NSU Student Named Top Theta Chi Undergraduate

Eddie Higginbotham IV of Jennings, a senior health and exercise science major at Northwestern State University, has been named the recipient of the 2010 Reginald E.F. Colley Award presented by Theta Chi Fraternity. The award, which is given to the top undergraduate member of Theta Chi in the nation, was presented at the Fraternity’s annual National Convention in Orlando. Higginbotham was second runner up for the award last year.

Theta Chi will nominate Higginbotham for the North American Interfraternity Conference Award of Distinction, the top award presented to a male fraternity member.


“I am grateful and honored to be a Colley Award recipient and to represent not only my chapter, but Northwestern State University,” said Higginbotham. “So many people at the university from my brothers in the chapter and other fellow students to faculty, staff and administrators have been helpful and supportive of me.”

The Colley Award has been presented since 1929. Higginbotham is the first recipient from Louisiana and the first African-American recipient. He will receive a $1,500 scholarship from Theta Chi for winning the award.

“It is great to be honored for something that you love to do,” said Higginbotham. “The one moment that I will never forget in my Theta Chi experience is the announcement of this award followed by a standing ovation from my family and more than 500 brothers. That is something that will be with you for a lifetime.”

Higginbotham is the son of Eddie Higginbotham III and Ella Higginbotham. He is president of Theta Chi Fraternity and the Student Activities Board. This past year, he was Mr. NSU and king of the Homecoming Honor Court.

Higginbotham was a member of the Freshman Connection orientation staff and Demon Volunteers in Progress. He is an Interfraternity Council delegate, Greek Ambassador and a member of Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society, Phi Kappa Phi and the Order of Omega. Higginbotham was the 2009 NSU Student Leader of the Year and Greek Scholar of the Year. He was executive director for the Up ‘til Dawn fundraiser for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and is a member of Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities. Higginbotham has a 3.9 grade point average.

After graduation, he plans to attend Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center to work toward a doctorate in physical therapy. Higginbotham plans to stay involved with Theta Chi as a national volunteer.