Latrisha “Trish” Robinson dedicates her new position at USI to improving Greek Life and preserving its past traditions.
The new program adviser for Greek life said she applauds the efforts of her predecessor, David Stetter.
When Stetter stepped into the position in July 2010, USI had five fraternities and three sororities with a total of 359 students involved.
After his departure to Washington University last Spring, the former greek life advisor left behind seven Interfraternity Council fraternities, four Panhellenic sororities and two National Pan-Hellenic Council sororities with more than 600 students involved.
Robinson said she hopes to follow in his footsteps.
The new addition to the university is fresh out of graduate school at The Citadel Military College in Charleston, South Carolina. Robinson also attended the College of Charleston, where she was involved in Greek life and majored in college counseling and student life affairs.
“A lot of this year will be the same as years past,” Robinson said. “(Recruitment) has been an effective system in the past and has worked really well.”
A few minor changes made to fraternity recruitment includes strongly encouraging young men to visit a minimum of three fraternities before making a decision.
It allows each individual and fraternity to make a more educated choice on members or fraternities they choose, she said.
Also, no early bids were allowed before rush week. While Robinson plans on keeping things primarily the same this year, she said she isn’t afraid of change.
Attending a university established in 1770 showed her the positive and negative side of tradition, and she is excited to work at a newer institution, she said.
“For me, I have seen how tradition can sometimes hold you back, and you can create your own traditions, but make sure you are creating them for the right reasons,” Robinson said.
She boasts a lot of excitement and energy about her upcoming responsibilities as Greek life adviser, she said.
As a Sigma Gamma Row herself, she knows what great life experiences and lessons can be learned by going Greek, and said she encourages students to stop by with any inquiries or concerns regarding Greek life.
“Greek life,” she said, “is an important part of my life.”