Sororities at Southern Methodist University have been an integral part of campus culture since the university’s founding in 1915, fostering a strong sense of community, leadership and academic excellence for generations of young women. The Panhellenic Council and the National Pan-Hellenic Council, known as the Divine Nine, have played pivotal roles in shaping women’s experiences on campus, creating spaces where sisterhood, personal growth and empowerment flourish.
One of the primary purposes of SMU sororities is the philanthropic work of each house. From book drives and working with kids, to promoting mental health, SMU sororities are much more than places for women to make friends and party.
“I’ll never forget the joy in my mother’s eyes when she realized I was continuing her legacy, or the deep sense of fulfillment I felt this past fall as I welcomed seven remarkable young women into Nu Iota,” Kyndall Taraji Johnson, president of Delta Sigma Theta, said. The Nu Iota Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta started its charter at SMU in 1976.
Delta Sigma Theta is part of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), known as the Divine Nine. The Divine Nine is a coalition of historically Black fraternities and sororities that serve as pillars of leadership, service and cultural pride. Their presence at SMU has created vital spaces for advocacy, education and empowerment, particularly for students of color.
Since their establishment on campus, Divine Nine sororities have amplified the voices of women of color, championing inclusivity and social justice. Their work uplifts the broader SMU community through both tradition and innovation, organizing everything from scholarship banquets to campus-wide forums on equity.
“Serving in leadership has shown me firsthand how our collective efforts drive lasting impact,” Johnson said.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., a Divine Nine sorority, channels its energy into programs that advance community health, economic mobility and educational access. AKA emphasizes the role of purpose-driven service in their experience.
“This semester we were granted a grant which we are using to buy and distribute school supplies to South Dallas elementary schools,” Cambyll Francois, a junior AKA, said. “Without community service we wouldn’t be the organization we are today.”
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. also prioritizes public service, hosting events ranging from voter registration drives to their signature EMBODI program, which supports Black male youth through mentorship. Johnson, the sorority’s president, said that giving back through Delta has shaped her sense of leadership and responsibility.
“We are not just a sorority. We are a global organization with over 350,000 members, more than 1,050 chapters worldwide and numerous corporate and political partnerships,” Johnson said. “Here at SMU, Nu Iota is a small but powerful part of a much larger, well-oiled machine.”
Alongside the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), the Panhellenic Council at SMU oversees the university’s sororities affiliated with the National Panhellenic Conference: Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Delta Pi, Chi Omega, Delta Delta Delta, Delta Gamma, Kappa Kappa Gamma and Pi Beta Phi. Since their establishment at SMU, these sororities have provided women with opportunities for leadership, philanthropy and lifelong friendships. Each chapter supports national philanthropies while spearheading campus events.
Pi Beta Phi supports literacy efforts through Read > Lead > Achieve, organizing book drives and reading events in Dallas elementary schools.
“Pi Phi has made my college experience so much better than I ever expected,” Sam Forrester, a junior, said. “It opened so many opportunities that helped me become a stronger student, a better friend and get more out of my time at SMU.”
Tri Delta’s national partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital translates to beloved campus-wide events like Delta House of Pancakes.
Senior Ellie Hershkowitz emphasized the connections she’s made through their philanthropy events as especially meaningful to her sorority experience.
“Tri Delt introduced me to girls I wouldn’t have met otherwise and has made my college experience so much more fun,” Hershkowitz said.
Known for its commitment to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Chi Omega organizes engaging events such as Chi O Cool Off and Work it for Wishes. However, the relationships formed often resonate most deeply.
Senior Lauren Gash said the strength of those bonds have given her a support system on campus.
“Through Chi O, I’ve had the chance to make friendships that I know will last a lifetime, and it’s also given me another home away from home,” Gash said.
Together, the Panhellenic and Divine Nine sororities at SMU have created a vibrant and empowering atmosphere for women. Their collective efforts in philanthropy, leadership development and sisterhood have transformed the campus into a place where students feel supported, inspired and motivated to achieve their highest potential. Whether through lifelong friendships, community service or personal growth, these organizations continue to shape the experiences of women at SMU in meaningful and lasting ways.
