Parice Bowser, who started at the U of A as the associate director of Greek Life in 2004, has been named assistant vice chancellor for Greek Life and associate dean of students.
Melisa Harwood-Rom, U of A dean of students, said that Bowser has been developing student leaders since she joined the university and helped build the program into the thriving community it is today.
“After becoming director of Greek Life in 2008, she has overseen the emergence of an outstanding Greek community. The University of Arkansas is recognized not only for its significance in terms of membership and growth, but our chapters and councils are consistently recognized for their excellence in scholarship, leadership and philanthropy,” Harwood-Rom said.
Under Bowser’s direction, U of A Greek chapters conducted virtual recruitment, providing engagement opportunities for freshmen while observing the appropriate COVID-19 directives. The Greek community also continued to engage in their philanthropies and leadership programming through innovative programming due to the pandemic, Harwood-Rom said.
“Most importantly, we recognize that in her many years of leadership, Parice has advocated for all students and has been dedicated to building a model Greek Life program,” Harwood-Rom said.
Greek Life membership and organizations have grown tremendously under Bowser’s leadership. She provides visionary oversight and leadership to the Charles & Cappy Whiteside Greek Life Leadership Center where she manages four Greek governing councils, seven Greek registered student organizations and 34 national fraternities and sororities consisting of more than 7,200 Greek leaders. She also works with eight university managed houses and 16 local house corporations for sororities and fraternities.
“As a woman of faith, it is beyond a doubt that I am here by assignment and led by a higher power to serve in such a manner. Through my faith, I am given the ability to lead our U of A Greek community with confidence knowing that there is purpose in my work for the greater good,” Bowser said. “I take pride in leading with a ‘students first’ approach including a strong desire and commitment to impact lives one student at a time. All of this drives my passion daily and makes me who I am both personally and professionally.”
Bowser said in her new role she will continue to foster excellence in fraternity and sorority life, build community through educational opportunities and shape exemplary Greek leaders for student success.
“I am truly humbled to serve in an AVC/AD role for Greek Life at the University of Arkansas. This opportunity demonstrates the university’s long-standing commitment and support of its fraternity and sorority life community,” Bowser said. “It also provides a model to enhance the support of chief fraternity and sorority life professionals across the country. Therefore, I am beyond grateful to be a part of this campus community. I am truly blessed to work with the best student leaders, alumni, parents and colleagues.”
Charles Robinson, provost and executive vice chancellor for academic and student affairs, said Bowser has provided excellent leadership for Greek Life in her roles over the years.
“Parice is a dedicated professional who cares deeply for her work, her students and her staff. She has helped create one of the most thriving Greek communities in the entire nation,” Robinson said. “She leads by example and instills in her students a strong work ethic and passion for service and philanthropy. Her impact on students and those involved with Greek Life can be seen in the things they have to say about her.”
John Wilson, president of Interfraternity Council:
“It is with great honor and immeasurable respect that I congratulate Mrs. Parice Bowser on her promotion as the assistant vice chancellor for Greek Life/associate dean of students. Mrs. Bowser truly represents the best qualities of the University of Arkansas and prides herself in being a Razorback. She continuously elevates our Greek students’ accomplishments and deeds; provides academic, career and personal guidance; advocates for fairness and equality; and leads by example, all while embodying the utmost standards of professionalism and humbleness. She requires nothing short of her own best, as well as those around her. She exemplifies her mantra, ‘Actions speak louder than words.’ I am extremely grateful for the relationship I have with Mrs. Bowser, as she has shaped me as an individual and leader. I wish her and her family the most sincere congratulations!”
Amanda McQuitty, president of Panhellenic Council:
“Parice is one of the hardest working, compassionate and empowering women I know. Her positive attitude and eagerness to serve all students will allow her to influence our Razorback community at an even greater capacity through this position. There are not enough words to describe how grateful we are for her dedication to Panhellenic and Greek Life. There is truly no one more deserving of this title and we are so excited for Parice and her well-deserved promotion to assistant vice chancellor for Greek Life/ associate dean of students. There’s not a doubt in my mind that she will continue to further inspire and influence the University of Arkansas in extraordinary ways! We are so proud to work with her and look forward to seeing everything she accomplishes in this new role.”
Khalil Buckmire, president of National Pan-Hellenic Council:
“When I think of a hard-worker and someone who is committed to their students in everything that they do, I think of none other than Mrs. Parice Bowser. I wish to congratulate her on her promotion to assistant vice chancellor for Greek Life/associate dean of students, as she is more than deserving. Within the past year, Mrs. Bowser not only stepped up as our director of Greek Life, but she has also taken on the mantle of looking over the National Pan-Hellenic Council. To me, this means so much as with her being a member of our council it shows representation to our other members. It shows them that they can have an important voice just as Mrs. Bowser, but it comes through hard work and determination. We believe that with her work ethic, passion to help students near and far, and her ability to rally students and administrators within this school, the SEC and nationwide, she will no doubt stand out in this position and make us as proud as she already has. Once again, I extend my sincerest congratulations to her and always remember, Go Hogs!”
Diana Jimenez, president of United Greek Council:
“As Parice S. Bowser takes on her very much deserved role as assistant vice chancellor for Greek Life at the University of Arkansas, on behalf of the United Greek Council, I would like to congratulate her on achieving a title worthy of her passion towards her students, staff and the University of Arkansas. Parice has demonstrated her dedication to Greek Life at the University of Arkansas through her devotion to students and her commitment to promoting a welcoming environment to all. Parice exemplifies the integrity and values the University of Arkansas strives their students to hold. The United Greek Council has had the pleasure to have the support and guidance of Parice, and we are delighted to have the opportunity to continue to work with her. She has exhibited a selfless and generous character that I have no doubt will have a greater impact on future Greeks as she takes on her position as assistant vice chancellor.”
Charlie Whiteside, U of A Kappa Sigma alumnus and member of Greek Life Advisory Board:
“Over many years, Parice has consistently demonstrated hard work and unique leadership in her role with Greek Life … which represents 31.5 percent of the total student body at the University of Arkansas. In my judgment, the university has the most outstanding Greek Life system in the nation … and Parice’s leadership, extraordinary student involvement and commitment to excellence are the reasons it has excelled! She richly deserves this recognition and promotion for a job well done!”
Bowser received her Bachelor of Science and her Master of Science both at Arkansas State University. She served as the coordinator for Greek Affairs at the University of Memphis before joining the University of Arkansas Division of Student Affairs. She is also a member of the Association for Fraternity Advisors, the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, and Association for Student Conduct Administration and served on the Association for Fraternal Leadership and Values Board of Directors Chair. She has previously served as the Fraternity & Sorority Knowledge Community Representatives for NASPA Region IV-West. With more than 24 years of experience, Bowser brings a wealth of knowledge in higher education including fraternity and sorority life. In addition, she has served in numerous national leadership positions and volunteer roles within the field including AFA, National Panhellenic Conference, North American Interfraternity Conference, National Pan-Hellenic Council and NASPA, to name a few. She is also a proud and active member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.