Beta-Chi
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale

Rod Talbot began his lifelong TKE involvement in 1975 at the Beta-Chi Chapter (Southern Illinois University). At Beta-Chi, Rod served as Hegemon, Histor and two terms as Prytanis. He chaired the SIU InterGreek Council and was named SIU Greek of the Year in 1979. Additionally, he was recognized as an International Top Teke in 1979.

Following graduation, Rod joined the TKE Professional Staff for two years as a Chapter Services Director, overseeing chapters across the Northeast U.S. and Canada, while successfully starting several chapters from the ground up. He is a Knight of Apollo and currently serves as the Grand Knight.

His dedication to Beta-Chi continued post-staff, where he served as Chairman of the Board of Advisors and President of the Beta-Chi Alumni Association. Rod was elected to Grand Hegemon in 2005 at Conclave in New Orleans. He advanced through the Grand Council including terms as Grand Hypophetes, two terms as Grand Crysophylos, Grand Epiprytanis, and ultimately became Grand Prytanis from 2015 to 2017. After his term as Grand Prytanis, he continued his involvement as a member of the TKE Foundation Board of Directors.

He has been awarded the TKE Alumnus of the Year Award in 2005, Fraternity for Life Award in 2017, Grand Prytanis Award in 2022, and the Order of the Golden Eagle in 2022.

Beyond TKE, Rod has been deeply involved with his community and professional life.  He has been a member of the Winter Garden Rotary for 25 years and is a past President.  He spent 12 years on the Board of Directors of the West Orange Healthcare District, eventually serving as Chairman. In that role, he oversaw management of more than $250 million dollars of heath care assets serving the west side of Orlando, Florida.

Rod has built a successful 45-year career in the investment industry. He founded Talbot Asset Management in 1991 and serves at its President, operating as an independent affiliate with Raymond James Financial Services. He manages portfolios for clients throughout the U.S

In his personal time, Rod enjoys golf, traveling, and remains active as a pitcher for the Talbot Asset Management softball team.  He resides in Winter Garden, Florida with his wife Jennifer and their four dogs. Rod’s family legacy in TKE continues through his son Ryan, who served as Prytanis of Xi-Iota Chapter and was named an International Top Teke in 2011.