The team behind the scenes of Greek Life

During New Member Orientation week on Lipscomb’s campus, many people only see the silly outfits and irregularly busy Student Center. But what most people don’t notice is a team working nonstop behind the scenes to coordinate every day – even every hour – of the complex rush process.

With both a spring and fall rush cycle, Landon Parrish and Autumn Pryor stay busy year-round. They oversee student engagement at Lipscomb, and they play a crucial role in helping social clubs manage their new members.

This spring, more than 240 Bisons registered for the rush process in order to join a social club, breaking last year’s record of 226. Parrish and Pryor have the unique role of welcoming new members into over fifty years of Lipscomb Greek Life tradition.

Herd Media sat down with Parrish and Pryor to learn more about how the rush process is changing–and staying the same as Lipscomb continues to grow. 

This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.

Herd Media (HM): How does Greek Life play a role in broader student engagement on campus?

Autumn Pryor: We see a lot of our students that are engaged in Greek Life that are also engaged in other aspects on campus…They get to know more people and hear about different organizations and clubs, and want to get involved in that as well.

They’re on Quest Team, working in admissions, and having other leadership roles on campus. That collaboration is a big part of what we want to do more of in Greek Life…we want the community to see the positive impact of social clubs.

HM: What do you see changing as more students choose to rush at Lipscomb?

Landon Parrish: For me, the goal is growth. Both in quantity, but also in quality, and making sure the clubs have the tools to be successful.

A great example is last year, when we had a record number of girls rush. At that point, Delta Sigma had not been reestablished, and it was evident that we needed another girls club. I want every student who completes the rush process to get a bid…so I made it a goal to revamp the process and make it more inclusive. 

Adding Delta Sigma has been great; they took a huge class. And I want to open more doors; I want every student to see a club where they can see themselves in.

HM: What do you want to stay the same, even as clubs grow?

Autumn Pryor: I think just keeping the heart of what each club stands for: a Christ-centered focus. That’s what’s so unique about being here at Lipscomb. And I think that’s important for us to continue to cherish. I don’t think there’s much changing other than us helping the clubs grow and trying to help them grow as leaders.

Landon Parrish: The social clubs also have partnerships with nonprofits and philanthropy events, and that’s what I want to stay the same. I want them to have Sunflower Fest, and Full Moon Fest, and all the different events that support different causes.

Andrea Zeller is new in our office; she came over from the missions department, and she’s the new service coordinator for student life. Now that we have her as a resource, my hope is that people can see Greek Life as making a positive impact in the community on campus and throughout Tennessee. 

HM: What do you personally like about working with Lipscomb Greek Life?

Autumn Pryor: I’ve really enjoyed seeing the leadership in the Inter-Club Council, because I’ve really gotten to know all of the presidents and go through this with them. They helped me learn, and now I’m helping them learn. I just love getting to know all of them on a personal level.

Landon Parrish: I would definitely say I love the tradition of Greek Life at Lipscomb. I was a sponsor for many years and worked with the people in my role before me, so I’ve seen different iterations of Greek life. 

I love to see the alumni connection; especially Bison’s Weekend, when so many come back. I love Lipscomb through and through, and so I see myself as a kind of torch bearer of Greek Life right now. 

I know at some point I’m going to pass it off, and I want to be able to pass it off better than I found it. I’m honored to be in this role; it’s been life giving. That’s what I enjoy.

Feature photo of Delta Omega’s New Members on Bid Night courtesy of Lipscomb Student Life.