Sorority Chat

In today's episode of Sorority Chat, Liz Alexander welcomes Colette Buxton, a Pi Beta Phi alumna from Oklahoma State and an owner’s rep with Cooper Project Advisors, to discuss how her volunteer leadership as house corporation president and building committee head led her chapter through a tear-down and rebuild of its outdated 1962 chapter house and ultimately helped her pivot careers after 30 years in IT software sales. Colette shares lessons from completing a 36,000-square-foot rebuild with collegians moving in January 2025, on time and under budget, including why building committees must stay small, require firm commitments, and clarify decision-making authority for a multi-year process. They cover why her chapter chose to rebuild based on a feasibility study and renovation uncertainty, how they raised $9.6 million through alumni engagement and house tours, the value of hiring professionals early, and how an owner’s rep helps manage complex stakeholder communication.📌 Connect with  Colette:In linkedin.com/in/colettebuxton/  🌐  cooperpa.com📌 Connect with Liz: 📸 ⁠⁠Instagram: @pdrinteriors⁠🌐  ⁠Website: PDR Interiors⁠⁠ Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe to Sorority Chat on your favorite podcast platform!If you loved this episode, leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review and share it with a friend in your sorority circle!Sorority Chat explores Greek housing, design, and the relationships and experiences that help women thrive in college and beyond. Host Liz Alexander, an Alpha Gamma Delta alumna and owner of PDR Interiors, welcomes guests for approachable conversations about chapter houses, recruitment, leadership, friendship, and life after campus. Each episode offers practical insights for collegiate members, alumnae, house directors, and sorority leaders. Sorority Chat is the official podcast partner of the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC).Episode Highlights:00:00 Podcast Cold Open00:53 Meet Colette Buxton02:30 From IT Sales to Construction03:23 Joining Pi Phi05:29 House Corp and Rebuild Vote07:20 Remote Volunteer Committees09:03 Right-Size the Committee13:09 Tipping Point to Rebuild15:47 Feasibility Study Explained17:23 Fundraising Wins and Tours20:11 Why Hire an Owner's Rep21:13 Decoding Project Acronyms22:38 Skincare Fridge Surprise23:10 Bring Pros In Early24:10 Changing Student Needs25:31 Finish On Time Under Budget26:31 Midyear Move-In Strategy29:03 Owner Rep Perspective32:30 Choosing The Right Rep34:49 Career Change Courage38:08 House Hot Take Wow Moment39:20 Final Wrap And Credits

In today’s episode of Sorority Chat, host Liz Alexander welcomes Alicia Conner, founder of Corporate Sorority Sister and longtime Chi Omega advisor at the University of Arkansas, to discuss how sorority life builds marketable leadership and business skills. Alicia shares her “aha” moments from 14 years advising a 600-member chapter, explains why peer-to-peer leadership and recruitment mirror real corporate influence, and tells a networking story about translating sorority operations into Fortune 500 language for an SVP at Walmart. They also discuss tracking sorority experiences and metrics for resumes and interviews, using an authentic personal style as part of a professional brand, and how faith has shaped Alicia’s calling. Liz closes with a “House Hot Take” on planning Greek house projects backward from recruitment deadlines for a smoother, stress-free recruitment season.📌 Connect with Alicia📸  ⁠Instagram: @CorporateSororitySister ⁠🌐  ⁠LinkedIn: Alicia Conner⁠ 📌 Connect with Liz: 📸 ⁠⁠Instagram: @pdrinteriors⁠🌐  ⁠Website: PDR Interiors⁠⁠ Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe to Sorority Chat on your favorite podcast platform!If you loved this episode, leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review and share it with a friend in your sorority circle!Sorority Chat explores Greek housing, design, and the relationships and experiences that help women thrive in college and beyond. Host Liz Alexander, an Alpha Gamma Delta alumna and owner of PDR Interiors, welcomes guests for approachable conversations about chapter houses, recruitment, leadership, friendship, and life after campus. Each episode offers practical insights for collegiate members, alumnae, house directors, and sorority leaders. Sorority Chat is the official podcast partner of the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC).Episode Highlights:00:00 Welcome to Sorority Chat00:47 Meet Alicia Conner02:06 Rewriting Sorority Stereotypes03:24 The Calling Moment06:02 College Builds Real Skills07:09 Inside a 600 Member Chapter09:02 Recruitment as Business Training12:19 Sticky Boob Leadership Lesson13:21 Big Sis Not Coach14:43 Harvard Walmart Sorority Pitch20:02 Track Your Skills and Metrics21:52 Style Is Part of Your Brand25:08 Authenticity Beats Generic Advice29:35 Faith Behind the Mission31:42 How to Connect with Alicia33:19 House Hot Take Deadlines34:24 Final Thanks and Subscribe

