to cease operations between 1941 and 1946. Under the leadership of national president Shannon Flowers, the fraternity was successfully revived after the war with all chapters reopening. With the influx of returning GIs to colleges after the war, the mission of many teacher's colleges expanded. By 1947, Phi Sigma Epsilon similarly broadened its focus and no longer remained strictly a fraternity for teachers, embracing the general academic population. In 1952, the fraternity became a junior member of the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) and a senior member in 1965. Half of the Fraternity's chapters came from affiliating with local chapters, some that had existed for many decades before joining Phi Sigma Epsilon. In most cases, these former locals became the strongest or most resilient chapters. The others, started as new groups on campus, were often short-lived, especially those formed from 1950 onward. Growth and decline Phi Sigma Epsilon had an unofficial goal of having sixty chapters, a milestone it reached under the leadership of President James Whitfield, doubling in size between 1958 and 1970. Whitfield retired in 1970, after twelve years as president. This was the high-water mark for the fraternity. On February 20, 1970, the 60th anniversary of the founding was observed in Emporia. Founder and first initiate, Fred Thompson with James Whitfield, cut the anniversary cake, which bore seven candles in the representation of the seven founders. Thompson was 86 years old at the 23rd conclave, on September 5, 1970. By 1972, growth had ceased while expenses grew. Like many fraternities, Phi Sigma Epsilon had difficulty managing its chapters in that time of social change. The lack of fraternity interest on its campuses was another contributing factor. Attempts were made to innovate, for example, by hosting regionalized conclaves rather than a single national meeting. By the beginning of the 1978–79 academic year, there were only 38 chapters on the roll, nine fewer than in 1974 and 22 fewer than in 1970. This alarming situation precipitated aggressive action to shore up or re-charter struggling groups, resulting in 45 chapters by the 1980 conclave. Fiscal problems and staff difficulties continued to weaken the fraternity. Complaints came in from various chapters of dissatisfaction with services and a lack of cooperation from the national office. Between 1980 and 1984, significant concerns were raised about the financial health of the organization. Executive officer Ric Hoskin, who had served since the mid-1960s, resigned on