Delt Stories

Kakra Boye-Doe (University of Kansas, 2018) has called Lawrence, Kansas his hometown since moving to the United States from Ghana when he was seven years old.

When it was time to consider colleges, he intentionally chose to remain in Lawrence to attend the University of Kansas. “I knew that I would be getting a good education at an affordable cost,” said Boye-Doe.

His curiosity in the reasons behind people’s actions led him to an interest in psychology and sociology. He recognizes millions of people who are underserved in mental health treatment as he learned more about both fields.

“Taking all of my interests together, led me to the field of psychiatry,” said Boye-Doe. “It is my goal to combat the mental health epidemic if I am fortunate enough to practice as a physician.”

He learned about Delta Tau Delta through friends from high school who served as chapter president and vice president. He approached recruitment with an interest in being part of Greek life and a desire to find the right fit which he found with the Gamma Tau Chapter.

Boye-Doe appreciates having brothers who encourage him to become a better man each day. He has held numerous leadership positions but said serving as external vice president has been the most challenging. “My brothers pushed me to bring positivity out of others, kept me positive when it would be easy to be down, and most importantly, have provided me an unwavering amount of love and support in any area I have pursued on campus,” said Boye-Doe.

In addition to his role in the Fraternity, he is co-president of the Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students and a member of Phi Delta Epsilon (co-ed international medical fraternity) and Order of Omega. He is a Peer-Led Undergraduate Supplements leader, helping to reinforce lecture materials in a small group setting to bridge gaps between teaching and learning. He is also a teaching assistant in biology, a social psychology researcher and a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity.

Based on his leadership and effective communication skills, involvement at KU and in the Lawrence community, academic scholarship and ability to work with a variety of students and organizations he was selected as one of 10 finalists for the 27th annual Excellence in Community, Education and Leadership Awards at the University of Kansas. He was also awarded the National Pan-Hellenic Council’s LaTina Sullivan Scholarship, which recognizes African-Americans who excel at the University of Kansas. “It is truly due to those who I have surrounded myself with, and I can’t thank each person enough who has helped me along the road,” he said.

Boye-Doe said finding balance as an undergraduate is an ongoing challenge, but he makes a conscious effort to set aside time for friends, family, school, and extracurricular activities. “Though it may not be perfect, it works for me. I would tell my freshman self that I can do anything I want to if I put my mind to it and work hard on whatever it is I want to accomplish. I would also tell my freshman self to enjoy these four years of college and to spend less time stressing, and more time enjoying moments in the present,” said Boye-Doe.