U of A Greek Life Gains a National Reputation for Outstanding Student Leadership

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Elizabeth Cordes and Julia Hohn

The University of Arkansas is nationally renowned for its outstanding Greek Life. In recent years the number of students who have joined the Greek community has increased rapidly. With these new additions to Greek Life, there has been an increase in the number of students chosen to serve as representatives on leadership councils both within the University of Arkansas community and nationally. Two outstanding women have recently been recognized for their leadership on campus, within their sororities, and soon to be, with national organizations.

Julia Hohn is a senior biology major and member of Pi Beta Phi sorority. When she is not busy with school or extra-curricular activities Julia enjoys the outdoors, reading and volunteering. Julia has served as the vice president of administration and chapter president for Pi Beta Phi. After graduation Julia will be serving the organization as a traveling leadership development consultant whose main objective is to ensure that the codes and traditions of the sorority are being upheld.

When asked how her experience with Greek life prepared Julia for her leadership roles, she responded, “Greek life has prepared me for my leadership positions in too many ways to even begin to describe. Not only have I learned great communication skills, but I have also learned how to work with many different types of people. Additionally, I have learned problem-solving skills, time management, but most importantly what is takes to be a great leader. My Greek experience has been nothing short of incredible, and I feel more than confident in pursuing my goals because of the experiences I’ve had and the relationships I’ve made during my time as a member of Greek Life.” After completing her position as a Leadership Consultant Julia plans to attend medical school.

Elizabeth Cordes is a senior honors communication major and a member of Kappa Delta sorority. During her time at the U of A Elizabeth has served as Kappa Delta’s Panhellenic delegate, vice president of public relations, a member of the Panhellenic Extension Committee, and the Panhellenic vice president of recruitment. After graduation Elizabeth will also serve Kappa Delta at the national level as a leadership development consultant.

Greek Life has taught Elizabeth the importance of servant leadership. When asked about her favorite experience as a student leader Elizabeth said, “Planning Panhellenic recruitment has been the best experience that Greek Life has provided me. I loved every part of serving as the VP of recruitment. It was the most fulfilling experience knowing that I created a program that helped potential new members meet their life long sisters. Bid day 2013 was one of the happiest days of my life, and it brought me such joy that so many women received a gift that will keep on giving for the rest of their lives.” Greek Life prepared Elizabeth for her future leadership role by teaching her to effectively communicate, delegate, and collaborate with others.

The Greek community at the University of Arkansas is helping students expand their skill sets and is providing opportunities for self-growth. Parice Bowser, director of Greek Life, feels that the students are gaining valuable lessons that will equip them to excel in all facets of their lives. More importantly, these experiences are preparing students to become marketable candidates for hire upon graduation. With these leadership council appointments Arkansas is starting to emerge as a national leader in Greek Life.

“Our community has gained a lot of national attention for having award-winning chapters and councils, as well as enormous growth over the past five years,” Bowser said. “These appointments add to our success and national reputation, which further shows why we at the University of Arkansas are well on our way in becoming a Top 50 institution.”