This year marks the end of Bro. Ronald C. Small’s three-year term as president of the Tau Lambda Chapter. His leadership was guided by the theme “Back to Basics,” which emphasized the F.R.A.T. vision: Fraternal Operations, Reclamation and Retention, Action Planning, and Team Building. The framework focused on strengthening brotherhood engagement, leadership development, and chapter participation.
One of Small’s key initiatives was the introduction of an annual strategic planning retreat to prepare the chapter for the upcoming fraternal year. “I am proud of my decision to hold annual chapter retreats,” Small said. “My vision as part of the F.R.A.T. initiative was to unite our brotherhood with a renewed focus on strategic planning and purposeful action; a time for us to reflect on our shared values, set ambitious goals, and develop initiatives that will elevate our chapter’s impact in the community.”
Small emphasized that the retreats strengthened fraternal bonds, enhanced leadership, and helped set a course that honors the chapter’s legacy while preparing it for greater service and advocacy. “These annual retreats are the beginning of a transformative journey, driven by collaboration, accountability, and our unwavering commitment to excellence,” he said.
The first retreat was held off-site at I.T. Creswell Magnet School, named after Bro. Isaiah T. Creswell, the first African American to serve on the Metropolitan Nashville Board of Education. The weekend’s theme, “Brotherhood and the Torch,” featured team-building exercises, a review of the chapter’s constitution and bylaws, and discussions on reclamation and retention strategies, along with Alpha’s national programs.
Building on the success of that event, the next year’s retreat was moved to Henry Horton State Park. The theme was “Fanning the Flames,” and discussions centered on leadership, fundraising, and continued reclamation efforts. In addition to the productive sessions, the brothers bonded over fellowship, golf, and a meal of box smoked chicken prepared by Past President Bro. Bill Hipps. The weekend provided time to relax in the cabin accommodations, further strengthening brotherhood bonds.
This past summer, as Tau Lambda nears its centennial anniversary, the chapter returned to Henry Horton State Park. The retreat’s theme was “100 Years and Counting: Preparing for the Next Century.” Topics included officer training, centennial celebration planning, committee best practices, and the chapter’s M.E.A.N. strategy. A notable session, led by Small, titled “Why Did I Become an Alpha? Was it a Lie?” encouraged brothers to reflect on their original reasons for joining the fraternity and reignite their passion.
As Tau Lambda enters its centennial year, leadership transitions to President Bro. Walter Smart, initiated into the Mu Iota Chapter at the University of Tennessee in 1981. Smart, a long-standing Tau Lambda member, is known for his leadership and vision. “It is with great pride and honor that I now serve as president of Tau Lambda and will help lead the chapter during our upcoming Centennial Anniversary year in 2025,” Smart said.
Smart highlighted the chapter’s century-long dedication to social, economic, educational, and judicial progress. “It is important that we uphold the high standards of the fraternity and continue our success into the next centennial,” he said.
The chapter looks forward to celebrating its 100-year milestone with the brotherhood.
Submitted by Bro. Charles Sueing,
Assoc. Editor of the Sphinx, Tau Lambda Chapter
