Meet Alexis Davis!
By: Malia Savas
Alexis has been at Pitt for almost five and a half years, and currently serves as the Assistant Director for the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life at Pitt. Currently, she is active in a Graduate Chapter, where she serves as an Undergraduate Advisor and Chapter Historian for the Upsilon Eta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.. Additionally, during her time at the Indiana University of PA, she joined Zeta Phi Beta Sorority in Spring of 2013 through the Mu Kappa Chapter. Though she struggled to decide on next steps after completing her Bachelor’s Degree, her friends pushed her to obtain a Master's Degree in Student Affairs and try out a Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) Advisor job, and the rest is history.
“No day looks the same,” said Alexis. “Outside of answering emails, I have meetings with student leaders, assist with Fraternity and Sorority housing, create different leadership development programming for FSL students, and assist with office marketing and communications.” She also works to help plan, facilitate, and execute FSL events. Her two favorites are the National Pan-Hellenic Council Steel City Step Show and Greek Sing, which bring together Pitt students, Pitt FSL alumni, and the greater Pittsburgh community.
Alexis believes that if a student enjoys serving in a mentor type of role may think to consider a career working in Student Affairs.
“It’s rewarding for staff to guide and support students,” said Alexis. “Also, when attending fun events it can feel like you’re still in college!” However, she emphasizes that the work these organizations do is so much more than just putting on beloved events. “These are organizations who care deeply about the communities they serve. They care about mental health, leadership development opportunities, and every day they work to uphold their brotherhoods and sisterhoods,” she said.
For students considering getting involved with FSL, Alexis urges them to take a chance. “Be open-minded,” she said. “I was someone who thought sororities served no purpose until I learned about the community service and uplifting work sororities do. You also never know who you will connect with, and finding an organization that matches your personal values can make the experience rewarding and fulfilling,” she said. “There is so much more to our FSL groups than any negative stereotype that is out there in the world.” Alexis states her time during FSL allowed her to become a part of an organization that she truly loved, and see her friends become better versions of themselves. The support and care she received from her own Undergraduate FSL advisor also helped to push her towards wanting to provide the same cheer for other students as she had.
“It can honestly help a large campus feel smaller,” said Alexis. “Joining the FSL community does bring lifelong friendships, and people who are there to support you, share the same values as you, and push you so that you are successful. It’s a rewarding community to join.”
For students looking to explore a career in Student Affairs or Pitt FSL, she advises them to try, and to start with a Student Affairs professional who they trust and/or have a good relationship with. Someone will be happy to get involved, answer their questions, and help to determine if a career in Student Affairs could be right for them.
To learn more about Pitt Fraternity and Sorority Life, visit https://www.studentaffairs.pitt.edu/fraternity-and-sorority-life.