Liz Alexander opens a new chapter for Sorority Chat as the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) official podcast and welcomes back NPC CEO Dani Weatherford to discuss the current state of sorority life. Weatherford shares that NPC membership has grown to nearly 400,000 undergraduate members across 26 organizations, with about 150,000 new members last year, while noting a decrease in the number of chapters tied to uneven campus enrollment trends. They discuss upcoming NPC research on what drives sorority success across campus types, findings from parental-influence research showing strong support and a desire for early, official information, and why recruitment guidance should come from campus-based sources rather than paid coaches. The conversation also covers federal advocacy, including the STOP Campus Hazing Act and freedom-of-association legislation, plus a “House Hot Take” on how pride in chapter spaces shapes daily culture.📌 Connect with Dani and The NPC📸  @thesororitylifenpc🌐  www.thesororitylife.com📌 Connect with Liz: 📸 ⁠⁠Instagram: @pdrinteriors⁠🌐  ⁠Website: PDR Interiors⁠⁠ Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe to Sorority Chat on your favorite podcast platform!If you loved this episode, leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review and share it with a friend in your sorority circle!Sorority Chat explores Greek housing, design, and the relationships and experiences that help women thrive in college and beyond. Host Liz Alexander, an Alpha Gamma Delta alumna and owner of PDR Interiors, welcomes guests for approachable conversations about chapter houses, recruitment, leadership, friendship, and life after campus. Each episode offers practical insights for collegiate members, alumnae, house directors, and sorority leaders. Sorority Chat is the official podcast partner of the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC).Episode Highlights:00:00 Podcast Cold Open01:01 NPC Partnership Begins02:19 Membership Growth Trends04:27 Chapters Down Enrollment Cliff07:26 What Makes Communities Thrive10:23 Parents Influence Study14:44 Cost Value Proposition16:30 Getting Info Earlier20:22 NPC Training Programs26:49 Advocacy Hazing Rights30:45 Safety Transparency Tools33:45 Recruitment Advice Online36:12 Biggest Sorority Myth39:09 NPC 125th Anniversary41:30 House Hot Take Segment42:36 Final Thanks Subscribe

In today’s episode of Sorority Chat, host Liz Alexander welcomes Emma Simpson, an Alpha Omicron Pi member at the University of Tennessee at Martin, to share her college and Greek life journey in her hometown. Emma discusses choosing UTM after initially wanting an SEC school, discovering campus felt bigger than expected, and navigating recruitment pressure as a Chi Omega legacy before finding peace and belonging in AOPi. She discusses her leadership roles as director of academics and vice president of community relations, what it’s like to coordinate service and sister participation, and why authenticity matters most during recruitment. Emma also reflects on balancing a 4.0 GPA in a pre-health track with extensive family football travel, and she offers advice for students considering staying close to home.📌 Connect with  Emma:📸  @emmac_simpson📌 Connect with Liz: 📸 ⁠⁠Instagram: @pdrinteriors⁠🌐  ⁠Website: PDR Interiors⁠⁠ Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe to Sorority Chat on your favorite podcast platform!If you loved this episode, leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review and share it with a friend in your sorority circle!Sorority Chat is your go-to podcast for all things Greek life! Liz Alexander hosts this show for sorority leaders, house directors, alumni, and anyone who loves sisterhood and the traditions that make Greek life unique. From leadership insights to house renovations and recruitment tips, Sorority Chat brings you real conversations, thoughtful insights, and fun stories.Episode Highlights:00:00 Recruitment Mindset Teaser00:30 Meet Liz and Emma02:18 Choosing UTM Last Minute05:57 UTM From the Inside07:28 Why Greek Life09:01 Finding AOPi Home12:44 Leadership and Service16:47 Life After Graduation18:26 SEC Dreams and Bama Rush20:48 Proudest College Wins22:49 Football Family Logistics25:48 Advice for Staying Local28:51 Recruitment Nerves Advice31:01 Connect With Emma31:31 House Hot Take Segment32:41 Wrap Up and Credits

