Sorority House Director Shares Insights on Her Role

Pennie Houle, house director for the Delta Omicron chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta, discusses the responsibilities and rewards of her position.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The University of Alabama has the largest Greek life community in the nation, with 48 Greek chapter houses on campus. Pennie Houle is the house director for the Delta Omicron chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta, a position she took on after being a stay-at-home mom for 25 years. Houle, who lives in an apartment inside the Theta house, has many responsibilities, from overseeing facility maintenance to helping the 400+ active sisters feel at home, especially the freshmen. While the job involves a lot of administrative tasks, Houle finds great fulfillment in forming relationships with the members and supporting them, even adopting the title of 'house mom' from the women.

Why it matters

The role of a sorority house director is an important but often overlooked position that helps maintain the smooth operation of these large residential facilities and provides a supportive presence for the students living there. Houle's story sheds light on the multifaceted nature of this job and the positive impact house directors can have on the lives of sorority members, especially those adjusting to college life.

The details

As house director, Houle is responsible for overseeing the maintenance and upkeep of the Theta house, which she describes as a 'commercial building with a beautiful house wrapped around it.' She coordinates with maintenance crews, ensures exterior changes are approved by the university, and acts as a liaison between the women and the kitchen staff. Houle also takes on seasonal tasks like choosing the flowers to plant outside the house's main entrance, which she enjoys. While much of her day involves administrative duties, Houle sees building relationships with the sorority members as a key part of her role, especially helping freshmen who may be homesick. She has embraced the 'house mom' title, wanting the women to see her as someone they can confide in.

  • Houle started as house director in the fall after being a stay-at-home mom for 25 years.
  • Each season, Houle picks what flowers to plant outside Theta's main entrance.

The players

Pennie Houle

The house director for the Delta Omicron chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta at the University of Alabama.

Kappa Alpha Theta

A sorority with a chapter house at the University of Alabama that Houle oversees as the house director.

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What they’re saying

“When I found out about the position and what it entailed, it was pretty much what I'd done at home. It was a perfect fit for me.”

— Pennie Houle, House Director (thecrimsonwhite.com)

“I want them to know that they've got somebody they can talk to in confidence. To me, that is really important.”

— Pennie Houle, House Director (thecrimsonwhite.com)

“I think it's great to shine a light on what the house moms do because we do a lot. It's our job to keep the house flowing seamlessly, and I think if you remove the house moms, things could go awry really quick.”

— Pennie Houle, House Director (thecrimsonwhite.com)

The takeaway

Sorority house directors like Pennie Houle play a vital yet often overlooked role in supporting the well-being and smooth operation of Greek life communities. By overseeing facilities, coordinating with staff, and forming personal connections with students, these 'house moms' help create a welcoming and nurturing environment for sorority members, especially those adjusting to college life.