The Ball State National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) is more than just an organization, it is a haven for young men and women to strive to become who they aspire to be.
The NPHC, or the “Divine Nine,” consists of nine fraternities and sororities. Founded May 10, 1930, NPHC organizations are committed to community service, student excellence and inclusive innovation.
Ball State’s demographic is consistently at or above 75 percent, making it a Predominately White Institution (PWI), according to the Office of Institutional Research and Decision Support.
What’s unique about Ball State is all nine organizations have a chapter on campus, with the newest and ninth organization, Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc. being added in September 2023.
Iota Phi Theta
Simba Hicks, a second-year public relations major minoring in counseling, crossed in Fall 2023. Iota Phi Theta is the most recent addition to the NPHC.
Hicks said his fraternity allows him to walk in his own skin without any hesitation and let him be as uniquely himself as possible.
“My fraternity means outlet and a push to be the best man I can possibly be with little confining to a stereotype as possible, I get to really be myself and live my truth,” he said.
Hick also noted that now having all nine organizations, Ball State’s student body has more of a variety of options to choose from if one were to consider joining the NPHC.
“It’s nice to see that Black excellence on campus with Black people having different options on what fits them instead of having to settle, but you can really just see all the different personalities that come along in Ball State’s Black community,” he said.
In an effort to bring cultural awareness and diversity to the Ball State’s campus, the NPHC would like to build the NPHC Plaza. This space would heighten the awareness of this diverse and unique council on campus, and appeal aesthetically and culturally to prospective students and their families.
