’s 1905 Society, a highly selective recognition bestowed by the university’s Traditions Council. The honor recognizes students who complete more than 45 significant Missouri State traditions, including studying abroad, volunteering, and participating in campus life. In addition, he received Missouri State’s STAR Outstanding Sophomore Award and the MarooNation Award, recognizing students who have overcome adversity while making a meaningful impact on campus.
“Carlos is an exceptional student at Missouri State University whose leadership, character, and sustained record of impact make him an extraordinarily deserving recipient of this recognition,” Dr. Dee Siscoe, vice president for student affairs, said.
Through the Student Government Association, Abrams served as a senator, Chief Wyrick commissioner, communications commissioner, and a member of the university’s strategic planning committee. As Chief Wyrick commissioner, he oversaw a $275,000 budget reserved for capital improvements across campus and helped finalize five student-led initiatives, including new pickleball courts, a new campus Starbucks, and a wheelchair accessibility ramp. He also served as SGA’s student representative on the Missouri State public arts committee.
Within academic and professional organizations, Abrams served as President of Psi Chi Honors Society, where he helped lead the chapter to a national Model Chapter Award. He also served as President of Missouri State’s Society for Human Resource Management chapter, where he helped grow membership from eight members to more than 40 and led the chapter to back-to-back Superior Merit Awards, a national recognition awarded to a limited number of chapters. He also served Order of Omega Honor Society as President and Treasurer, ensuring broad representation from Greek Life chapters and supporting service and academic recognition initiatives.
Beyond Missouri State in Springfield, MO, Abrams served as a junior board member and Run & Remember committee member for Lost & Found Grief Center, supporting long-term planning and major events for an organization dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate grief. He also served at High Street Church as a hospitality team volunteer, helping create a welcoming environment each Sunday.
Abrams also pursued leadership and service through Student Mobilization, where he served as a disciple group leader in summer 2025, mentoring four Theta Chi brothers in leadership and faith development. He fundraised $5,780 for that experience and later fundraised $6,250 for a summer 2026 leadership team mission trip to South Asia.
His international experiences further strengthened his perspective as a student leader. Abrams participated in study abroad trips to Spain and Morocco, as well as the United Kingdom and France, where he visited organizations including CFA Society Paris, Amwins Global Risks, and Lloyd’s of London. These experiences deepened his cultural competence and helped him better understand international business operations and global leadership.
As he prepares for life after graduation, Brother Abrams carries forward the confidence, conviction, and commitment to service he developed through Theta Chi. His collegiate career reflects a remarkable commitment to helping others, putting his alma mater first with his studies, advancing the fraternity experience, and extending a Helping Hand wherever he sees a need.
Brother Abrams exemplifies the spirit of servant leadership, integrity, and impact that defines the Reginald E.F. Colley Award. His work within Iota Beta Chapter, Missouri State University, the Springfield community, and the broader interfraternal world reflects the highest ideals of Theta Chi Fraternity. He is a Resolute Man in every sense.
About the Colley Award:
First presented in 1929, the Colley Award is named for Reginald E.F. Colley, a World War I veteran and past member of Theta Chi’s board of directors, the Grand Chapter. As a member of Phi Chapter, Brother Colley developed a celebrated reputation as a campus, community, and civic leader. He graduated in 1915 and eventually headed overseas to fight for the U.S. Army on the Western Front. Brother Colley died at the age of 39, but his legacy of leadership continues to inspire future generations of talented Theta Chis. Today, the Colley Award is treasured as the Fraternity’s most prestigious collegiate honor.