By Beth Losik, Baker (KS)

When Theresa Drew was initiated into the Zeta Omega Chapter in 1977 at Northern Arizona University, she stepped into more than just a student organization — she became part of a movement that was redefining the future of the Fraternity. Since joining, she has left a mark on Delta Sigma Pi and the broader world of business leadership.

Theresa’s introduction to Delta Sigma Pi occurred during a time of transition. In 1975, Delta Sigma Pi’s Board of Directors used emergency powers to open membership to women (read more about this historic decision here). Some chapters like Zeta Omega Chapter were quick to embrace the change, and her chapter's culture of inclusivity developed her lifelong connection to Delta Sigma Pi.

Breaking New Ground

In 1979, Theresa was the first woman ever to receive the honor of being named National Collegian of the Year (COY) – formerly known as Undergraduate of the Year. This role gave her a seat on the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee, making her the first woman to serve and vote at the national level of Fraternity governance. At the time, the Executive Committee was the governing body, while the Board handled broader advisory matters.

In this role, Theresa found herself among seasoned Fraternity leaders, participating in decisions ranging from constitutional revisions to chapter disciplinary actions and financial matters. “Everybody asks me, ‘What was it like being the first woman on the Executive Committee?’ and I have to laugh,” she said. “I didn’t know any better. But it was probably more of an adjustment for the male members of the Executive Committee than for me,” Drew later shared. “I found everyone to be extremely receptive and accepting of me and my ideas…I knew my voice would be heard.”

Her service didn’t stop there. She served on the Education Foundation (now the Leadership Foundation), was a District Director for three Arizona chapters, and remained engaged with the Phoenix Thunderbird Alumni Chapter — all while beginning a remarkable corporate career.

Corporate Journey

Theresa credits her early Board experiences with helping prepare her for the corporate world, and it set the tone for her career. Theresa joined Touche Ross & Co. (now Deloitte) immediately after graduation and became a Certified Public Accountant in 1981. By 1991, she became the first woman promoted to partner in Deloitte’s Phoenix office — at a time when fewer than 4% of Big Four partners were women.

Over the next four decades, Theresa took on increasing responsibility. She led Deloitte’s audit practice in Phoenix, managed the firm’s San Diego office for ten years, and eventually became managing partner for the Carolinas, overseeing nearly 2,000 professionals across North and South Carolina. She was the only woman to lead a Big Four accounting firm in Charlotte at the time.

Full Circle

Theresa retired from Deloitte in 2019 and now serves on three boards: Amrize Ltd., Sonoco Products Company, and The Cato Corporations. She chairs the Audit Committee for each and serves as Chair of the Carolinas Chapter of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD).

“It’s come full circle. My first boardroom was Delta Sigma Pi. That experience gave me a foundation in governance, strategic thinking, and collaboration that I still draw on today.” She’s a vocal advocate for increased diversity and representation in boardrooms. “Women cannot let the clock get rolled back. Diversity and inclusion are not just important — they’re essential for the strength of any organization.”

Legacy

In 2014, she was honored again by the Fraternity as the first female recipient of the National Career Achievement Award —35 years after being named National COY. She has served as a Trustee Emeritus of the Leadership Foundation and endowed the Theresa Jeszka Drew Delta Sigma Pi Scholarship Fund at Northern Arizona University. In 2025, her scholarship was awarded to Brother Breanna Brewer, who also happened to be the Western Provincial Collegian of the Year. “I’m so proud of her and of Zeta Omega Chapter…That’s what it’s all about — helping the next generation,” said Theresa.

Brother Theresa Drew’s story is one of courage, inclusion, leadership, and perseverance. She was the first woman in the room many times — at Delta Sigma Pi, at Deloitte, in corporate boardrooms — but she never let that define her. Instead, she used those moments to open doors for others and elevate the organizations she served.

As Delta Sigma Pi celebrates 50 years of women initiated in the Fraternity, Theresa reflects with pride: “I hope Delta Sigma Pi is just as relevant 50 years from now as it was 50 years ago when I joined. With the leaders we have today, I believe it will be. I never imagined in college I’d be doing what I’m doing today, and Deltasig gave me that start.”

To honor this monumental anniversary, Delta Sigma Pi is providing informational and historical profiles about some of the dedicated Deltasigs of our organization— all throughout the year. Stay up to date for new updates every week!    Check back next week to hear about more amazing women in Delta Sigma Pi as we celebrate 50 years of women being initiated into Delta Sigma Pi.

Theresa Drew addressing the attendees of the 1979 Grand Chapter Congress as the Undergraduate of the Year (now known as National Collegian of the Year)

Theresa (middle) participated on a panel for the 50 years of Women celebration at the 2025 Grand Chapter Congress. 

NORTHERN ARIZONA brothers and Theresa Drew at the 2025 Grand Chapter Congress.