Road to Inauguration
the Presidency
He learned the value of being a brother in “good standing” early from mentors who were instrumental in his initiation and development.
Vintage photos courtesy Mark S. Tillman
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Brother Mark Tillman receives his diploma from then Dillard University President Samuel D. Cook at commencement in 1988.
On line and in line. Mark Tillman (second from left), with his fellow sphinxmen while pledging Alpha at Dillard University in 1985.
22 THE SPHINX H 2013 Inauguration Commemorative Edition
rother Mark Stewart Tillman’s rise to become the 34th general president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity did not happen overnight. Long before he assumed office on January 1, 2013, the road to the presidency was laid from beginnings on the campus of Dillard University in his hometown of New Orleans. Since that time, he has dedicated more than two decades of service to making Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity a leader in the eyes of its leadership and the community it serves. Brother Tillman offers leadership that encompasses integrity, humility, commitment, motivation, versatility, accountability, and dedication as he endeavors to maintain Alpha’s brand. Tillman was initiated on November 22, 1985, at Beta Phi Chapter at Dillard. He learned the value of being a brother in “good standing” early from mentors who were instrumental in his initiation and development. After graduating and entering the professional world, Tillman relocated to Detroit and was elected regional vice president of the Midwestern Region. Under his leadership, he focused on supporting chapters so they could focus on promoting the mission of Alpha Phi Alpha. He provided an environment for brothers to re-engage themselves with the fraternity and invested in the talents of the membership. He continues to provide a vehicle to attract new partners and showcase what the fraternity has to offer. During his tenure as regional vice president, the “Roadmap to Excellence” was instituted as an annual agenda to demonstrate execution of the national strategic plan tasks with the goals of the Midwestern Region. The region ranked No. 1 or No. 2 in chapter compliance nationwide. The region ranked No. 1 or No. 2 in collegiate member attendance at the Alpha Leadership Academy. Despite economic challenges, every Midwestern Regional Convention made a profit and the profits were shared with the host chapters. The region instituted GPA monitoring of college chapters to measure academic progress. Several recognition programs were instituted to honor newly initiated members, chapter donors who supported regional competition winners at general conventions, and chapters celebrating their 100th anniversaries. In addition, the Midwestern Region donated thousands of dollars to support causes that were deemed worthy by the general president and board of directors. As a member of the board of directors, Brother Tillman was appointed to lead a special committee with responsibilities to review and