For many students, community college is the first step toward new and exciting opportunities, be that pursuing a career, earning an associate degree or preparing to transfer to a four-year institution. Kellogg Community College supports students on this journey through articulation agreements with many four-year colleges and universities, ensuring a smooth transition for those continuing toward a bachelor’s degree or higher.
To further encourage students to explore their transfer options, KCC faculty and staff participate in Transfer Tuesdays. This is a monthly initiative where they wear apparel from their alma maters to spark conversations about educational pathways. During Black History Month, Transfer Tuesday placed a special emphasis on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and the experiences of Divine Nine fraternity and sorority members in our community.
What is the Divine Nine?
In the early 20th century, Black students, primarily at HBCUs, formed sororities and fraternities that provided leadership opportunities, mentorship and a sense of belonging. These organizations are collectively known as the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) or the Divine Nine. While each organization has unique values and traditions, they share a common mission: to uplift and empower the Black community through education, service and advocacy.
The Power of Belonging in Higher Education
Research consistently shows that students who feel connected to their peers and institutions are more likely to succeed academically and complete their degree programs. Whether through clubs, sports or student organizations, finding a supportive community can make all the difference. The Divine Nine exemplify this by fostering lifelong bonds, professional networks and a commitment to service.
To highlight these experiences, three KCC staff members — each a Divine Nine alum — shared how their organizations shaped their college journeys.
KCC Staff Share Their Divine Nine Experiences
Lola Long, Financial Aid process specialist and member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, reflected on how joining her sorority at Western Michigan University eased her transition into college life.
“Starting college is both an exciting and daunting experience,” she shared. “Coming from a family where neither of my parents had attended college, I had little exposure to what university life would be like. The transition was overwhelming — so much information to absorb, new responsibilities to manage and the challenge of finding my place in an unfamiliar environment. However, joining a sorority provided me with a sense of belonging that made all the difference.”
For Chief of Public Safety Austin Simons, a Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. member who moved from Florida to attend Western Michigan University, his fraternity provided a lasting network of support.
“I received support from like-minded men,” he stated. “I got an opportunity to meet fraternity members from all over the world. My fraternity brothers and I keep in contact. We mentor the younger brothers as the older brothers have and still do for us. It’s a bond that’s there for life.”
Grindl Williams, KCC’s director of Upward Bound and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., emphasized the importance of mentorship within the Divine Nine.
“Mentoring is a big piece for all Divine Nine chapters — service is key to all of us, serving all mankind,” she explained.
This spirit of mentorship and community extends beyond college, as members continue to support one another personally and professionally.
“Networking and building relationships are extremely important and a vital part in the life of a sorority and fraternity member — we are constantly learning and growing to better ourselves,” Williams added.
Long echoed this sentiment, highlighting how the skills she developed through her sorority experience continue to benefit her today.
“Through my involvement, I’ve developed essential leadership and teamwork skills, strengthened my ability to give back to the community and built a professional network that extends nationwide,” Long said. “These experiences have not only enriched my college years but have also helped shape my career and personal growth. No matter where I go, I know I can connect with fellow members, creating an unbreakable bond that transcends time and distance.”
Finding a sense of belonging in college — whether through a club, team or fraternity/sorority — offers invaluable benefits, from personal development and networking opportunities to leadership experience and community impact. Student involvement also enhances résumés and transfer applications, setting students apart in future academic and career pursuits.
The Value of Getting Involved
At KCC, students have many ways to get involved, including Student Life, Athletics and Service-Learning. Those planning to transfer are encouraged to talk with academic advisors about credit transfer processes and ways to engage at their future institutions — perhaps even by joining a Divine Nine organization.
The Divine Nine organizations include:
- Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (founded 1906, Cornell University), the first Black intercollegiate Greek fraternity
- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (founded 1908, Howard University), a founding member of the NPHC
- Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. (founded 1911, Indiana University)
- Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (founded 1911, Howard University)
- Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (founded 1913, Howard University), focused on social justice and community service
- Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. (founded 1914, Howard University)
- Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. (founded 1920, Howard University), a founding NPHC sorority
- Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. (founded 1922, Butler University)
- Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. (founded 1963, Morgan State University)
As students consider their next steps, whether going right into the workforce after KCC or transferring to a four-year institution, finding a community that supports their goals and aspirations can make all the difference. The Divine Nine is one example of how lifelong connections can empower students to succeed.
Kristin McDermott is director of Student Life at Kellogg Community College. She can be reached at mcdermottk@kellogg.edu.