Originally Posted by gee_ess (Post 2234909)

This visual made me laugh! But, Irish is right...however, I am inclined to blame the size of our state as much as the people. I don't think women are consciously keeping the tiers alive but this tiny state ( for reference, the whole state has a population the size of the St. Louis area) contributes to the problem.

You can play Six Degrees of Separation in every town and find someone who knows someone that you know- particularly if you went to the UA. So, by default, the traditional chapters and their reputations are more well known throughout the state simply because many of the citizens of arkansas either stay here after graduation or return here later in life.

People moving to the state from elsewhere go two places - Little Rock or Northwest Arkansas ( wal mart land) so there isn't a lot of opportunity for alumnae from other campuses to knock down those perceived reputations that are percolating in the gazillion small towns around the state. Then, those girls from those small towns head to the u of a and hear of groups they know nothing about or know very few adult women from those groups and the tiers continue...

My 2 cents...:)

Originally Posted by gee_ess (Post 2234909)

This visual made me laugh! But, Irish is right...however, I am inclined to blame the size of our state as much as the people. I don't think women are consciously keeping the tiers alive but this tiny state ( for reference, the whole state has a population the size of the St. Louis area) contributes to the problem.

You can play Six Degrees of Separation in every town and find someone who knows someone that you know- particularly if you went to the UA. So, by default, the traditional chapters and their reputations are more well known throughout the state simply because many of the citizens of arkansas either stay here after graduation or return here later in life.

People moving to the state from elsewhere go two places - Little Rock or Northwest Arkansas ( wal mart land) so there isn't a lot of opportunity for alumnae from other campuses to knock down those perceived reputations that are percolating in the gazillion small towns around the state. Then, those girls from those small towns head to the u of a and hear of groups they know nothing about or know very few adult women from those groups and the tiers continue...

My 2 cents...:)

Originally Posted by gee_ess (Post 2235103)

Oh Irish, I have to disagree with the " microscopic" number of college educated in Arkansas. That is painting the state with a pretty wide brush. I am sure it is comparative to other southern states. I live in missouri these days and I assure you I meet plenty of non- college educated people.

Originally Posted by DubaiSis (Post 2235117)

In their defense, in places where jobs like agriculture and mining are huge, especially relative other industry, college degrees are good but not critical. HOWEVER, they do provide enough income to send their daughters off to college...

Originally Posted by gee_ess (Post 2235185)

I do think the thread has done some good at shining light on why some of these state schools have the tough job of diminishing tiers. It is so much more than tradition...

Originally Posted by gee_ess (Post 2235103)

Oh Irish, I have to disagree with the " microscopic" number of college educated in Arkansas. That is painting the state with a pretty wide brush. I am sure it is comparative to other southern states. I live in missouri these days and I assure you I meet plenty of non- college educated people.