On July 21, 2026, Order of Omega celebrated the 20th anniversary of that headquarters dedication. In 2023, the building was formally named the Dr. Kent L. Gardner Order of Omega International Headquarters, honoring Omega’s patriarch and former Executive Director, who served the organization for 40 years.

In its first 47 years, Order of Omega had already grown into a respected organization within the fraternity and sorority and higher education communities. But the past 20 years have taken the organization to another level, with tremendous growth, new programs, stronger infrastructure, and a deeper commitment to the students and communities it serves.

The undergraduate members of fraternities and sororities are the lifeblood of Order of Omega. When fraternity and sorority life changes, Order of Omega has to change with it. Since 2006, fraternity and sorority membership has experienced significant growth and evolving demographics. By 2020, the percentage of undergraduate students participating in fraternities and sororities had increased significantly. Then COVID-19 changed everything.

Over the past two decades, Order of Omega’s Board of Directors has closely followed changes in higher education and fraternity and sorority life. The goal has been simple: understand what is happening on campuses and determine how Order of Omega can help. One important partnership has been with the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors (AFA). Order of Omega has been an active participant in the organization’s annual meeting for decades and has sponsored a Case Study Competition for the past 30 years. The competition gives undergraduate students opportunities to tackle real challenges facing fraternity and sorority communities. Order of Omega also provides grants and scholarships and sponsors an annual award named in honor of Dr. Kent Gardner.

Were the past 20 years the most important years in Order of Omega’s history?

That may be impossible to say. But they certainly rank among the most consequential.

Through strong leadership, strategic planning, financial stability, and a willingness to address difficult challenges, Order of Omega enters its next chapter as a strong and viable organization.

International President Reatha Cox, believes the future is full of possibility. “As we look ahead, we know there are both opportunities and challenges before us. Staying grounded in our core values while responding to the changing needs of higher education and our members will help ensure Order of Omega remains relevant and meaningful. The next chapter will require thoughtful change, innovation, engagement, and an unwavering commitment to the members and communities we serve. Our best years are still ahead of us!”

Executive Director Dr. Seth Ressl shares that optimism. “We’re at an inflection point. As the fraternal movement evolves, Order of Omega is evolving with it, expanding how we recognize leadership, investing in scholarships, and supporting the campuses and organizations that make this experience meaningful.”

Twenty years ago, a new headquarters represented where Order of Omega had been and where it was going. Today, the Dr. Kent L. Gardner Order of Omega International Headquarters represents something even bigger: 20 years of growth, resilience, adaptation, and service. The next 20 years are waiting.

Written by Dr. Larry Lunsford