"The epitome of a professional"

By Kyle Hobstetter on April 20, 2018

It’s her biggest and most chaotic week of the semester, but Towson University’s Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life, Carly Heasley, still has a smile on her face.   

From April 16-21, TU’s Greek organizations competed in Greek Week—an annual competition of athletic/spirit events, educational programs and philanthropic components.   

While there is a “Greek Week Champion,” Heasley admits it’s the camaraderie among 40 different TU Greek organizations that keeps her smiling. 

“It’s a real point of pride in the Greek life community,” she said. “Everyone comes and supports each other. I think it’s a real positive for our community, seeing tons of inter-fraternal support. (Greek Week) is their outlet for fun, and to grow their bond as a brotherhood or sisterhood.”  

Heasley experienced that support when she joined the Delta Phi Epsilon sorority at West Chester University. Her experience pushed her toward Greek life administration so she could help other students grow and develop.   

“I had a great personal experience through Greek life,” Heasley said. “I stayed in Greek life because I see the impact it has on students, and the positive experiences they get out of it. The friendships they’re making, seeing the bigger picture of a large national organization, and having a connection to something that is hopefully going to be part of their life forever.” 

Heasley, who has a master’s degree in higher education and student affairs from the University of South Carolina, worked as a graduate assistant for the USC’s Leadership Programs office.  

She brought this experience to TU, implementing several leadership programs for TU fraternity and sorority students. These include the Greek Emerging Leaders Program, Greek Ambassadors, Greek 101, as well as helping with TU’s LeaderShape Institute.  

 “I think it’s great to have this leadership model for Greek life, where they can start here, work their way up, and have all these opportunities to enhance their leadership skills,” Heasley explained. 

Heasley has been in TU’s Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life for over four years but has only been full-time director since last November. Soon after, her coordinator left for another job, leaving her the only one in her office.  

But the rest of the Office of Campus Life stepped in with a helping hand at events or giving moral support.  And while she finally has a staff this semester, Heasley has impressed her colleagues in campus life with her dedication.  

“Carly is an incredible employee going above and beyond her job duties,” says Matt Lenno, TU associate vice president of campus life. “Carly is the epitome of what a self-starter is and what an organized professional should look like. With everything on her plate she is still successful, enjoyable to be around and is an extremely competent individual and team player.” 

As Greek Week comes to an end, Heasley will soon watch a lot of the freshmen she met her first year on campus graduate. She hopes their time in a TU fraternity or sorority has not only helped them succeed, but also has prepared them to take their next steps.  

“We need to give our students opportunities to gain skills and help them learn, develop and grow as leaders,” she said.  “That’s so important. That’s going to help them make better decisions, help them grow their organizations, continue to win awards and do great work in the community.”