Gentry McCreary, the University’s director of Greek Affairs, announced Monday that he will be leaving the University to accept the position of Associate Dean of Students at the University of West Florida in Pensacola.
“This was an incredibly difficult decision for me,” McCreary said in an email to greek leaders. “I have tremendously enjoyed the four years I have spent here at UA, and leaving here will be like leaving family. While I’m saddened to be leaving so many wonderful people here, I’m excited to begin this new opportunity at UWF.”
In the same emailed statement, McCreary said he was proud of the things the greek community had accomplished in the last four years. He continued by saying that, in every measurable category, the greek community was moving in the right direction.
“Academic performance is at record highs,” McCreary told greek leaders. “Despite incredible growth in our system, drug and alcohol violations decreased by nearly 10 percent between 2009 and 2010. We have eight fraternities that have taken the incredible step forward of implementing drug testing programs, with an additional four groups beginning programs of their own this fall.
“We have instituted a number of new programs that have contributed to student learning and development,” he said. “We have strategically planned the continued growth of our greek community, successfully adding two new Panhellenic sororities and four new IFC fraternities. We have accomplished much, and it is my desire to see that progress continues long after my departure.”
Ashley Getwan, president of the Panhellenic Association, said the Panhellenic and greek community has grown and expanded by adding new chapters every year under Gentry’s leadership.
“He’s also helped us with new programming on campus, which has allowed greeks to hold leadership positions outside of their houses,” Getwan said. “Although we will miss him at the University, we wish him the best of luck at the University of West Florida.”
McCreary’s last day at the University of Alabama will be Sept. 9.
