Vassallo: Tri Delt President, Stennett Smith, Thinking Global

Stennet Smith (center left) is the president of Tri Delta sorority at Ole Miss.

You only have to be around the President of Tri Delta sorority for a minute or so before you quickly realize how “together” this young lady is! Talk about impressive.

It’s clear why this sorority remains as a major force at Ole Miss. Stennett Smith is a junior who not only knows where she’s been, but understands where she’s going.

HottyToddy.com: Stennett, tell us where you’re from and what brought you to Oxford.

Stennett Smith: I’m from Corinth. Both my parents (Orma and Terre) are Ole Miss alums. I grew up an Ole Miss fan, but wanted to visit some other universities before making my final decision. UT Chattanooga, Sewanee and Appalachian State were among those I considered before selecting Ole Miss.

Stennet (second from top left) celebrates Bid Day with Tri Delta sisters.

HottyToddy.com: The Tri Delt sorority has always been considered among the nation’s elite. Why so?

Stennett Smith: We currently have the largest chapter in history of anywhere nationally. There are right at 473 members. Our pledge classes are larger here because we have fewer sororities, but still a great demand.

HottyToddy.com: Fill in the blank: The best day in my life was…?

Stennett Smith: This past summer I had the opportunity to serve in a Township in Cape Town, South Africa. I have friends who are missionaries who helped to direct me there. While on this assignment, I climbed Lion’s Head and experienced an amazing view at sunset. I was there eleven weeks.

HottyToddy.com: Being the president of a large sorority, what is the most challenging aspect?

Stennett Smith: Realizing I cannot please everyone while attempting to provide all with the best experience possible.

HottyToddy.com: Share one thing your parents taught you that you will never forget.

Stennett Smith: Manners. Saying yes sir; no mam; please and thank you will take you far in life.

HottyToddy.com: What is most difficult for today’s college student and why?

Stennett Smith: Hands down, managing time and attempting to balance school, community and extracurricular activities. There are simply not enough hours. I try to get seven hours of sleep.

HottyToddy.com: Comparing what you learned in high school til now, what has been the greatest revelation?

Stennett Smith: I attended a relatively small high school. The transition of coming to Ole Miss and interacting with all types of people and understanding why they might see things differently was truly a growing experience.

HottyToddy.com: Provide us with your two leading objectives for the balance of 2016.

Stennet Smith (bottom center) with Tri Delta sisters.

Stennett Smith: Achieving significant goals within Tri Delt regardless whether these are small or not and leading to the best of my ability. Also, going into my senior year, I want to embrace every second!

HottyToddy.com: Describe life in the sorority house.

Stennett Smith: I cannot wait to move in along with 68 other members. Being in the middle of things, getting ready for events and planning together will be tremendous.

HottyToddy.com: If you could do just one thing over, what would that be?

Stennett Smith: It would be changing my mindset entering Ole Miss. I would have been more involved my freshman year with campus activities. I arrived here from a small community of about 15,000 residents.

HottyToddy.com: Provide just one item of advice to a current pledge.

Stennett Smith: Look at all the mandatory events as an opportunity to meet someone new. Get excited about the event whatever it may be and take that level of enthusiasm into the experience.

HottyToddy.com: Let’s fast forward five years. What can we anticipate from Stennett Smith on or before 2021?

Stennett Smith: My post graduate plans are still uncertain. However, I would like to return to South Africa and live and work in the Township volunteering with the soccer academy. Because Journalism/English are my majors, I would enjoy writing about these experiences. The citizens there speak both English and Afrikaans.

HottyToddy.com: Shifting gears, with all the emphasis today on dress and appearance, what is the most challenging ongoing demand for young ladies?

Stennett Smith: In our society, you can either let it consume you or take it with a grain of salt and embrace who you are.

HottyToddy.com: Since you have been at Ole Miss, you have witnessed a football program getting better and better. Do you honestly believe the Rebels could lose a game this fall?

Stennett Smith: I like to believe we will win every game, but then again, ‘we are Ole Miss.’

The maturity and self confidence that this student leader reflects is powerful. Success is written all over her. Whatever path she ultimately selects in life, I seriously doubt a grain of salt will accompany her, but rather the entire salt shaker.

Steve Vassallo is a HottyToddy.com contributor. Steve writes on Ole Miss athletics, Oxford business, politics and other subjects. He is an Ole Miss grad and former radio announcer for the basketball team. Currently, Steve is a highly successful leader in the real estate business who lives in Oxford with his wife Rosie. You can contact Steve at sovassallo@gmail.com or call him at 985-852-7745.

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