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NPHC Plots and Garden

NPHC Plots and Garden

The new NPHC Plots and Garden project beside I.G. Greer Hall. Click on the image for a full view. Photo by Marie Freeman

NPHC Plots and Garden was one of several major construction projects completed at Appalachian State University to enhance the App State Experience.

The project supports the strategic plan of App State and the university’s goals and metrics associated with the University of North Carolina System’s strategic plan. It benefits students and the community.

About

For more than 50 years, historically Black colleges and universities across the United States have developed a tradition of providing a gathering space for the National Pan-Hellenic Council or NPHC. With its NPHC Plots and Garden project, App State is among a very few predominantly white institutions (PWIs) that also pay tribute to the legacy of African American Greek life.

Like many Black Greek-letter organization traditions, the development of plots can be traced to the days of slavery, and later, the division of Confederate land after the end of the Civil War for homestead development. Plots are constructed to symbolically and physically represent each Black Greek-letter organization's presence on campus and to give alumni and current members a location for reflection and celebration.

Students, staff and NPHC alumni advocated for this project for nearly 10 years. It gained significant momentum in 2017–18, when former App State Chancellor Sheri Everts dedicated space for the NPHC during 2017 homecoming festivities and crews began construction in June 2018. The site is located next to the Veterans Memorial in front of I.G. Greer Hall, near the B.B. Dougherty Administration Building.

The brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity
Members of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity at their plot during the NPHC Plots and Garden unveiling Sept. 29 during Homecoming 2018. Photo by Marie Freeman
The brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity style="width:100%">
The sisters of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority during Homecoming 2019, one year after the NPHC Plots and Garden’s dedication. Photo by Chase Reynolds
The brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity style="width:100%">
The brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity during Homecoming 2019, one year after the NPHC Plots and Garden’s dedication. Photo by Chase Reynolds
The brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity style="width:100%">
The brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity during Homecoming 2019, one year after the NPHC Plots and Garden’s dedication. Photo by Chase Reynolds
The brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity style="width:100%">
The sisters of Alpha Kappa Alpha during Homecoming 2019, one year after the NPHC Plots and Garden’s dedication. Photo by Chase Reynolds

Status

Construction is complete. An unveiling was held Sept. 29, 2018, during homecoming festivities. Fundraising efforts surpassed $150,000 under the leadership of alumna Susan Branch '99, alumnus James Tolliver '96 and alumnus and Board of Trustees member James Reaves '93. Gifts are still being accepted under The Divine Nine Leadership Development Endowment, a newly created fund derived from the Plots and Garden project to provide leadership grants and awards to students within NPHC.

How is it funded?

The project was funded through institutional support as well as money raised by App State NPHC affiliated alumni, faculty, staff and other friends.

Who will benefit?

The entire campus community, and especially members of the seven NPHC fraternities and sororities with chapters at App State, benefit from this project. This space signifies yet another way that the University of North Carolina System and App State value diversity and inclusive excellence and the benefits these principles bring to campus and the community.

How does it support UNC System Goals and Metrics?

By demonstrating support of diversity and inclusive excellence, the university validates all members of the campus community. When underrepresented students, staff and faculty feel validated, they are more likely to succeed.

Related Links:

  • Give to the NPHC Divine Nine Leadership Development Endowment
  • Embracing a rich tradition — space and recognition for the NPHC’s Divine Nine
  • Appalachian Community celebrates NPHC Plots and Garden with ribbon-cutting and unveiling ceremony
  • For App State student, leadership award may pave the way for public service
  • A legacy of leadership at App State and beyond: Meet 7 National Pan-Hellenic Council alumni
  • App State’s improvement and development projects approved by UNC Board of Governors
  • Campus Construction Projects
  • Campus Construction Updates
  • State Funding Support
  • Master Plan
  • Glossary
  • Parking and Transportation Messages

Major current projects:

  • App State Hickory Campus
  • Innovation District
    • STEM Academic Building — Innovation District
    • Faculty/Staff Housing — Innovation District
    • Zero-Carbon Energy System — Innovation District
  • Peacock Hall Addition and Renovation
  • Wey Hall Renovation
  • Edwin Duncan Hall Renovation
  • Appalachian 105
  • Arts Corridor
  • Boone Creek Daylighting
  • Rivers Street Tunnels Upgrade

Major completed projects:

  • Holmes Drive Parking Deck
  • Dining Facilities Renovations — Central Dining Hall and Trivette Hall
  • University Bookstore Renovation
  • Residence Halls
  • Child Development Center Expansion
  • Kidd Brewer Stadium — North End Zone
  • Career Development Center relocation
  • Sanford Hall Renovation
  • Blue Ridge Way
  • NPHC Plots and Garden
  • Leon Levine Hall of Health Sciences
  • Founders Plaza

An aerial view of areas receiving millennial campus designation at Appalachian State University. Video by Marie Freeman

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