Army Partners with National Pan-Hellenic Council

By Dontavian HarrisonJanuary 21, 2021

(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Secretary of the Army, Hon. Ryan McCarthy, and Army senior leaders sat with the Chairman and members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council during the Army, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Outreach and Engagement Campaign to sign a memorandum of agreement to help build enduring relationships with national impacts through participation in planned events of interest to the U.S. Army on Jan. 19, 2021.

Members of the NPHC are members of the Divine Nine sororities and fraternities. The Divine Nine refers to nine historically Black Greek letter organizations that make up the National Pan-Hellenic Council. Each of these fraternities and sororities is rich in history and include the following; Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc., and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc.

In October, 2020, Mr. McCarthy traveled to Jackson State University to meet with Dr. David Marion, Chairman of the NPHC. The secretary provided an overview of the Army’s diversity efforts, presented ROTC scholarships, and discussed the Army’s outreach and engagement efforts to HBCU presidents, and military and community influencers.

“Since our first conversation, you have been a man of your word,” Dr. Marion said to Mr. McCarthy. “Not just words, but in deeds.”

The relationship between the NPHC and the Army focuses on shared objectives that help diversify the Army, build a community of talent capable of joining the ranks, and achieve individual aspirations and defined ideals of success.

“You are a remarkable person and influencer sir,” Mr. McCarthy said to Dr. Marion. “Whatever you’ve said you can or will do, you’ve delivered.”

Since the visit to Jackson State University in October, the Army brand awareness has been increased throughout the NPHC community with continued conversations with Army senior leaders.

Mr. McCarthy shared with Dr. Marion that as of noon, Jan. 20, he will no longer hold the position as the Secretary of the Army but reassured him that the Army's relationship and effort with the NPHC will continue after his departure.

“Army senior leaders and General Officers are extremely excited to keep this commitment going,” said Mr. McCarthy. “There will be no shift in the amount of effort you will get from our Army leaders in order to keep this relationship strong and give young men and women the career options and guidance they need.”

Dr. Marion thanked Mr. McCarthy for his steadfast commitment to helping students with scholarships and presenting opportunities to further their education.

“You are a gentlemen and will truly be missed,” Dr. Marion said. “Through your leadership demonstrations, we can only see our relationship with the Army continuing to grow.”