This Q&A offers a behind-the-scenes look at life as a sorority house mom, in her own words.
1. How long have you been a house mom, and what made you want to take on this role?
This is my seventh year total. I was at the University of Texas for two years as a house director, and this is my fifth year here. My background is event planning, and I’ve always worked at resorts or country clubs. I played college tennis, and my first job was at a resort overseeing tennis. I got into all kinds of events and taking members on club trips. I got kind of burned out because I was working weekends. The Zeta house at Texas was open, and someone told me about it. I was going to do it for just one year, but it was the COVID year, so I felt like I didn’t get the full experience. I did it again, and now, seven years later, I love it. I really do. I feel like it’s my calling. I think what helped me get the job was my background in events and everything that I did. You don’t have to be in the sorority to be a house mom.
2. What does a typical day look like for you as a house mom?
It is nuts. I’ve had the plumbers, air conditioning people, septic people, electricians, new doors put on and the locksmith, all within about 24 hours. What I like about this job is no two days are alike. Every day is different, and I love that. It’s a lot of dealing with the house, but it’s also visiting with the girls all day. We have 18 houseboys, and I love them. I try to get them from different fraternities, and they’ve gotten to be good friends. I talk to them all the time about golf, sports, and hunting.
3. What do you think is the most important part of your role in the sorority house?
The most important part really is safety. But I would say for me, it’s mentoring and being an encourager. I have always taken advantage of every opportunity that’s come my way, so I really encourage everybody to try out for things and go for it. If you don’t try, how do you know? You never know. I’m their cheerleader.
4. How do you support the girls in the house beyond your everyday responsibilities?
Probably more than anything, boy advice. I still hear from girls at the University of Texas who are dating someone seriously and might have a question. I love getting all the wedding invitations, and I try to make as many as I can. I would say it’s still being their friend after they graduate and being there if they need somebody to talk to.
5. What is something people might not realize about being a house mom?
I don’t think people realize how many hats we have to wear. I feel like I could manage really any facility after managing a house. We’re on call 24/7. I just don’t think people realize all the hats you might need to wear. I like that because it’s not boring. I think the old thought of a house mom years ago, especially maybe in the South, has changed. There’s just so much more to it.
6. Have there been moments when you realized how much of an impact you have on the women who live here?
It’s at the end of the year, with the notes and letters that I get. I don’t realize the impact, and sometimes it might be somebody I don’t even remember, which makes it even more special in a way. More than anything, it’s all the notes and letters. I really don’t feel like I make that much of an impact until I get those.
7. What relationships have you formed with members over the years?
For whatever reason, every president that I’ve had, I’ve stayed close with. Maybe not everyone, but I’d say the majority. I see them on a regular basis or hear from them, and when they come back, they make sure to come see me. I love that. That’s probably one of the most fun things—the alumni and the girls who were here when I was here coming back to see me. I love hearing how their life is moving.
8. What is your favorite part about being a house mom?
It’s the relationships. It’s being a mom to so many. I love it.
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