University of Arkansas Names Parice Bowser New Director of Greek Life

Photo Submitted

Parice S. Bowser

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The University of Arkansas and the Division of Student Affairs are pleased to announce that Parice S. Bowser has been named the new director of Greek Life, effective April 21. Bowser currently serves as the associate director of Greek Life at the University of Arkansas.

Her current duties involve management of the daily operations of the Office of Greek Life and directly advising the Interfraternity Council and the National Pan-Hellenic Council. Bowser also coordinates risk management efforts and assessment initiatives and manages programming for Greek Life. Current membership in the university’s Greek community consists of 27 national Greek letter organizations and more than 3,000 students.

Bowser has received overwhelming support from both students and alumni for the position of director. All chapter presidents on the Interfraternity Council supported Bowser’s candidacy and stated in a letter: “She has been able to create a collective feeling of trust and security among everyone associated with the Office of Greek Life.”

Jack Walsh, chapter adviser to Sigma Chi Fraternity stated, “Parice has earned my respect and my confidence to do an exceptional job as the director of Greek Life.” Kelsie Moger, immediate past president of the Panhellenic Council stated, “Parice is an amazing counselor and mentor, and she is also a role model.” Stephon Latham, past president of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity said, “Mrs. Bowser led our Greek Council by implementing programs that encouraged unity, diversity and growth.” Charlie Whiteside, president of the Kappa Sigma House Corp. said, “She has executed her job with 'firmness' on conduct issues and an 'understanding' of the challenges of managing the large fraternity and sorority chapters on the campus.”

“We realized pretty quickly that we had a great candidate in Parice for the director position. This was evidenced by the amount of support that came from current students and alumni members of the UA Greek community,” said Ashley Tull, assistant dean of students for campus life. “Parice is not only a leader in the Greek community here at the UA, but also is actively serving in several key leadership positions within the profession. This bodes well for both Parice and the University of Arkansas.”

Bowser's responsibilities as director of the Office of Greek Life will include management and coordination of all activities associated with Greek Life at the University of Arkansas. These include advisement of Greek letter organizations and recruitment programs; the development of working relationships with both internal and external constituents; the supervision of office staff and management of Greek Life resources; and training and response associated with risk management issues.

“I am exceedingly pleased to have someone of Ms. Bowser's capabilities leading Greek Life at the University of Arkansas. Greek Life has played a major role in the transformation of this institution to become a student-centered, nationally competitive, research university,” said Danny Pugh, associate vice chancellor for student affairs and dean of students. “Greek alumni and members make a difference every day on this campus and have provided generous support by way of time, talent and treasure. Greeks are students, faculty, alumni and benefactors. We know that Parice is the right person at the right time to continue to steward this system.”

Bowser is very pleased with her new position. “I am excited about this opportunity to build upon rich history and tradition within the University of Arkansas Greek Life community. I am grateful for the overwhelming support as well as the opportunity to continue the legacy of being a premier Greek community among institutions of higher education across the United States,” she said.

Prior to joining the staff of the University of Arkansas, Bowser served as the coordinator of Greek affairs at the University of Memphis, as assistant dean for minority affairs and Youth Opportunities Unlimited coordinator at Arkansas State University, and as an admissions adviser and programming specialist at Arkansas State.

Bowser earned a bachelor of science in radio-television and a master of science in mass communications from Arkansas State University. She has completed some coursework toward a doctorate in higher education administration at the University of Arkansas.

Professionally, Bowser currently serves as a board member of the Mid-America Greek Conference Association; as the Fraternity and Sorority Knowledge community representative for Region IV-W of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators. Bowser has also most recently served as regional director for Region IV of the Association of Fraternity Advisors.

Bowser is married to Thomas E. Bowser and is an active member of Christian Life Cathedral church, Arkansas Gospel Mass Choir, and serves on the Habitat for Humanity of Washington County board of trustees.