Greek Life Experience Unlocks Fulfilling Career for Alumnus
It all comes back to math for Dr. Ron Binder ’83, who credits his high school math teacher for inspiring him to pursue a career in education at The University of Toledo in the fall of 1979. It was his math teacher who took him on a UToledo tour and encouraged him to continue his education. As a result, Binder, a graduate of Bedford High School, believed he could make a difference as a teacher.
While he loved that UToledo was close to home and affordable, one thing he did not anticipate was how foundational his Greek life experience at UToledo would be in enriching and later developing his leadership, career and network.
During his undergraduate years, Binder joined Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity during the spring of 1980.
“They were a great group of guys who were the leaders on campus. I was an officer in Sig Ep my entire time and learned much about leadership and people. My brothers encouraged me to get involved with Student Government, first as a Senator, and then I rose to become the Chief Justice of the Student Court,” shared Binder.
Binder was inducted into Mortar Board and Blue Key and was recognized as Outstanding Student for the College of Education.
Beyond Toledo
After graduating, Binder taught high school math in Oregon and served as a wrestling coach. While teaching, he earned a master’s degree in education (M.S.) at Bowling Green State University. He credits his positive student affairs experience at UToledo and serving as a House Dad for two fraternities while at Bowling Green State University.
From there, his journey took him many miles from Toledo, accepting a Fraternity Advisor position at the University of Georgia – overseeing 25 fraternities. While at UGA, he earned his doctor of education degree (Ed.D.) and was later recruited to be a Greek Advisor at The University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, one of three different advising opportunities Binder served in over a decade. The other two positions included BGSU and the University of South Carolina.
His most recent position before retiring in 2021 was at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford as Associate Dean of Students. He served in that position for a decade.
“Two associations I was highly involved in during my career were the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors and Gamma Sigma Alpha Greek Academic Honor Society. I was fortunate to serve both groups as their National President. I did so because I wanted to give back to my profession and make an impact on collegiate Greek life nationally. I was fortunate over the years to take students to England, Japan and Greece. These trips would not have been possible without my UToledo experience.”
Reflecting on Greek Life
Dr. Ron Binder shares that he is fortunate to have so many Sig Ep’s across the country and he attributes these connections to a fulfilling career and life so far. He enjoys keeping up with former students on Facebook and volunteers for many charities. His work and impact are felt across the country and at UToledo. The University of Toledo Office of Student Involvement and Leadership, Fraternity and Sorority Life renamed its Annual Fraternity and Sorority Life Awards in honor of Binder, “Dr. Ron Binder Fraternity and Sorority Life Awards” in April 2024.
“Dr. Binder’s dedication to fraternity and sorority life is unparalleled, and his support has been instrumental in advancing the mission of our community,” said Sheree Madison-Emery, Program Manager for Fraternity and Sorority Life. “His commitment to fostering a culture of excellence, leadership and service has left an indelible mark on our campus, and it is only fitting that we honor his legacy by renaming this prestigious awards ceremony.
While Greek life on campus continues to evolve since Binder joined in 1980, he still believes in the fundamental principles of scholarship, service, leadership and brotherhood. Principles he has based his life on.
“I definitely bleed purple and red!”
