About
A proud Delta Gamma alumna from the University of Mississippi, Liz worked as the Pi Phi house director at Ole Miss for a decade before transitioning to Tri Delta at Southern Methodist University in February 2022. Liz briefly contemplated retirement however, her dedication and passion for her work helped her realize she’s not ready for that step—and Theta Kappa Chapter is thrilled to keep her. She divides her time between Dallas during the school year and Oxford, Mississippi, during her time off.
Why Tri Delta?
“My journey began when my son moved to Los Angeles, and I was living in Arkansas. With him gone, I spent time with my sister in Memphis, who is involved with the Delta Gamma House Corporation. She mentioned an opening at Pi Phi and encouraged me to give it a try. I loved it, but as they planned significant renovations for the house, I considered retiring. However, I soon realized that retirement wasn’t for me; I felt lost without something to do.
“I’ve always had a deep admiration for Tri Delta as a national organization. When I saw the opportunity to become a part of it, it felt like an answered prayer. I had a close friend at Ole Miss who was a Tri Delta, and I was always impressed by how organized and capable they were. Little did I know that I would end up in this amazing role.”
What do you love about being a house director?
“I love the continuous opportunity for personal growth. Interacting with these young women keeps me young, as I need to think and connect with them on their level and understand their perspectives. They keep my mind open and prevent me from getting stuck in my thinking. It’s remarkable how sweet and kind these women are—I’ve yet to meet one who wasn’t. I love it when they ask me how I am doing. Additionally, I learned about them and their diverse backgrounds, which is both fascinating and enriching. The other staff I work with every day are the heartbeat of the house and my light. We treasure our lunches together every day connecting and catching up on all that is happening in the house.”
What does a typical week look like for you?
“There’s really no answer to that. It’s quite dynamic, and you have to stay prepared for anything. Every day is a new day! You wake up with one idea, and it can quickly transform into something entirely different. One minute I may be addressing a personal issue of a member and then next I’m handling a maintenance task. I’m basically an ‘on-the-job handyperson’! I’ve even learned how to operate water heaters and tackle tasks I’d never done before. Currently, I’m in the process of updating furniture and collaborating with decorators. I’m also busy planning for events like family weekends, and coordinating food and entertainment. One memorable day recently was a visit from Dereck Lively II of the Dallas Mavericks [NBA team]. He’s friends with one of the women, and I have to say, we all liked him!”
How has being a house director contributed to your growth and development—professionally and/or personally?
“It’s made me a more compassionate, forgiving and understanding person. I’ve learned not to hold grudges, and these changes have positively impacted my personal life as well. For instance, I feel like I now better understand my son. Moreover, it’s taught me to be open-minded and non-judgmental, recognizing that everyone is different. It has heightened my awareness and fostered an open-minded perspective.”
What advice do you have for those interested in being a house director?
“You’re there to set an example for the women and at the end of the day, it is so rewarding! Flexibility is key, as there’s a fair amount of give and take. Understand that this role can be emotionally and physically challenging. Your primary goal is to ensure the women have a positive sorority experience; taking care of both their needs and the house itself.”
If you are interested in learning more about our house director careers, we encourage you to visit the Tri Delta Housing Career Page, Tri Delta Housing Job Board or email hr@trideltaeo.org for more information.