Why is Belmont Fraternity and Sorority Life ‘Different’?

Fraternity and Sorority Life at Belmont significantly enhances personal and professional growth

Students often remark that Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) at Belmont feels "different" compared to other institutions, but what exactly sets it apart? 

Simply put, the intentionality behind the recruitment process, the heart of philanthropy and leadership opportunities create a meaningful and enriching addition to the college experience. 

Belmont is home to six nationally recognized sororities and five nationally recognized fraternities. 

Alpha Kappa Alpha and Delta Sigma Theta are part of the “Divine Nine” — a group of historically Black Greek-letter organizations.  

A Purposeful Approach to Recruitment

While most universities — about 60% — hold Panhellenic recruitment in the fall, Belmont takes a more intentional approach. The University’s delayed timeline allows students to make well-informed decisions about FSL involvement once they’ve established their footing.

“We want to make sure students feel comfortable on campus and have that foundation underneath them before throwing in a whole new experience like joining a chapter,” said Kelvin Kelley, coordinator for student engagement and FSL advisor.  

Many students choose Belmont for the academic experience, and stumble upon FSL recruitment throughout the school year by hearing about it from their peers. With recruitment held in the spring, freshmen can settle into campus life and form connections before considering joining a chapter. 

Bonded by Beliefs: Values-Based Community 

FSL chapters are values-based organizations, each guided by a creed or set of principles that shape their actions and aspirations. Through consistent rituals and traditions, members reinforce their dedication to these values, fostering a sense of belonging and unity. Members of these chapters form lasting relationships with like-minded brothers and sisters as they pursue common goals and commit to shared passions. 

“They all have something that they stand for and try to live out,” said Kelley. “Most students at Belmont come in with a strong set of values in some way, so what better way to be part of an organization that also has a strong set of values that they're trying to live by as well?” 

FSL has the potential to be an experience that shapes the rest of their college journey, which is what happened for Annelise Wilson. Wilson is a member of Phi Mu and the former president of the Panhellenic Council.  

Annelise Wilson’s Story 

“I would be a completely different person if I wasn’t involved in FSL,” Wilson reflected. “I truly can’t recommend it enough.”  

Wilson joined Phi Mu her freshman year after her resident assistant recommended that she go through the process. She hesitated at first, mindful of the negative experiences she'd heard about sorority life at other schools across the country. 

“I truly believe that Belmont FSL attracts the best kinds of people,” said Wilson. “You’ll find that in every single chapter there are people with personalities, morals and values that align with yours.” 

Walking around campus, Wilson is constantly reminded of the connections she’s built through FSL. Whether it’s a quick wave between classes or a conversation in the halls, the sense of community extends far beyond chapter meetings. “Sorority life here never feels fake to me,” Wilson said. “Everyone is always their authentic selves. The community reaches every single college, department and building on campus. I think Belmont FSL reaches more parts of campus than people recognize.” 

In fact, 1 in every 8 students at Belmont is involved in Fraternity and Sorority Life, making it an integral part of campus life.  

Giving Back: Philanthropy as a Priority 

Philanthropic events showcase how chapters come together to make a tangible impact, reinforcing that fraternity and sorority life at Belmont is about more than just social connections — it's about serving a greater cause.  

“FS Live,” previously known as Greek Sing, is a favorite event among many FSL members. Chapters perform choreographed musical performances and compete against each other to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the official philanthropy of Belmont FSL. Over the past two years, Greek Sing has raised more than $100,000 annually.  

“We're always working towards a bigger goal,” said Wilson. “Our fundraisers and our philanthropies are what we really put the work into, and then we just have fun with all the other stuff.”  

FS Live will be held on April 6 in the Curb Event Center.  

Empowering Future Leaders: Cultivating Leadership Skills 

Belmont FSL prepares students to lead with integrity and make a meaningful impact. 

“It allows students to feel a level of responsibility and a healthy amount of pressure, but still in a very controlled environment,” said Kelley.  

Jay Bracy’s Story

Jay Bracy is the polemarch or president of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, INC. Even as a sophomore Bracy understands the transformative impact leadership has on students and on creating a healthy and welcoming culture of belonging on campus.  

“FSL gives you the platform to be a leader and thrive — it’s up to you to take advantage of that,” said Bracy. “By embracing these opportunities, students not only grow individually, but also uplift others and positively impact the entire campus.” 

Bracy is taking his experience within Kappa Alpha Psi to the next level by being nominated for a higher leadership position within the national fraternity.  

“This nomination is a testament to the hard work I’ve put in and the growth I’ve experienced,” said Bracy. “Serving in this new role will allow me to sit at tables I never imagined I could be at, alongside individuals who are shaping the future of our fraternity.” 

Rob Thomas’ Story

Rob Thomas, member of Phi Kappa Tau, was able to find leadership experience through becoming the member leadership development coordinator of the Inter-Fraternity Council (IFC). The IFC oversees all events and programming that are between fraternity chapters. 

Thomas also notes that his experiences in FSL have assisted him in being a great leader in other campus organizations, such as Bruin Recruiters, and the Towering Traditions program where he now leads as a member of the 2025 Orientation Council.  

“I find that a lot of the members engaged in the FSL community here become campus leaders of other organizations, like Bruin Recruiters and Towering Traditions,” he said. 

Thomas was passionate about finding leadership opportunities through his experience in Phi Tau. As the member leadership development coordinator of the IFC, he organizes events that help educate fraternity members and encourage them to step up as leaders both within their chapters and outside of FSL.  

His parents are both higher education professionals. Having heard firsthand from them about the challenges and risks associated with life in a fraternity — particularly hazing — Thomas was initially hesitant about joining a fraternity. Yet at Belmont, he found a community that takes a proactive approach, focusing on education, accountability and leadership development. 

Through initiatives that address issues like hazing, substance abuse and healthy relationships, Belmont’s FSL community is setting a standard that challenges common misconceptions about Greek life. 

At Belmont, fraternity and sorority life isn’t about fitting a mold — it’s about building connections, making an impact and growing into the best version of yourself. The authentic friendships made through this community often go beyond the typical college experience, showing that FSL can be meaningful, inclusive and truly life changing.