Mercer fraternity indefinitely suspended over hazing claims. What we know

Yahoo

07-08-2025

Allegations of hazing involving assault preceded a decision by Mercer University to indefinitely suspend the campus chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi in March, according to police records obtained by The Telegraph.
Campus records show that the Theta Pi chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi was found responsible for hazing incidents that occurred between November 2024 and February 2025, with at least one incident reportedly happening at a business owned by Mercer's former cheer coach, Mason Dillard, an alumnus of the fraternity.
A student victim of the fraternity's hazing filed a complaint with Mercer campus police and spoke with law enforcement on Feb. 28 about the alleged hazing, the records show.
'The fraternity Kappa Alpha Psi used a cane to beat him on his lower back and buttocks, as well as (used) their fists to hit him in the abdomen and shoulders,' the police report says.
According to the student's report, a hazing incident happened at a gym owned by Dillard, who was dismissed shortly after the complaint was filed. However, neither Mercer nor Dillard would confirm to The Telegraph if the hazing and the dismissal are connected. Mercer spokesperson Jennifer Fairfield said the university cannot comment on personnel affairs.
The victim told law enforcement one of the beatings took place at Dillard's gym in Byron, according to the incident report. Dillard owns MGA Cheer Extreme at 221 Peachwood Drive.
The cheerleading training center owned by Dillard credits itself as being 'the best All Star cheerleading program in Middle Georgia' and holds several national titles, according to its website.
In addition to the beatings, the victim reported that he was 'forced to purchase clothing items and other items to be worn by himself and for older members of the fraternity.'
The victim also provided a written statement to campus police and Mercer's Student Affairs office, detailing specific names, times, and locations related to the hazing, according to the documents.
Rachel Turnball, Mercer's associate general counsel, said the university could not release the victim's detailed statement, citing the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, which protects the privacy of student education records. At this time, it is unclear whether Dillard is named as a suspect in the incident, though the hazing reportedly occurred at a facility he owns.
Parents of Mercer cheerleaders and fraternity members have defended Dillard, claiming the hazing accusations are false and that Dillard was not physically present during the incident.
Turnball said the victim's statement has not been retracted since his initial filing.
In April, Mercer spokesperson Jennifer Fairfield confirmed that Mason Dillard and his wife, Courtney Dillard, a former assistant cheer coach at Mercer, were no longer employed by the university.
Mason Dillard was employed by Mercer from June 1, 2023, through March 14, 2025, the university said. No additional information was released about his departure.
Dillard has not responded to multiple media requests.
How was Kappa Alpha Psi disciplined?
Under the Max Gruver Act, which took effect in Georgia on July 1, 2021, universities are required to publish information about Greek organizations found responsible for hazing.
The Theta Pi chapter of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity is currently the most recent entry listed for hazing violations on Mercer's website.
On March 6, 2025, the organization was found responsible for acts of hazing that caused excessive fatigue for members between November 2024 and February 2025.
The university listed violations that included, but were not limited to: 'forced exercising, congregating at odd hours of the night, and staying awake for long periods of time; experiencing threatened or actual exposure to physical injury, including injury resulting from whipping, beating, paddling, branding, dangerous physical activity, or exposure to elements.'
The fraternity is now listed as inactive on Mercer's student organization website. The fraternity's sanction is an indefinite suspension, and it will be removed from the school's public hazing incident reports list in five years.
'Hazing is strictly prohibited at all Mercer campus locations and in all programs and organizations affiliated with Mercer, whether on or off campus,' the university states on its website. 'All reports of suspected hazing are investigated under the Student Code of Conduct.'
During the 2023–24 academic year, Kappa Alpha Psi was cited for university conduct and Fraternity and Sorority Programs (FSP) violations, according to Mercer's annual FSP review reports. For the 2024–25 year, the fraternity was labeled as suspended.
The fraternity had at least 11 members in spring 2024, according to the FSP report. Updated membership numbers were not listed for spring 2025, though 7 were listed for the fall of 2024.
When asked for records regarding students who were found responsible, Turnball said Mercer could not provide information about student disciplinary actions related to the completed investigation.
The national chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi has not responded to multiple media inquiries. Several alumni and current Mercer students affiliated with the fraternity also could not be reached prior to publication.
Who is Mercer's new cheer coach?
Mercer's new cheer coach is Nicole Scott, according to Todd Anderson, the university's assistant athletics director for athletic media relations.
Anderson said he could not provide details on when Scott was appointed or what qualifications led to the hiring at the time but will share more information when available.
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