At East Carolina University, fraternity leaders continue to play a significant role in shaping student government and campus leadership. One example is Ryan Grant, a member of Alpha Tau Omega who currently serves as Student Body President while continuing to contribute to the fraternity and sorority community that helped shape his leadership journey.
Originally from Moseley, Virginia, Grant is a Business Marketing major who is a junior by year but a senior by credits. His leadership experience spans both his fraternity and the broader campus community, where he has steadily built a record of service and impact.
Leadership Rooted in Fraternity Experience
Grant credits much of his leadership development to the mentorship and opportunities he found within his fraternity. Throughout his time in Alpha Tau Omega, he has served in several chapter leadership roles including Recruitment Chair (2023–2024), Vice President (2024–2025), Historian (2025), and Scholarship Chair (2025–Present).
He believes those experiences were foundational to his success in student government.
“My chapter has propelled me into all aspects of leadership. I would not be in my current position if it weren’t for older mentors in my chapter.”
The broader fraternity and sorority community also played a major role in helping him win his election.
“The fraternity and sorority community played a large role in our campaign.”
Building Leadership Across Campus
Grant’s campus involvement extends beyond his presidency. Prior to becoming Student Body President, he served as Vice President of Recruitment for the Interfraternity Council and as an SGA At-Large Representative, experiences that allowed him to build relationships across campus and better understand the needs of the student body.
His leadership efforts have also had a tangible impact within his fraternity chapter. During his time as Recruitment Chair, he helped recruit the largest candidate class in the chapter’s history. He also played a role in helping the chapter secure its first lettered property, strengthening the fraternity’s long-term presence on campus.
Through these efforts, Grant has helped influence hundreds of students entering the fraternity and sorority community at East Carolina.
Lessons from the Campaign Trail
For students considering a run for student government, Grant emphasizes the importance of organization and strong grassroots support.
“Create a large team outside of your main campaign team that will work on the ground during your voting period. Market yourself to the fullest extent.”
Once elected, he believes effective leadership depends on surrounding yourself with people who are willing to offer honest feedback. “Having people inside student government who will challenge you—not always the ‘yes man.’”
Advice for Future Leaders
Grant encourages aspiring student leaders to commit fully to their goals and take the time to learn the system they want to lead.
“Give it everything you have, not just 99%. Study it.”
For him, leadership ultimately comes down to service and empowering others.
“Being a leader is not about having a title; it’s about service and delegation.”
Looking Ahead
While Grant has not yet settled on a specific career path, he is exploring opportunities in commercial or residential real estate, where he hopes to continue applying the leadership and relationship-building skills he developed through both student government and fraternity life.
His story reflects a broader trend seen across campuses nationwide: fraternity men stepping forward to serve their universities and lead their peers. Through initiatives like ENGAGE, these leadership pathways continue to connect fraternity experience with meaningful roles in student government and beyond.
