By Kristin Fouts, the Fraternity’s Director of Education and Chapter Development

Brother Elijah (Eli) King, Mu 2028, didn’t arrive at the University of Georgia expecting to study political science.

In Fall 2024, the freshman from Douglasville, Georgia, enrolled as an entertainment and media studies major, drawn to the prospect of working in entertainment law within the state’s booming film industry. But the timing of his collegiate arrival — amid a contentious election cycle — shifted his trajectory.

Passing a Young Democrats table on campus sparked Eli’s curiosity, and what began as a casual interest quickly evolved into a deeper engagement in how campaigns and the work they do translate into deliverable policy solutions. Before long, King changed his major to political science, aligning his studies with his growing passion for policy and public service.

That same openness to new experiences led him to Zeta Beta Tau in September 2025, when the UGA Prospective Chapter was very new. Initially attending events with little expectation, Brother King found himself asking questions about the group’s connection to Jewish culture and, despite not being Jewish, kept returning because of the relationships he was building with the first class of brothers in the re-founded Mu Chapter. Though he first viewed ZBT as purely social, he has since come to appreciate its professional and developmental opportunities, particularly its emphasis on service and community.

King’s commitment to growth is also evident in his participation in the Fraternity’s Emerging Leaders Institute (ELI). Although he held leadership roles in high school and college, Brother King recognized that there were opportunities to further hone his communication skills. Subsequently, ELI has already helped reshape his perspective. Once more of a unilateral decision-maker, Brother King now prioritizes collaboration, communication, and seeking diverse viewpoints. The experience in the ELI program has reinforced his belief that leadership is less about authority and more about adaptability and understanding.

In his application to participate in ELI, King highlighted his involvement in Georgia state politics as a Legislative Fellow, writing policy memos for State Rep. Spencer Frye, and volunteering for state and local election events. Soon after, the Fraternal Government Relations Coalition (FGRC), in collaboration with the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC), reached out to ZBT staff for recommendations for students to participate in their annual lobbying effort on Capitol Hill. Hundreds of undergraduate and alumni members of other social fraternities and sororities gather to participate in this program each year. Thus, given his background and interest, King was an obvious choice to represent ZBT and the NIC. Eli applied and was selected among hundreds of Fraternity men nationally.

In mid-April, Brother King traveled to Washington, D.C., for two days of training and active lobbying. Though newer to federal politics, King quickly found his footing among fellow fraternity men and sorority women from diverse backgrounds. While the experience was physically demanding, it also offered unique opportunities.

During a meet-and-greet with Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff, King stood out by asking thoughtful questions regarding civic engagement and advocacy, later introducing himself directly and sharing his thoughts about the FGRC’s initiatives and his experience in Georgia state politics. He also had the opportunity to meet Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock.

While Brother King knows that midterm elections this fall will take much of his time and attention away from the Chapter, he is reassured by his ZBT brothers’ support for him to pursue his passions, even if their political viewpoints are different.

Whether navigating contentious campaigns or developing professionally, Elijah King remains grounded in a simple idea: meaningful change starts with connection and strong communication. ZBT looks forward to witnessing Brother King’s impact on the world!