UK NPHC strives to make a difference on campus and beyond Student News
The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) was founded May 10, 1930, on Howard University’s campus in Washington, D.C. Each organization within the council operates under NPHC’s mission of fostering the cooperative action of its members in addressing matters of mutual concern.
The University of Kentucky NPHC is the coordinating body for eight of the nine historically Black fraternities and sororities. It exists under the umbrella of UK Fraternity and Sorority Life which is housed in the UK Office for Student Success. The council organizes educational and cultural programs as well as community service projects for members and the larger university community. Its signature program is the annual Homecoming Step Show, which has become a tradition on campus.
Chloe Kellom, NPHC president and member of the Iota Sigma chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., and Kerrell Hurt Jr., current president of the Rho Lambda chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., sat down with UKNow to discuss NPHC and its role on campus for this week’s "Behind the Blue" podcast.
Kellom is currently NPHC president; a role she never anticipated having. Coming to UK from St. Louis, Missouri, Kellom was looking for a sense of belonging, though she didn’t know much about Greek life. As a College of Nursing student, she hoped to finish school in four years, but ended up pivoting on her path. The extra time has allowed her to let her leadership shine in NPHC.
“It’s all about us doing what we were founded to do, which is to serve our communities,” Kellom said. “To serve those who look like us, and serve those who don’t look like us. But being there as a resource, and a mentor to those coming in after me is what I’ve always wanted to be. I definitely am grateful to be in this position.”
Hurt, however, knew he was going to be in Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. since he was “knee-high.” His confidence led to his election for president, and next he’s hoping to join NPHC council.
“The best way to affect an organization is to be a part of it,” Hurt said. “There are a lot of people who are members at large and come to meetings and just vote yes. Your vote is important, but your voice is better.”
Hurt’s connection to his fraternity growing up also extends into a deep nurturing of Black history in his childhood. He recalls his dad teaching him about Black history as often as possible.
“I feel very connected to Black History Month because, we’re African Americans. And to be celebrated in a place where you once didn’t belong or weren't even considered human is a great thing,” Hurt said. “Me being Black, I wake up and celebrate it every day.”
The UK NPHC is home to the Epsilon Chi chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., the Iota Sigma chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., the Rho Lambda chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., the Mu Epsilon chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., the Mu Theta chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., the Iota Mu chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., the Mu Omicron chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc., and the Zeta Psi chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc.
NPHC fraternities and sororities have enriched the UK community in multiple ways. From events and programming, to community building that lasts lifetimes, NPHC is an integral part of UK's student life. For more information about NPHC, listen to the full podcast above, or visit their website.
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Throughout February, UK is honoring Black History Month through the stories and reflections of Black students, faculty, staff and alumni. Follow along on UKNow, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and on digital signage across campus.
For more information on the university's diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, visit the DEI website. The DEI website is home to information about DEI-related resources available to faculty, staff and students; events and organizations; news and campus messages; and updates on DEI efforts around campus.