By: Georgia Caroline Patterson
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV) – University of Arkansas Greek life was named ‘Community of the Year.” This honor was presented at the Southeastern Greek Leadership Association conference in Atlanta, Georgia.
This annual conference recognizes fraternity and sorority communities for their accomplishments over the past year.
Awards given to Greek organizations at the conference acknowledge accomplishments regarding to leadership, philanthropy, community service, and academic achievement.
U of A Greek Life brought many awards back to campus shining a light on Greek community excellence. The honor “Community of the Year” considers the University of Arkansas to have the best Greek Life community in the country.
Parice Bowser, assistant vice chancellor for Greek Life and associate dean of students said “This huge achievement truly demonstrates that our hard work is worth it. The leaders we make, the relationships we build, and the skills they develop equip them for their future careers.”
The University of Arkansas Greek Life has over 9,000 members and is made up of four councils. 34 Greek Life organizations that call U of A home.
31% of U of A students are members of a Greek organization.
Being awarded ‘Community of the Year’ exemplifies the positive effect Greek Life has on the community and the university.
To be awarded the ‘Community of the Year’ award, Greek Life submitted over 100 pages of documentation. These pages include leadership development and philanthropic engagement. All four councils had to be recognized for their actions to be eligible for the award.
The U of A’s chapter of the National Pan-Hellenic Council was awarded for community cultivation and council impact. This award pertains to the members currently serving this organization.
Relationships and leadership go beyond the student’s time at the university. U of A Greek Life strives to prepare students with skills for their future careers. Greek Life’s commitment to scholarship and career readiness plays a large role throughout Greek initiatives.
Bowser said, “Our community is far from perfect. So, we continue to strive and become better in all facets of our work. This includes increasing retention and graduation rates, building better leaders, offering more leadership experiences, and strengthening our brotherhood & sisterhood. We have always done well in these areas. However, there is still more work to do, as well as achieve!”
Over the past year, the U of A Panhellenic staff helped with educational and social programming for all Greek members. Educational initiatives implemented by Panhellenic staff include inclusion and belonging, time management, and student retention. These efforts contributed to awards obtained at the conference.
For the second consecutive year, U of A Panhellenic was awarded the Dr. Lori Hart Panhellenic Council of the Year award recognizing Council Impact and Community Cultivation.
U of A Greek Life’s mission is to actively promote a diverse and inclusive community and develop lasting relationships between organizations, the University, and the community.
“This is what student success is all about and why UA Greek Life is such a vibrant and national award-winning community!” said Bowser.