Beth Uphoff Black, Epsilon Chapter, Illinois Wesleyan (1959- )
Beth Uphoff Black, the 51st President of Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity, 2014–2016, was initiated at Epsilon, Illinois Wesleyan, in 1978. Self-described as diligent, personable and always looking for fun in every situation, Beth is looking to lead Kappa Kappa Gamma into the future by challenging the organization’s current processes and creating new paradigms.
In 1990, Beth began her extensive experience in volunteer work with Kappa. She served the Elgin-Crystal Lake Alumnae Association as President, 1990–1992, Alumnae Reference Chair, 1992-1993, and President again, 1998–2000, before being elected Province Director of Alumnae in 2000. Two years later, she became a Regional Director of Alumnae, a position she held for four years. During her time as an RDA, she also served on the House Board for Epsilon Chapter.
Beth was elected to Fraternity Council in 2006, serving as the Director of Alumnae, 2006–2008. She has since held the positions of Director of Chapters, 2008–2010; Fraternity Vice President, 2010–2012; and Director of Programs and Education, 2012–2014, prior to being elected Fraternity President in 2014. While serving on Fraternity Council, Beth still found time to serve as President of the Peoria Alumnae Association from 2012–2014 and as a Leadership Academy program staff member in 2006, 2007 and 2013. Her vast array of volunteer work gives her an understanding of the Fraternity from many different perspectives.
Since taking office, Beth announced a major partnership for the Fraternity focusing on the safety and well-being of its members. It’s On Us, the national campaign against sexual assault on college campuses welcomed Kappa as their first Greek women’s organization partner. Beth’s presidency has also overseen the launch of an online reference system for Membership Recruitment. Introduced in April 2015, the online reference system provides members with a centralized and efficient way to suggest potential new members.
History has been brought online during Beth’s tenure with the complete digitization of The Key magazine in 2015. Each issue, from the very first in May 1882 until today, is now available to read on Kappapedia.
Aside from her Kappa work, Beth loves to walk and ride her bike. Music and dance have always been a part of her life, evidenced by the creation of the Illinois Wesleyan dance team, a task she shared with a Sigma Kappa friend. Her favorite thing, though, is spending time with her family. Beth and her husband, Al, reside in Washington, Ill. She is the mother to three sons: Sam, Randy and Dan. Her daughter, Sarah, is a Kappa from Mu, Butler.