Alexis Montana Harp (who answers to either Alexis or Montana) currently serves as the Assistant Director of Greek Life at the University of Georgia, where she advises the National Pan-Hellenic Council, helps oversee the Multicultural Greek Council, and leads community service initiatives and office marketing and communications. She is passionate about student development, mental health advocacy, and community engagement. She enjoys building community partnerships, supporting students in their personal and leadership journeys, and creating meaningful opportunities for service and impact on campus and beyond.

Montana began her higher education career through internships in college athletics at Western Carolina University, focusing on fan engagement, promotions, and donor relations, followed by a summer internship at Georgia Tech supporting Week of Welcome programming. After graduating from Western Carolina, she joined Duke University as the Assistant Director of Student Involvement and Leadership, overseeing fraternity and sorority life and the donor-funded Penny Pilgrim George program, which focused on developing women's leadership beyond formal titles. Through a cohort-based model, she helped develop curriculum and facilitate weekly sessions. Although administrative and funding changes at Duke eventually led to her departure, the experience opened the door to her current opportunity at the University of Georgia.      

Montana's professional journey with SACSA began during graduate school at Western Carolina University, when faculty encouraged students to attend the association's conference and present posters highlighting their first-year work. Her first experience in 2023 provided an opportunity to develop professionally, network with student affairs professionals, and deepen her understanding of the field. She also found inspiration in seeing familiar mentors and professionals, including Dr. Jane Adams-Dunford and Dr. Joy Hartfield, serving in leadership roles within the association. As her involvement grew, she explored volunteer opportunities and eventually applied to serve as SACSAlert Coordinator after connecting with former Vice President of Marketing, Chris Ndiritu. With an undergraduate background in communications, she saw the opportunity to contribute her existing skills while continuing to learn and grow. Through mentorship, collaboration, and the support of the marketing team, she became more involved in SACSA's social media, news, and communications efforts.

One of Montana's most memorable SACSA experiences was attending the New Professionals Institute (NPI) in the summer of 2025 at the University of South Carolina. Through guidance from Dr. J. Hall and conversations with her cohort, she gained perspective and reassurance, realizing that others were navigating similar career transitions and unexpected changes. She especially valued the opportunity to learn from professionals with different backgrounds and experiences, as well as the meaningful connections formed both inside and outside the classroom. The five-day institute became her favorite SACSA experience, offering an opportunity for personal growth, professional connection, and the reminder that she was not navigating her journey alone.

Reflecting on her journey, Montana describes her experience with SACSA through one word: willingness. From attending her first conference to serving as SACSAlert Coordinator and now stepping into the role of incoming Vice President of Marketing, she credits her growth to being willing to put herself out there, try new things, and remain open to opportunities. Montana encourages new professionals to remain willing, take risks, and try even when they do not feel fully prepared. She believes mistakes and unexpected experiences are essential to professional growth, and that fear or uncertainty should never prevent someone from putting themselves out there. Reflecting on her own journey, she emphasizes that individuals do not need to have all the answers or to have reached a certain level of experience before pursuing leadership opportunities. As a young professional, she hopes her journey challenges the perception that age or tenure determines one's ability to lead and contribute meaningfully. Her advice is to remain persistent, be willing to learn, and remember that a “no” today does not mean the answer will always be no.

She also encourages individuals to take full advantage of what SACSA offers. One of the association's greatest strengths, in her opinion, is its relationship-centered environment, which allows newer professionals to connect with experienced leaders, establish mentorship relationships, and explore different career paths. She encourages members to get involved by volunteering, serving on committees, or taking advantage of the many opportunities SACSA offers. Whether making a small contribution or committing to a leadership role, she believes there is a place for everyone willing to participate.

The quote she would share with incoming SACSA professionals is from Cornel West: “You can't lead the people if you don't love the people. You can't save the people if you don't serve the people.” This quote reflects her personal approach to leadership and her belief that meaningful change begins with genuine relationships, compassion, and service. She values connecting with people beyond their professional titles and believes effective leadership is less about what individuals can gain and more about what they are willing to give back. It also serves as a reminder of her purpose during challenging moments in higher education, reinforcing her commitment to student affairs and to serving others.

 Alexis, thank you for your many contributions, hard work, and support to the field and the organization. We look forward to seeing all that you do in the profession and the organization.