The Beta-Nu Chapter of
KAPPA SIGMA
The University of Kentucky
Daniel entered the University of Kentucky as a freshman in 1966, majoring in U.S. History and Political Science. During the spring semester of 1967, he pledged the Beta-Nu chapter of Kappa Sigma. For the next 2 ½ years, he lived in the “lodge” at 460 Hilltop in Room 210. He served Beta-Nu as Grand Secretary, Grand Procurator, and Grand Master. Additionally, he had the privilege of being the chapter’s representative to a Grand Conclave. During that time, UK transitioned from a traditional southern university into the 1970’s decade. Dan learned firsthand the challenges of leadership and was fortunate to have experienced older chapter members and House Father, Babe Kimbrough ‘23, to encourage and mentor him. With academics coming first, Dan would complete his studying at the “Maggie King” Library before making a stop to visit with brothers at the Chevy Chase Inn. The late ‘60’s were highlighted by the North Carolina Band Rush Parties and great gatherings at Keeneland. Dan was also one of those who were instrumental in the transition of the Coke machine to accommodate “all beverages.”
After graduating from UK in 1970, Dan took on the challenge of law school at the University Of Florida College Of Law in Gainesville, Florida. He graduated in March 1973 and moved back to Kentucky. Although he is a Gator law school alumnus, UK basketball has NEVER been second. In 1970, Dan married Betty Bryan, who was a Kappa Delta at UK. They have lived in Hopkinsville for 44 years and have raised two children there. Their daughter, Katie, has been Dan’s loyal paralegal for over 13 years. Their son, Bryan, not only attended UK, but also pledged Kappa Sigma. Bryan also served Beta-Nu as an officer before being elected as the IFC President at UK. Bryan graduated from the UK College of Law and now practices in Nashville, TN. Dan and Betty are fortunate to have four wonderful grandchildren with whom they love to spend their time.
Dan has been admitted to practice law in Florida, Kentucky and Tennessee. After 44 years, he still continues to practice civil litigation in state and federal courts throughout Western Kentucky and Middle Tennessee. He has served as President of the local Bar Association and has remained the managing partner of Thomas, Arvin & Adams, PLLC, in Hopkinsville. Recently he has been trained to serve as a Mediator in Civil litigation. Dan enjoys his practice of law and has no plans of retiring anytime soon.
Dan and Betty are members of the First Christian Church in Hopkinsville and Dan has served as a deacon, as well as on many different church committees. Through the years, he has also served on various other boards, including the Pennyrile Area Museum, the Hopkinsville Chamber of Commerce, and the Hopkinsville-Christian County Planning Commission. He was also an active member in the Hopkinsville Rotary Club. Dan was elected to three 4-year terms as a member of the Christian County Board of Education, and served 6 of those years as the Board Chairman. He has served on the Board of
Directors and as President of the local Christian County UK Alumni Association. In 1988, Dan was a delegate to the Republican National Convention in New Orleans. As many fathers do, Dan coached for many years in both Little League baseball and soccer. He also headed up a youth soccer travel team for an additional 6 years.
Dan’s favorite out-of-office passion is spending time with his family (especially his grandchildren), very closely followed by SPORTS (UK basketball and football, the Tennessee Titans and the Chicago Cubs). He celebrates “adult spring break” every year by attending the SEC Men’s Basketball tournament, wherever it may be held.Dan has had the unique opportunity of having two separate ties to Kappa Sigma. While having immensely enjoyed Kappa Sig the first time around, Dan and Betty have had the opportunity to enjoy and mentor many of the members of the 2001-2002 Beta-Nu pledge classes. Both of them truly enjoyed hosting Commonwealth Stadium football tailgate parties for their son’s new brothers through those next 4-7 years. The relationships formed during the fall of 2001 grew and Dan has had the opportunity to host those young men on numerous other occasions including spring breaks, weddings, and even as their “senior” auctioneer for their 2016 Fantasy Football draft. Not many Kappa Sig’s have had the pleasure of enjoying their fraternity for a second time around and it has been a special treat for Dan.