At just 21 years old, East Carolina University Honors College student and Pi Kappa Alpha (PIKE) chapter president Seth Hardee is stepping into the world of public service with a bold goal: to give students and fraternity members in Greenville, North Carolina, a real voice in local government.
Born and raised in Greenville, Seth is pursuing a degree in Construction Management at ECU. But beyond the classroom, he’s running for City Council in District 3—a district where students make up roughly 75% of the population, yet have never had an active undergraduate representative on the council.
“It’s time for that to change,” Seth says. “Many local ordinances negatively impact students and the Greek community in Greenville. My campaign is about standing up for them—stopping the rapid increase in rent prices, ending targeted enforcement of city codes and parking restrictions, and creating opportunities for ECU students to stay and thrive here after graduation.”
Seth credits his involvement in Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity leadership as a driving force behind his campaign. “The Greek community at ECU has played a major role in my decision to run,” he explains. “While we may compete daily, we share a common goal: to make fraternity and sorority life stronger and more united. It’s been incredible to see every chapter come together to support this campaign and push for meaningful change.”
As the current chapter president, Seth says he’s learned what it truly means to lead—especially when faced with difficult decisions. “The most important lesson has been adaptability,” he reflects. “Leadership means listening to others, weighing all perspectives, and sometimes making tough calls that may not be popular in the moment but are best for the organization in the long run.”
Seth’s campaign emphasizes his commitment to representing both students and long-term residents. He believes that his dual identity—as a lifelong Greenville local and an active ECU student—positions him uniquely to bridge the gap between the university and the city.
“Students and members of fraternity and sorority life are often unfairly targeted through local policies,” Seth says. “I’m running to change that—to advocate for fair treatment, affordable living, and a stronger partnership between ECU and the City of Greenville.”
Early voting runs from October 16 through November 1, with Election Day on November 4. As election season approaches, Seth Hardee’s campaign stands as a reminder of what student leadership can look like when fraternity values of service, unity, and integrity are put into action beyond campus borders.
