Foundation Staff

The Staff of the Sigma Nu Educational Foundation are responsible for working with the Board of Directors and carrying out the Sigma Nu Educational Foundation’s Mission and Vision.

Brad Beacham

President

Lambda Epsilon - Texas Christian

brad.beacham@sigmanu.org

(540) 463-1030

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Brad Beacham

President

Lambda Epsilon - Texas Christian

brad.beacham@sigmanu.org  |  (540) 463-1030

Biography

Brad serves as President of the Sigma Nu Educational Foundation, Executive Director of Sigma Nu Fraternity, Inc., and Chief Executive Officer of Fifth Point Properties. He is responsible for the overall operations of each organization.

Job Responsibilities

  • Overall Foundation Management
  • Foundation Publications

James Owens

Chief Advancement Officer

Iota Rho - Charleston

james.owens@sigmanu.org

(540) 600-3004

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James Owens

Chief Advancement Officer

Iota Rho - Charleston

james.owens@sigmanu.org  |  (540) 600-3004

Biography

James began his career with Sigma Nu in 1987, serving in a variety of leadership roles until 2007. In the summer of 2023, he was inducted as the 87th member of the Sigma Nu Hall of Honor. Later that year, he returned to the organization as Chief Advancement Officer for the Sigma Nu Educational Foundation, where he leads development efforts focused on securing major and principal gifts. James earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from the College of Charleston in 1987. An avid golfer, he also serves on the board of Lime Kiln Theater. He and his wife, Lucia, reside in Lexington.

Job Responsibilities

  • Major and Principal Gifts
  • Fundraising Operations

Nick Murphy

Chief Financial Officer

Gamma Iota - Kentucky

nick.murphy@sigmanu.org

(540) 319-4940

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Nick Murphy

Chief Financial Officer

Gamma Iota - Kentucky

nick.murphy@sigmanu.org  |  (540) 319-4940

Biography

Nick has served as Chief Financial Officer since 2002. In addition to his role with the Sigma Nu Educational Foundation, he also serves as Chief Financial Officer for Sigma Nu Fraternity, Inc. and Fifth Point Properties, LLC, overseeing finance, accounting, human resources, and information technology operations across all three entities, along with many of their administrative functions. Nick earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Kentucky in 2001, graduating with double majors in finance and marketing and a minor in economics. He resides in Lexington with his wife, Rissie, and their three sons, Colin, Jasper, and Liam.

Job Responsibilities

  • Scholarship programs
  • Educational grants and other uses from Chapter Educational Funds
  • Financial and tax information about the Foundation
  • Vendor relations for the maintenance and upkeep of the Headquarters Shrine

Jason Guyton

Director of Engagement

Mu Epsilon - Coastal Carolina

jason.guyton@sigmanu.org

(540) 600-3010

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Jason Guyton

Director of Engagement

Mu Epsilon - Coastal Carolina

jason.guyton@sigmanu.org  |  (540) 600-3010

Biography

Jason began his career with Sigma Nu in 1996 as a Field Consultant before advancing to Assistant Executive Director and later serving as Managing Editor of The Delta. In 2000, he left staff to pursue opportunities in print production management and later worked in telecommunications as both a purchasing manager and project manager. Throughout his professional career, Jason remained deeply committed to Sigma Nu's mission through his service as an alumni volunteer and supporter of the Fraternity's educational initiatives. He returned to the Sigma Nu staff in late 2024 as Director of Engagement. Raised in South Carolina, Jason earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Coastal Carolina University. His interests include music, movies, paddleboarding, and running. He, his wife, Beth, and their son, Andy, reside in Crozet, Va., near Lexington.

Job Responsibilities

  • Alumni Relations
  • Alumni Retention and Engagement

Hayden Pilcher

Director of Advancement

Mu Rho - Northwestern State

hayden.pilcher@sigmanu.org

(540) 600-3017

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Hayden Pilcher

Director of Advancement

Mu Rho - Northwestern State

hayden.pilcher@sigmanu.org  |  (540) 600-3017

Biography

Hayden began his career with Sigma Nu in 2020 as a Leadership Consultant serving the Heartland Region. After later serving in an Associate Director role, he was promoted in the summer of 2023 to Director of Advancement for the Sigma Nu Educational Foundation. In this role, Hayden oversees annual giving initiatives, including the Black and Gold Society and the Omega Society, while also focusing on donor relations and gift solicitations. Raised in Louisiana, Hayden earned a degree in Business Administration from Northwestern State University before completing a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in project management from LSU Shreveport. He prioritizes his faith and enjoys music, fitness, and playing sports with friends. He currently resides in Frisco, Texas.

Job Responsibilities

  • Annual giving programs
  • Donor relations/solicitations

Chaysen Babcock

Director of Advancement

Eta Iota - Northern Arizona

chaysen.babcock@sigmanu.org

(540) 600-3013

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Chaysen Babcock

Director of Advancement

Eta Iota - Northern Arizona

chaysen.babcock@sigmanu.org  |  (540) 600-3013

Biography

Chaysen joined the General Fraternity staff in June 2023 as an Expansion and Recruitment Consultant. After serving in that role for two years, he was promoted to Associate Director of Expansion and Recruitment in June 2025. On June 1, 2026, Chaysen joined the Sigma Nu Educational Foundation as the Director of Advancement. In his current role, he oversees annual giving initiatives, donor engagement, and stewardship efforts while working to strengthen philanthropic support for Sigma Nu's mission and future.

Chaysen graduated from Northern Arizona University in May 2023 with a degree in Public Health and minors in Biology and Psychology. Born and raised in Anza, California, Chaysen enjoys staying active through sports and exercise and spending time outdoors exploring new places. He also enjoys spending time with friends, attending concerts, and cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers. Chaysen currently resides in Nashville, Tennessee.

Shannon Balser

Executive Assistant

shannon.balser@sigmanu.org

(540) 784-1491

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Shannon Balser

Executive Assistant

shannon.balser@sigmanu.org  |  (540) 784-1491

Biography

Shannon joined the Foundation staff in January 2014 and serves as the Executive Assistant.

Job Responsibilities

  • Processing contributions and other accounting tasks
  • General record keeping and database management
  • Respond to inquiries
  • General administrative support to staff

Kenny Lewis

Facilities Manager

kenny.lewis@sigmanu.org

(540) 600-3009

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Kenny Lewis

Facilities Manager

kenny.lewis@sigmanu.org  |  (540) 600-3009

Biography

Kenny joined the Foundation staff in 2015 and serves as the Facilities Manager.

Job Responsibilities

  • Headquarters Property Maintenance
  • Oversee Master Plan Development