In today’s episode of Sorority Chat, host Liz Alexander welcomes Dr. Nicole Arnett Sanders (“The Doctor of Shopping”), a consumer behaviorist, marketing professor, and Gamma Phi Beta alumna, to break down why major brands are entering the sorority space now and what makes a Bid Day partnership feel authentic versus overly promotional. They unpack the Lucky Charms x Kappa Delta activation at the University of Arkansas, Nike’s presence around work week and pre-rush, and how social media exposure drives awareness and relevancy for brands. Nicole shares practical questions chapter leaders should ask before accepting collaborations, including expectations, alignment, obligations, and potential financial and tax implications, and offers guidance for chapters feeling pressure to “keep up.” Liz closes with a House Hot Take on how sorority house design choices communicate a chapter’s brand identity.📌 Connect with Dr. Nicole📸  https://www.instagram.com/thedoctorofshopping/📌 Connect with Liz: 📸 ⁠⁠Instagram: @pdrinteriors⁠🌐  ⁠Website: PDR Interiors⁠⁠ Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe to Sorority Chat on your favorite podcast platform!If you loved this episode, leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review and share it with a friend in your sorority circle!Sorority Chat is your go-to podcast for all things Greek life! Liz Alexander hosts this show for sorority leaders, house directors, alumni, and anyone who loves sisterhood and the traditions that make Greek life unique. From leadership insights to house renovations and recruitment tips, Sorority Chat brings you real conversations, thoughtful insights, and fun stories.Episode Highlights:00:00 Cold Open Advice00:28 Welcome and Mission00:55 Meet Dr. Nicole Arentt Sanders02:08 What Consumer Behaviorists See03:10 Doctor of Shopping Origin06:20 Social Commerce Confessions07:30 Lucky Charms Bid Day09:56 Brand Goals and Relevancy11:28 Behind the Scenes Logistics13:21 Sororities as Business14:44 Recruitment Growth Challenges16:56 How Brands Should Activate19:54 Vetting Collabs and Saying No21:34 Stop Keeping Up24:03 Consumer Decode Intensive26:04 Where to Follow Nicole26:48 House Hot Takes Segment27:59 Final Wrap and Credits

In today's episode of Sorority Chat, Liz Alexander hosts Pam Gibson, an alumna initiate of Delta Gamma, to discuss how there is no single path to sorority membership and how alumna initiation helped Pam join later in life after a nursing and nursing education career. Pam shares how a student introduced her to Delta Gamma’s Service for Sight philanthropy, how COVID delayed her 15-month new member period, and how she now advises multiple chapters. They explore mentoring first-generation minority students in Greek life through proactive new member support, study halls, academic coaching, and teaching college “life skills” like using campus resources and communicating with professors. Pam connects this work to her dissertation research on academic and leadership success for first-generation minority upperclassmen in Greek life, highlights the need for stronger alumnae involvement and updated contact information, and invites eligible participants to email her.📌 Connect with Pam:✉️ [email protected]📌 Connect with Liz: 📸 ⁠⁠Instagram: @pdrinteriors⁠🌐  ⁠Website: PDR Interiors⁠⁠ Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe to Sorority Chat on your favorite podcast platform!If you loved this episode, leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review and share it with a friend in your sorority circle!Sorority Chat is your go-to podcast for all things Greek life! Liz Alexander hosts this show for sorority leaders, house directors, alumni, and anyone who loves sisterhood and the traditions that make Greek life unique. From leadership insights to house renovations and recruitment tips, Sorority Chat brings you real conversations, thoughtful insights, and fun stories.Episode Highlights:00:00 Episode Teaser00:31 Welcome to Sorority Chat00:58 Meet Pam Gibson02:31 Finding Delta Gamma Later05:13 Why Sorority Matters07:17 Dissertation and Mentorship09:06 Helping New Members Thrive12:49 Teaching College Skills16:53 Why Alumni Stay Involved23:22 How to Become an Advisor25:53 Alumna Initiation Advice30:29 Dissertation Participants Needed31:45 Contact and Wrap Up33:18 House Hot Take Design Tip34:23 Final Thanks and Outro

