Bill Hulse, the president of the Interfraternity Council, resigned from his position Tuesday night, weeks after several fraternity presidents called for his removal.
Hulse announced his resignation during the Interfraternity Presidents’ Council meeting but offered few details on why he left office, meeting attendees said. He left directly after making the announcement.
Controversy surrounding Hulse’s leadership arose earlier this month, when seven fraternity presidents signed a letter calling for Hulse’s removal and accused him of abusing the position. They subsequently dropped their efforts to remove him, deciding to “regroup” and set new priorities for the IFC instead.
According to a meeting attendee, Hulse, a member of Pi Kappa Phi, said resigning was the best option for him. Another president said he thought Hulse might resign, but was still surprised by the announcement.
Student Activities Center Director Tim Miller said he is not aware of any time in the past where an IFC president had resigned.
After the meeting, Hulse defended his tenure as president to The Hatchet.
“I am proud of my efforts over the last ten months. I know there have been some disagreements, but I feel that I have always acted in the best interest of the IFC and its chapters,” Hulse said.
He added that he never expected to face this situation, but feels that stepping aside will be best for the IFC.
“I do not need a title to advocate for the Greek Community, and would be glad to help any of its members when called upon,” Hulse said in an e-mail.
Upon Hulse’s resignation, IFC Vice President Travis Neuscheler immediately assumed the IFC presidency.
“I think right now we have to make sure we move forward as one group,” Neuscheler, a member of Pi Kappa Alpha, said.
Neuscheler said Hulse left on good terms, and Neuscheler intended to meet with him to get his input on how best to help the IFC move on past the controversy.
After Hulse resigned, members of the Presidents’ Council discussed reviewing IFC internal policies that had confused many members when Hulse’s removal was first being considered.
“I think that the efforts to review policies that began last night will clear up ambiguity and confusion in the Constitution and bylaws and this will allow the IFC to be more streamlined and successful,” said Miller, who is also the interim director of Greek-letter life.
Miller said “a mix of organizations” came together Tuesday night to express concerns over IFC policies, and disputed the notion that only larger fraternities were leading the efforts.
“The IFC represents the fraternities and because of this the presidents should have the ability to participate and engage in the decisions that take place as part of the direction of the IFC,” Miller said.
