National Pan-Hellenic President Zoey Cunningham stands out as prominent student leader

National Pan-Hellenic Council President Zoey Cunningham is representing Auburn University by committing to excellent student leadership and inspiring a culture of success among her peers. 

The senior electrical engineering major from Mobile, Alabama, spent two years on the National Pan-Hellenic Council, or NPHC, before running for president of the organization. Her motivation: serving her community. 

“I decided to run for NPHC president because I wanted to be the change I felt was needed within the community,” Cunningham said. “I developed many strong relationships during my two years in the council, and the time was right for me to strive for more than just a committee chair role.”

“Representing NPHC means exemplifying a legacy of Black excellence that has continuously served Greek life and the Auburn community,” Cunningham said. “Our council is committed to providing quality service and promoting the welfare of our campus and the community.”

NPHC is a body of nine historically Black Greek organizations known throughout the country,  including both sororities and fraternities. The Auburn chapter of NPHC coordinates activities, encourages interaction among affiliate organizations and serves as a forum for the consideration of important issues. 

Serving as the NPHC president is no small task, and Cunningham has taken the role head-on. 

“During my first two months in office, we've hosted a successful NPHC week,  put together the framework for new branding and marketing materials that we hope will garner more interest in the community and most recently, our council won the Southeastern Greek Leadership Association National Pan-Hellenic Council of the Year (award).”

Cunningham is no stranger to student involvement. In addition to her role within NPHC, Cunningham is the recording secretary, parliamentarian and scholarship chair for the Kappa Upsilon chapter of Delta Sigma Inc. Additionally, she serves as the diversity and inclusion chair for the council in the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering as well as the program chair for the National Society of Black Engineers. 

“NPHC celebrates Black History Month by highlighting historical figures, who are members of the NPHC, and their contribution to the community,” Cunningham said. “We also host various collaborative events with different African American organizations on campus.”

Cunningham’s involvement with these organizations and her time as NPHC president has molded her time at Auburn and will shape the path of her future. 

“Being a leader on campus has allowed me to advocate for myself and the organizations that I am involved in,” said Cunningham, who will graduate in December. “I have developed skills to effectively communicate with other leaders on campus and network with Auburn alumni. These experiences will mold my future by preparing me for the work field and by establishing skills that will support me in many environments outside of the classroom.”