On today's episode of Sorority Chat, host Liz Alexander welcomes Dr. Mike Ayalon of Greek University back to discuss how chapter culture and “early warning signs” can precede major incidents, referencing allegations in the Penn State hazing case and his ABC News interview. Ayalon, whose dissertation on hazing warning signs earned the 2025 Hank Nuwer Award, explains that hazing can include pressuring new members into dangerous, degrading, or illegal behavior, and argues that silence, normalization, and diffusion of responsibility allow problems to escalate. He outlines the role of houses, advisors, house directors, alumni, headquarters, and campus reporting systems in spotting patterns and intervening early, emphasizes accountability over shielding students from consequences, and recommends proactive membership reviews and functioning standards boards. Liz closes with a design “House Hot Take” on using durable performance fabrics for white furniture.📌 Connect with 📸  @greekuniversity🌐 https://greekuniversity.substack.com📌 Connect with Liz: 📸 ⁠⁠Instagram: @pdrinteriors⁠🌐  ⁠Website: PDR Interiors⁠⁠ Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe to Sorority Chat on your favorite podcast platform!If you loved this episode, leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review and share it with a friend in your sorority circle!Sorority Chat is your go-to podcast for all things Greek life! Liz Alexander hosts this show for sorority leaders, house directors, alumni, and anyone who loves sisterhood and the traditions that make Greek life unique. From leadership insights to house renovations and recruitment tips, Sorority Chat brings you real conversations, thoughtful insights, and fun stories.Episode Highlights:00:00 Episode Teaser00:56 Meet Dr. Mike Ayalon02:59 Penn State Case Context04:49 How Houses Reveal Culture05:27 Early Hazing Warning Signs06:46 Ecosystem And Bystanders12:13 Reporting And House Director Role14:51 Parents: Consequences And Accountability17:19 Three Questions To Take Back20:26 Membership Reviews And Self-Governance26:01 Learning Versus Shutdowns30:07 Why Alumni Advisors Matter34:06 Where To Find Mike Online36:16 House Hot Take: White Furniture37:38 Wrap Up And Credits

In today's episode, Liz Alexander hosts a Sorority Chat Podcast episode on what it takes to lead major sorority house projects from the perspective of alumna volunteers, featuring Sallie Hill and Monica Wittrock of the Gamma Phi Beta House Corporation board at Oklahoma State University. Sallie reflects on the multi-year planning behind the 2020 addition and renovation driven by growing pledge classes, the need for larger dining and chapter spaces, and the decision to preserve the home’s original feel while increasing capacity from 63 to 87 beds. Monica discusses inheriting that successful renovation and leading a later “refresh” focused on recruitment-facing spaces, functionality, and updated furnishings as campus housing expectations evolved. They cover volunteer workload and leadership, working with professionals, budgeting and saving for future updates, balancing tradition with modern design, and Liz’s “House Hot Take” on rethinking underused spaces to match how members actually live.📌 Connect with Monica and Sallie📸  instagram.com/okstategphi🌐 gammaphibeta.org📌 Connect with Liz: 📸 ⁠⁠Instagram: @pdrinteriors⁠🌐  ⁠Website: PDR Interiors⁠⁠ Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe to Sorority Chat on your favorite podcast platform!If you loved this episode, leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review and share it with a friend in your sorority circle!Sorority Chat is your go-to podcast for all things Greek life! Liz Alexander hosts this show for sorority leaders, house directors, alumni, and anyone who loves sisterhood and the traditions that make Greek life unique. From leadership insights to house renovations and recruitment tips, Sorority Chat brings you real conversations, thoughtful insights, and fun stories.Episode Highlights:00:00 Welcome to Sorority Chat00:55 Meet Sallie and Monica02:55 Why Renovate in 202005:06 Leading Without a Roadmap07:55 Monica Inherits the House10:05 Time for a Refresh13:27 Designing for Use and Meaning21:03 Volunteer Reality Check27:52 Managing Pros and Partners29:34 Budgeting and Staying Agile36:10 What Success Starts With38:29 House Hot Take: Dead Spaces39:34 Wrap Up and Credits

