Kappa Delta - University of Alabama

3 L ife doesn't always go according to plan. No one knows that better than Kappa Delta's new house director, Barbara Harrison. After the unexpected loss of her husband of 34 years, Barbara was searching for change and found it as Phi Mu's house director at Florida State. "It didn't take me very long to figure out that I was meant to be a house director and there was nothing else I'd rather do!" After two years at Phi Mu, her current Kappa Delta position opened up. Barbara knew right away this opportunity wasn't to be missed. "I knew that Alabama was home to the strongest Greek system in the country and it was one of the few schools that offered benefits to their house directors, so I decided to go for it," Barbara said. "It also helped that Tuscaloosa is only an hour away from my grandchildren in Columbus, Mississippi." She's immediately made an impact at Kappa Delta. From surviving her first Alabama recruitment (which she loved), revamping the menu, and hiring a chef, it's easy to see Barbara is committed to making KΔ a better place. She's even created an Instagram account, @kdkuisine, to showcase all their wonderful food. Managing a 40,000 square-foot Chapter House and the staff required to keep things running is a full-time job, but it doesn't keep Barbara from interacting with the girls. "I have been spending a lot of time just getting to know our members and doing a lot of listening about what the girls expect out of KΔ and how I can enrich their experience." Barbara also worked with the sisterhood and morale chairwomen to plan fun activities like monthly formal dinners, speakers, and themed birthday dinners. "Planning and hosting parties and events for the girls is my favorite part of this job," Barbara stated. When she's not steering the Kappa Delta ship, Barbara enjoys spending time with her grown children, Sean (33), Tyler (29), and Shelby (22), and two wonderful granddaughters, Mills (7) and Francie (8 months). Decorating, cooking, shopping, walking, and traveling round out her free time. It's clear Barbara has made the best of life's unforeseen plans, and Kappa Delta is already so lucky to have a house director who believes strongly in the value of raising, supporting, and nurturing confident women. "I am very happy and feel lucky to be at KΔ and hope to be here for many years." Where She's Meant to Be Barbara Harrison Finds Passion as House Director Barbara and KΔ President Caroline Shannon '16. Barbara with members on Bid Day. Barbara organized a chocolate fountain and yummy snacks for the women. They loved it!

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