UofA Student Becomes First Female African American Panhellenic President

By Caroline Hickman

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – At a university with over 125 years of Greek life, it has never seen a female African American serve as President.

Senior Taylor Johnson became the first and she didn’t even know she was making University of Arkansas history. 

“I wasn’t necessarily shocked because we are in the south, but just having that platform and just being able to start that role and that change was really awesome,” Johnson said.

Last year Taylor served as the chapter president for Delta Gamma. But, before her time on the DG executive board began she was unsure of the path she wanted to take in Greek Life.

“I was just kind of on the fence about it,” Johnson said. But when DG showed up on campus Johnson said it was a “slap in the face” to her, and it pushed her in the direction she needed to take. “I really loved these girls and these connections I was already making.”

While leading an entire sorority and going to class every day Johnson still made time for the job she started as a freshman. She works in the Razorback laundry truck helping busy students with their clothes.

She is also in charge of driving the giant truck. “I have never driven anything bigger than a Toyota Camry,” Johnson said. “You just have to take really wide turns.”

Johnson’s plans for after graduation still allow her to work with her chapter as an advisor. Along with that, Johnson is looking into attending law school.