Behind the Badge: Carlos Abrams
Carlos Abrams (Iota Beta/Missouri State 2026) has made tremendous strides in personal and professional development as a member of Theta Chi Fraternity. Brother Abrams came to Missouri State expecting athletics to define his college years; instead, campus involvement and brotherhood did. After finding a home in Theta Chi and leaning all the way in—serving in chapter roles, leading across more than ten campus organizations—he discovered how service, scholarship, and genuine community could reshape his goals and his well-being.
As we approach Giving Tuesday (Dec. 2, 2025), keep in mind the Helping Hand extended to Brother Abrams: both a Theta Chi scholarship and the opportunity to attend leadership training made possible by the Foundation Chapter. You can leave your tax-deductible end-of-year gift at the button below:
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In this Q&A, Carlos reflects on why he chose Missouri State, what changed his mind about fraternity life, and how leadership and faith have guided his path.
Q: Why did you choose to attend Missouri State?
A: Missouri State wasn’t originally on my radar. All through high school, my college search revolved around athletics—I wanted to compete at the collegiate level. Even though Missouri State doesn’t have a men’s cross country or track team, something about the campus felt different from any other school I toured. I fell in love with the atmosphere and realized this was a place I could truly call home.”
Q: What interested you in Greek life overall? And why Theta Chi specifically?
A: Coming into college, I had no intention of rushing a fraternity—in fact, I was pretty strongly against it. Like many people, I assumed Greek Life was all about partying and drinking. One of my best friends rushed Theta Chi during my freshman fall, and through him I got to see what fraternity life was really like. I realized Greek Life wasn’t what I thought, and Theta Chi especially stood out. I saw how much the fraternity meant to its members and how they genuinely supported one another. Theta Chi actually lived out what they promised during recruitment—they were gentlemanly and respectful, they prioritized academics, and they gave 110% to everything they did. I quickly realized this was a place where I could grow, develop, and make lifelong friendships. That spring, I decided to rush, and it’s turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made in college.
Q: What roles have you served in as a collegiate brother, and what has been your biggest takeaway from being a leader on campus?
A: I’ve been fortunate to serve in a variety of leadership roles across campus, including two terms for Theta Chi and positions on more than ten executive boards. Some of these include serving as president and treasurer of Order of Omega, president and treasurer of SHRM, president and vice president of Psi Chi, and leadership roles within IFC and SGA. Each role has helped me grow while also giving me opportunities to give back to my campus and community.
My biggest takeaway from these experiences is the importance of involvement. Too often, people miss out on social connection and true community. College is a unique chance to branch out, step outside your comfort zone, and grow. For me, campus involvement has shaped my professional, academic, social, and spiritual development, as well as my growth as a leader. Now, as an upperclassman, I see it as my responsibility to help ensure that underclassmen can share a similar experience.
Q: Do you have a favorite Theta Chi memory?
A: When I think of my favorite Theta Chi memories, a few stand out. One was during my sophomore year, when I attended the entrepreneurship Resolute Man experience in California. It was my first time flying—and my first time traveling alone—which made the trip even more memorable. I was able to collaborate with brothers from across the country, and together we grew both personally and professionally. I’m grateful that the ten of us who attended still keep in touch to this day.
Another highlight was being awarded the Kris Wolfe Man of the Year award by my chapter as a junior. It was especially meaningful because it wasn’t something I applied for or sought after—it reflected how my brothers saw me and the respect they had for me. That recognition will always be one of my most meaningful college experiences.
Q: How has joining the Fraternity played a role in supporting your mental health?
A: The fraternity experience completely reshaped my mental health. For much of my life, I struggled with anxiety, low self-esteem, and a lack of purpose. Like many men, I didn’t always know how to address those challenges. It wasn’t until college that things began to change, and for the first time I developed a positive relationship with my mental health.
Being part of such a large and diverse brotherhood—surrounded by men who genuinely support and care for one another—helped me in ways I never could have imagined. Through Theta Chi, I gained confidence, found my voice, and grew into the man I am today.
Q: How did your brothers support you on your journey to becoming Homecoming King, and additionally, how did you win it as a junior? Legend has it that's more challenging than it sounds.
A: I never imagined I would run for—let alone win—Homecoming King at Missouri State. Being nominated by my chapter to represent Theta Chi was an honor in itself. Winning took the support of the entire chapter, and my brothers rallied around me every step of the way.
Q: We've heard that the Fraternity has helped you become more comfortable with sobriety. Can you tell us more about that?
A: When I first came to college, I leaned into the drinking and partying scene. Shortly after joining Theta Chi, an older brother pulled me aside and reminded me that fraternity involvement didn’t have to look that way. He encouraged me to set an example for the chapter, and I took his words to heart—making the decision to give up drinking until I was of legal age. Not long after, another brother shared the gospel with me. I never imagined that joining a fraternity would be what led me to faith, but I am forever grateful for the growth Theta Chi has given me over the past few years.
Q: This summer, you returned to Kaleo as a Disciple Group Leader. What did your nine weeks in Palm Coast look like, and what did you take away from it?
A: Last summer, I had the opportunity to participate in a 9-week discipleship program called Kaleo in Palm Coast, FL. Over 200 college students came together to grow in fellowship and deepen our relationship with God. Since this was my second Kaleo, I returned as a Disciple Group Leader, where I led three of my fraternity brothers throughout the summer. In total, about eleven of us from Theta Chi participated, which made the experience even more meaningful.
Q: What does it mean to you, now, to be a Resolute Man?
A: The Resolute Man recognizes brothers who truly live out the values and ideals of Theta Chi. For me, it serves as a constant reminder of the commitment I made to our Brotherhood, my chapter, and my brothers. It challenges me to keep striving to be the best version of myself—and to encourage the same in those around me.
After several years in college, it can be easy to lose sight of the oaths we took during initiation. The Resolute Man ensures we stay rooted in those commitments by being servant leaders, developing professionals, and contributing members of society.
Q: Lastly, as you enter your senior year, what are your plans for after graduation?
A: I have a few different pathways I’d like to explore, but right now my plan is to attend graduate school and pursue a Ph.D. in either organizational behavior or industrial/organizational psychology. From there, I’d love to return to higher education—teaching as a professor while also working as a consultant. I’m also passionate about public service and public affairs, and I’m excited to explore meaningful ways to make an impact in my community.
Today, Brother Abrams is a chapter leader, campus influencer, and advocate for involvement who credits Theta Chi with strengthening his confidence, mental health, and commitment to others. As he looks ahead to graduate school and a potential career, his message to his younger brothers is simple: show up, serve well, and remember the promises you made on initiation night.
Alumni support helps lay the foundation for brothers like Carlos to succeed. Your tax-deductible gifts on Giving Tuesday write powerful stories like his—giving real purpose to the scholarships, leadership trainings, and experiences that turn potential into limitless possibilities.
It is only with your help that we are able to offer our future collegians with the opportunities given to Carlos.