North Carolina State University is facing two major developments: serious hazing allegations involving a fraternity and the expected appointment of former Wolfpack quarterback Philip Rivers as the football program’s next head coach. As university leaders prepare to address both issues, Chancellor Kevin Howell has emphasized that student safety is the school’s priority.
Howell spoke publicly about the fraternity investigation for the first time on November 12, ahead of an important Board of Trustees meeting. He said NC State does not tolerate hazing and that protecting students is a central responsibility of university leaders. After reviewing details included in search warrant documents, he described the allegations as “deplorable.”
The chancellor also thanked Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman, university police, and staff members involved in the investigation. He said university police and the Office for Fraternity and Sorority Life acted promptly after receiving anonymous reports from students. Howell praised those who reported their concerns and said anyone found responsible for hazing or violating university rules would be held accountable.
Howell planned to give trustees a further update on November 13. He also said he would avoid releasing information that could interfere with the ongoing police investigation.
## Investigation into NC State’s Sigma Nu chapter
The investigation advanced in October, when officers executed six search warrants at the Sigma Nu house. Documents describe video evidence and allegations of physical and psychological abuse involving fraternity pledges.
In response to the allegations, Sigma Nu’s national organization suspended NC State’s Beta Tau chapter indefinitely. The university ordered chapter members to leave the house by November 10. The chapter will not be permitted to return to campus for at least four years.
Freeman said prosecutors are reviewing evidence and electronic devices seized during the searches. She indicated that charges could follow within the next two weeks under North Carolina’s strengthened anti-hazing laws. Separately, NC State is conducting its own student conduct review.
The investigation has renewed attention on the university’s record of addressing hazing. Conduct records show that several student organizations, including fraternities Phi Delta Theta and Beta Theta Pi, were found responsible for hazing violations in recent years. Those cases involved physical abuse, forced chores, and alcohol. The consequences included suspensions and disciplinary probation.
Hazing-related actions have also affected Greek life at other Atlantic Coast Conference schools. Florida State, Clemson, and Syracuse have suspended Greek life activities or shut down fraternity chapters in recent years after dangerous hazing incidents. The Sigma Nu allegations add to wider concerns about student safety across the conference.
## Football leadership also on trustees’ agenda
The Board of Trustees meeting is also expected to address a major change in NC State football. Howell was asked about the anticipated appointment of Rivers, a former Wolfpack quarterback, as the program’s next head coach.
Rivers played for NC State before beginning a long career in the NFL. His expected arrival comes as the university moves on from Dave Doeren, and the board is set to finalize the coaching contract.
The possible coaching change has generated interest around the football program, but Howell’s comments made clear that the hazing investigation remains a serious concern for university leadership. The school is balancing a high-profile sports transition with questions about the safety and wellbeing of students.
In the coming days, trustees are expected to hear more about the investigation, while the football program awaits a decision on its next head coach. The criminal investigation and NC State’s separate conduct review remain ongoing, and the university has said that those found responsible for violating its rules will be held accountable.
