Dillard University is a small, private HBCU sitting in New Orleans, Louisiana, and its Greek system reflects both that intimate campus size and the deep NPHC traditions that run through historically Black colleges. The organizations here are all part of the Divine Nine — the historically Black fraternities and sororities that make up the National Pan-Hellenic Council — which is the only Greek council operating on campus.
The fraternities represented are Omega Psi Phi and Phi Beta Sigma, and on the sorority side you'll find Delta Sigma Theta, Sigma Gamma Rho, and Zeta Phi Beta. It's a smaller collection of organizations compared to large public universities, but that's pretty standard for a school of Dillard's size. The community is tight-knit, and the chapters that are active tend to be well-known on campus even if membership numbers stay modest.
NPHC intake processes work differently than the open recruitment you'd see at IFC or Panhellenic schools. There's no formal rush week with tables and themed events. Instead, interest members typically get to know chapters over time before going through an intake process, which tends to be more selective and less publicly visible. Timing and eligibility requirements vary by organization and national charter.
Because Dillard is a small HBCU, Greek-lettered organizations carry a lot of cultural weight on campus. Stepping, strolling, and probate shows — the public unveiling of new members — are some of the most anticipated events of the academic year. Chapters also stay active in community service and philanthropy, which is a core part of how Divine Nine orgs operate nationally and locally. New Orleans itself adds its own energy to that mix, given how community and culture are woven into everyday life in the city.
Don't expect Greek housing or a traditional Greek Row here. Like most HBCUs, Dillard's chapters don't operate out of chapter houses. The organizations work through campus spaces and hold events around New Orleans instead.
The Greek presence at Dillard is more focused than what you'd find at a large state school, but within HBCU culture, these organizations carry real significance — in terms of legacy, identity, and connection to broader alumni networks that stretch well beyond the campus itself.