Homesickness, Anxiety & Recruitment Rejection: Life Coach Suzanne Hanna on Supporting College WomenIn today's episode, host Liz Alexander welcomes life coach and Alpha Chi alum Suzanne Hanna, who supports college and teen girls after 25+ years in education, to discuss what college women are struggling with as they arrive on campus: feeling like they don’t belong yet, overwhelming anxiety from unfamiliar surroundings, and unexpected boredom after leaving highly structured high school schedules. Suzanne shares mindset tools such as training the brain to seek belonging, reframing perfectionism as personal excellence, and viewing homesickness as love—along with practical coping strategies like allowing yourself to cry. They also talk about sorority recruitment as a public form of rejection driven by “rush math,” why it can feel like an identity threat, and how parents and trusted adults can best help by listening without trying to fix it.📌 Connect with Suzanne:📸  @suzannehannacoaching🌐  ⁠suzannehannacoaching.com⁠📌 Connect with Liz: 📸 ⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @pdrinteriors⁠⁠🌐  ⁠⁠Website: PDR Interiors⁠⁠⁠ Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe to Sorority Chat on your favorite podcast platform!If you loved this episode, leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review and share it with a friend in your sorority circle!Sorority Chat is your go-to podcast for all things Greek life! Liz Alexander hosts this show for sorority leaders, house directors, alumni, and anyone who loves sisterhood and the traditions that make Greek life unique. From leadership insights to house renovations and recruitment tips, Sorority Chat brings you real conversations, thoughtful insights, and fun stories.Episode Highlights:00:00 Homesickness Is Love00:45 Meet Suzanne Hanna02:11 Freshman Transition Shock06:52 The Mentorship Gap11:33 Crying Through Homesickness14:32 Recruitment Rejection Reality16:56 How Adults Should Respond19:07 Supporting Actives and New Members22:20 Perfectionism and Excellence26:39 Coaching Updates and Where to Follow28:31 House Hot Take Design Tip29:37 Final Thanks and Wrap Up

Beyond the Balloons: Tri Delta CEO Mindy Tucker on the Real Leadership Skills Behind Bid DayIn this episode of Sorority Chat, host Liz Alexander welcomes Mindy Tucker, CEO of Tri Delta, about Tucker’s op-ed “Beyond the Balloons” and what recruitment-season spectacle misses about sorority life. Tucker recounts visiting the University of Arkansas and learning how a Bid Day chair manages a six- to nine-month process involving theme approval, project planning, budgeting, vendor coordination, team management, PR, and rapid execution—skills she believes are undervalued and not well understood by employers. They discuss misconceptions about Greek life, the scale and professionalism of Tri Delta, ways to better communicate leadership development to potential members and parents, and new initiatives like an emerging leaders summit and advocacy “Hill visits.” Tucker reflects on how sorority membership builds influence, teamwork across differences, and lifelong encouragement. The episode ends with Liz’s design “House Hot Take” on reducing visual clutter.📌 Connect with  Mindy📸  @ MindyTF 🌐   tridelta.org📌 Connect with Liz: 📸 ⁠⁠Instagram: @pdrinteriors⁠🌐  ⁠Website: PDR Interiors⁠⁠ Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe to Sorority Chat on your favorite podcast platform!If you loved this episode, leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review and share it with a friend in your sorority circle!Sorority Chat is your go-to podcast for all things Greek life! Liz Alexander hosts this show for sorority leaders, house directors, alumni, and anyone who loves sisterhood and the traditions that make Greek life unique. From leadership insights to house renovations and recruitment tips, Sorority Chat brings you real conversations, thoughtful insights, and fun stories.Episode Highlights:00:00 Podcast Cold Open00:26 Welcome and Episode Setup01:53 Beyond the Balloons Origin04:15 Turning Sorority Roles Into Skills07:28 Changing the Recruitment Narrative10:31 Leadership Programs and Hill Visits13:08 Rushtok and Social Media Reality15:37 What Sorority Taught Mindy17:51 Sisters Who Made You Bigger19:16 From Politics to Tri Delta CEO20:51 What Parents Should Know23:20 Tradition vs Change in Tri Delta26:38 Why Women’s Orgs Still Matter27:48 Advice for Employers29:37 Final Question and Where to Connect30:38 Liz’s House Hot Take32:05 Outro and Credits