There is an important sector of the Greek community here at ETSU that was not included in the previous installment of Greek Life, but there is a specific reason that these organizations were separated from other Greek organizations.
These groups possess certain qualities that are notable and different, setting them apart from the other Greeks in their community. For example, these sororities and fraternities, which are historically African-American, are governed by their own council.
The Pan-Hellenic Council is separate from the other Greek governing systems, but also works with the other councils for the betterment of the entire Greek community.
These groups also participate in campus rush events in a unique way – they don’t. Their rush events, though separate, are used for the same reason: to attract new members.
The organizations usually advertise with fliers, then hold an informational meeting where potential members can learn more about an organization.
“In becoming a member, one must go to the informational or tea and learn about that certain organization. That is where it starts,” said Pan-Hellenic Council President JaNece Reid.
These historically African-American organizations are characterized nationally as “The Divine Nine.”
On ETSU’s campus there are five organizations that represent these nationally recognized sororities and fraternities: Zeta Phi Beta sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, Delta Sigma Theta sorority, Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity and Phi Beta Sigma fraternity.
There is, however, one similarity between the historically African-American organizations and the other Greek organizations on campus.
They are all contributors and very active participants in service projects in and around our community.
“The member organizations of National Pan-Hellenic Council are more focus-based on service rather than socialization,” Reid said.
Like all Greek organizations, the national organization designates a philanthropy for the group to focus on.
Zeta Phi Beta’s national philanthropy is the March of Dimes Walk America. The members are also active locally in volunteering at the Boys and Girls Clubs, Carver Recreational Center, the Stork’s Nest and Girls Inc.
Zeta Phi Beta’s national seven-point plan includes education, governmental issues, health and wellness, drug and substance abuse, chapter management and community volunteerism.
Alpha Kappa Alpha is nationally recognized for its focus on education. The Ivy Reading AKAdemy is one of the many ways this group helps to improve the learning and mastery of reading skills among elementary children.
They also developed a Founders’ Week program that celebrates African-American heritage in music, literature and various other cultural representations.
Health is the major focus of Delta Sigma Theta sorority. Their national five-point program thrust includes physical and mental health, educational development, economic development, international awareness and involvement and political awareness and involvement. Delta Sigma Theta has also clearly established itself as a public service organization.
Alpha Phi Alpha has a number of philanthropies that it works with including March of Dimes, Boy Scouts of American, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Alpha Academy, Alpha Head Start and Leadership Development Institute.
The group’s main focus is to increase the education level of American citizens. The first service project this organization became involved in was called “Go-to-High School, Go-to-College.”
Phi Beta Sigma, which is the constitutionally-bound brother organization to Zeta Phi Beta, is also involved with the March of Dimes. They have a program based on three areas of service.
Bigger and Better Business is a program to support on-the-job training programs. Their tutorial program helps in the area of education, while the Sigmas’ Against Teenage Pregnancy program is directed toward social action.
The groups are also effective in working with one another to provide service to many other places.
“All the groups work together, both with each other and with other campus organizations to volunteer in the community,” said Reid.
In the past, the Pan-Hellenic organizations have worked with Habitat for Humanity and other organizations.
The Pan-Hellenic organizations are also most noted on our campus for sponsoring the Step Show held during Homecoming week, in which a number of different campus organizations participate.

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