Top Stories of 2017: Kappa Delta House Director Raises the Bar on Southern Charm

Once you get to know Kappa Delta Sorority House Director Sue “Shug” Hodge, it’s easy to understand why the KDs excel at Ole Miss. Steve Vassallo of HottyToddy.com visited the KD house to have a chat with this dynamic lady. He said he left enlightened and knew he had just experienced someone very, very special.
HottyToddy.com: Sue, thank you for visiting with us and providing the opportunity to see this beautiful house. How do you like being a house director and living in Oxford?
Sue Hodge: Actually, I was born and raised here in Oxford. My mother worked on campus while I was growing up (having lost my father), and I also worked at the Business School for the majority of my 32 years with the university. My position here makes me very happy because of the girls! I always wanted a large family, and now I have one!
HottyToddy.com: You and your family are Ole Miss Rebels, right?
Sue Hodge: That is correct. My daughter, Mary Martha Crowe, recently served on the KD Chapter Advisory Board, and my son, Tee, lives in Louisiana but comes home for games every chance he gets.
HottyToddy.com: How does Mary Martha feel about you residing at her former sorority house?
Sue Hodge: “Delighted” is how I would describe it best. Both of my children are glad I have the house director position.
 
HottyToddy.com: What are the primary responsibilities of a house director?
Sue Hodge: To ensure the safety of our members and make sure that the house is clean and everyone is fed. I enjoy the interaction with the girls tremendously.
HottyToddy.com: Do you find yourself counseling them often?
Sue Hodge: Occasionally. They come to me from time to time to ask my advice and opinion on certain subjects. This is the part of my job that I enjoy the most.
HottyToddy.com: Contrast the social aspects of the campus today to when you and I were here (Sue started her OM student life in 1970; while I graduated in 1969).
Sue Hodge: The greatest social contrast I’ve noticed on campus is in dating. When we were in school, boys would come to the door to pick up their dates. Now, they all just go out together with friends and meet.
HottyToddy.com: What do you enjoy doing most when away from the KD house?
Sue Hodge: Playing with my grandchildren. I have a good group of friends that I do things with, like going to movies, playing Mahjong with The Nancys and having dinner.
HottyToddy.com: What would you say is the greatest challenge facing today’s students?
Sue Hodge: Time management. Our members are focused on academics while being involved in philanthropic activities as well as interning and traveling abroad for class credit.
HottyToddy.com: How much emphasis and expense do the ladies place on clothing?
Sue Hodge: The cost is probably not nearly as much as you would think. They like to shop the deals, as they would tell you.
HottyToddy.com: What do the KDs like most about Ole Miss?
Sue Hodge: The environment here coupled with the tradition. They like the “smallness” of the campus, and many do not want to leave after graduation. A good number have been coming here their entire lives for games and different events, so this is like a second home for them.
HottyToddy.com: What do they like least?
Sue Hodge: Parking!
 
HottyToddy.com: Rush today is very different than in the ’60s and ’70s as to timing. Which is best?
Sue Hodge: I personally prefer recruitment before school begins because recruitment during the fall semester is such a distraction from the girls’ studies.
HottyToddy.com: We imagine your friendships and contact with the girls does not end with graduation?
Sue Hodge: Thankfully, no. I enjoy attending the girls’ weddings and look forward to receiving Christmas cards of their precious children. I have also developed close friendships with parents through the years. This only adds to the wonderful appeal of my position as KD house director.

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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