From ECU student to City Council: Seth Hardee represents Greenville’s next generation

Senior Honors College student and Greenville native Seth Hardee is passionate about getting involved on and off campus. As both a resident and an ECU student, Hardee recognized that the university and its students play a crucial role in Greenville’s economy yet lack representation in local government. With the confidence and leadership skills he developed in Greek life and the support of the Honors College, Hardee set his sights on advocating for students at a local level. After running a successful six-month campaign, he was elected as Greenville’s City Council District 3 Representative on November 14, 2025.

Hardee said, “It was really great to know that so many students who had supported the campaign actually took the time out of their days to register here in Greenville and drive themselves to a polling location to cast their ballot for me.”

One of Hardee’s biggest inspirations was his freshman year roommate, Daniel Walker, with whom he refounded Pi Kappa Alpha during their sophomore year. Later, during their junior year at ECU, Hardee assisted with Walker’s SGA presidency campaign.

“He is someone who I have always seen as successful and created the drive in me to compete with him to better myself,” Hardee said.

That early experience working alongside Walker not only introduced Hardee to a campaign founded on leadership but also shaped his perspective on personal growth and involvement on campus. Reflecting on his own journey since freshman year, Hardee encourages incoming freshmen to find that group of friends that not only supports but also challenges them to succeed. He emphasizes that the next four years fly by so fast, making it important for students to get involved in both major-specific and non-major-related experiences.

“Enjoy experiences you would not have otherwise had, and get deeply connected within the ECU community in ways that will help you out in the future,” he said.

Using his own advice, Hardee carved a path that had never been seen before: an ECU student running for a local government position. Now, Hardee’s role on city council is to advocate for not just the students but also the permanent residents in District 3. From roads, public safety, and renters’ rights to residential tensions between campus and Greenville neighborhoods, Hardee is working to find ways to mediate students’ and residents’ involvement in the community. By continuing to live on the grid — an area of housing right off campus where many student reside — and having close proximity to campus, Hardee will stay informed on student and residential issues, both big and small.

Hardee said, “Students make up 20% of the population of Greenville and are a huge driver of the economy, so it is important that we have someone who has lived the experiences of today and be visible to them on campus so they know who to reach out to if they ever have an issue that needs to be resolved.”

Hardee is stepping into his position headfirst. At his first meeting, he followed through on his campaign promise to loosen restrictions on downtown nightlife through the “Bar 2022” ordinance. The council unanimously voted to increase the size limitation and remove the separation rule with the downtown social district, expanding opportunities for local businesses.

“This will allow for more competition between the current and any new establishments that open and will allow the students to influence the business trends downtown,” Hardee said.

Hardee and the council are already seeing progress across Greenville from new development sites around town to the creative potential of Town Common Park and the ongoing revitalization of First Street. These efforts aim to bring more restaurants, real spaces, and safe nightlife options for students and young adults, initiatives that align closely with Hardee’s broader vision for the city.

“My long-term goals for Greenville are to make it the go-to place in Eastern NC and capitalize on the talent that ECU brings and keep them in Greenville by creating high-paying, desirable jobs,” he said.

Additionally, Hardee planned to pursue a career in construction after majoring in construction management. However, his time on the council has broadened his perspective, exposing him to new challenges and opportunities that extend beyond his original career path. What began as a desire to serve his community while still a student has evolved into an experience that may shape his long-term future

“This position has definitely shaken up my career aspirations and has opened the door to many opportunities that would not have otherwise been possible. It has definitely made my decision more difficult, but it is a great issue to have,” Hardee said.

As Hardee continues balancing his roles as both student and city leader, his journey reflects the impact of stepping beyond familiar paths and the possibilities that emerge when students choose to lead not just on campus, but in the communities they call home.