John O'Quinn
National Board of Directors

Q&A 

Name: John O'Quinn

Volunteer Position: Vice President at Large

Years of Service: 2012-present

Position: Partner, Kirkland & Ellis LLP

Degree(s)/Discipline: Practice law - JD, Harvard Law School (B.S./B.A. N.C. State University; M.Sc. Oxford University; M.S. Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

How did you become involved as a Phi Kappa Phi volunteer? 
I originally became involved as a volunteer member of the Phi Kappa Phi Scholar & Artist Award Committee. It was a chance to give something back to the organization. I went on to chair that committee, and was subsequently appointed a Vice President at Large.

What has Phi Kappa Phi done that has made you proud? 
Phi Kappa Phi's continued commitment to graduate and professional Fellowships is a real source of pride for me. Phi Kappa Phi is one of the few organizations the provides fellowship support for students entering professional schools. And a time when other organizations have had to curb their support, Phi Kappa Phi has stayed strong and expanded its programs.

What does Phi Kappa Phi mean to you? 
Excellence.

What do you enjoy most about being a board/committee member? 
The opportunity to work with energized faculty from a variety of institutions who are excited about students and student achievement.

What advice would you give to a new board member? 
The Board is a wonderful group of people to learn from and work with. 

What are your hobbies? 
I have 3 children who take up most of my free time with Cub Scouts, church, and soccer.

Where are you from? 
I grew up in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, and went to N.C. State University, where I was inducted into Phi Kappa Phi in 1994. My family and I live in Mclean, Virgnia, and I practice law in Washington, D.C.