Sigma Theta Epsilon
Encyclopedia
Sigma Theta Epsilon is an interdenominational national Christian
fraternal organization. It is the oldest Christian Fraternity in the United States, tracing its history (through a series of name changes and mergers) to its founding in 1925 at Lincoln, Nebraska
. Currently with twelve chapters, it is the third largest Christian Fraternity in the country.
II. To attempt with the guidance of God to live Christian lives of faith and service.
III. To provide social activities through service and Brotherhood.
IV. To provide a background for understanding ourselves, our faith, and our world.
life to our Brotherhood.
Appreciating the need for a statement of faith, and believing that such a statement can
stimulate and develop our Christian Brotherhood, and believing that such a statement can
promote tolerance, mutual respect, and cooperation amongst Christian denominations and
organizations, we assert our faith and beliefs as Sigma Theta Epsilon, National Christian
Fraternity, Incorporated.
Our Christian Brotherhood honors and recognizes the faiths and practices of Christian
denominations, as we base this statement of faith in the philosophy of "In Essentials,
Unity. In Non-Essentials, Liberty. In All Things, Love." The use of this statement of
faith is not for a molding process, nor as a replacement for individual affirmations of
faith. It is for advancement of community, discussion, training and refinement among the
Christian men who populate our Brotherhood.
Section 2: Articles of Faith
I. WE BELIEVE that the Bible, consisting of the Old and New Testament, is the inspired
Word of God and without error in its original writing. God has given us no greater
authority than the Bible in the areas of Faith and Practice.
II. WE BELIEVE in one completely holy and sovereign God, creator and sustainer of the
heavens and the earth, who is perfect, all-knowing, all-powerful, and eternally co-existent
as God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
III. WE BELIEVE that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ and that he was both fully God and
fully man. He was born free of sin to a virgin and lived a holy life without sin. He was
crucified, died and was buried. On the third day, He rose from the dead, appeared to
many witnesses and ascended into heaven to the right hand of God from where He will
come again in glory to judge the living and the dead.
IV. WE BELIEVE that all have sinned and continue to sin; therefore every person
deserves to spend eternity separated from God in conscious eternal punishment (Hell).
However, people may be forgiven of their sins and receive eternal life in heaven by
confessing that Jesus Christ is their Lord and believing in their heart that He died and
rose again. Salvation can not be obtained by man because of any human work, but
instead, entirely because of the grace of God. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life;
no one comes to the Father but through Him.
V. WE BELIEVE that God gave the Holy Spirit to dwell in those who belong to Jesus
Christ so that they might be conformed to His likeness and continually set apart in
holiness (sanctified) until Jesus Christ returns.
VI. WE BELIEVE that the Church is composed of all true believers, with Jesus Christ as
the Head. We believe that its members should assemble themselves together regularly
with the local Church for worship, prayer, fellowship, teaching and to serve one another
with the purpose of glorifying God. We believe that each believer is called to a life of
faith demonstrated by obedience to God and His Word, the Bible; furthermore, He
desires for us to stir up one another to love and good works, encouraging each other in
obedience to Jesus Christ.
Section 3: Scriptural Backing
Article I:
Luke 21:33, 24:44; Romans 15:4; Matthew 5:18; Hebrews 4:12; II Timothy 3:15-17; I Peter 1:25, II Peter 1:19-21
Article II:
John 1:2; Colossians 1:16-17; Isaiah 40:28; Numbers 14:18; Romans 1:20; Psalm 139
Article III:
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; 1 Peter 1:3-4; Hebrews 10:12; Acts 4:10, 10:42, 13:29; Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 2:22; Colossians 1:15-20; John 1:1-5; Hebrews 1:3
Article IV:
Luke 24:47; Acts 10:43; Romans 5:12; Colossians 1:14; Ephesians 2:8; Acts 4:12; Hebrews 5:9; 1 John 5:12
Article V:
Acts 4:12; Romans 8:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:8; Romans 5:5; Hebrews 10:15; 1 Corinthians 2:10; 1 Corinthians 2:14
Article VI:
Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 5:23; Acts 2:42; Galatians 6:2, 10;
Hebrews 10:24-25
at the University of South Dakota
, Vermillion, South Dakota, had been carrying on a program as a religious fraternity, which they called Phi Lambda Phi, for some time when it occurred to them that perhaps the men in other Wesley Foundations had similar groups which could be mutually helpful if they should form a union. The idea was brought up at the student council retreat at Ames, Iowa
, in 1924 and 1925. They sent an invitation to all Wesley Foundation
units asking those interested to send representatives to an organizational meeting. This meeting was held at Lincoln, Nebraska
on February 6–7, 1925. The delegates drew up articles of federation and elected National Officers, thus a National Religious Fraternity for Methodist Men became known as Phi Tau Theta
(meaning "Friends of God").
On October 8, 1936, another group of Christian men met and started a fraternity. The meeting was held at Indiana University, and Sigma Epsilon Theta was formed.
In 1939, a delegation of Phi Tau Theta
approached the National Officers of Sigma Epsilon Theta and proposed a merger of the two National Fraternities. During Thanksgiving break, 1941, Delta Sigma Theta was formed. The transition from two fraternities to one was smooth, largely due to careful preparation by the officers. When all seemed to be going well, Delta Sigma Theta
(a sorority) threatened suit against the fraternity for use of their name. The name "Sigma Theta Epsilon" was selected during Easter
break 1949.
Inactivity of the chapters (high in number - low in spirit) persuaded the National Conclave of 1968 to appoint a committee to examine the philosophy of the fraternity. The committee suggested that the fraternity change from a National Religious Fraternity for Methodist Men. This change saw a decrease in enrollment due to decreased support by the Wesley Foundation. The National Cabinet Meeting of 1972 realized that Sigma Theta Epsilon had evolved into a National Christian Service Fraternity, and thus adopted purposes centered on three main areas: religious, service , and social. These purposes were revised at the Conclave of 1975 into the four Purposes of Sigma Theta Epsilon we have today.
An all-time low was reached in 1975 with only two active chapters: Alpha Gamma at West Virginia Wesleyan College
and newly formed Epsilon Chapter at Ohio Northern University
. The following years almost saw the dissolving of Sigma Theta Epsilon as a National Fraternity. The addition of Delta Chapter at Mount Union College
in April 1980 stimulated new optimism and growth for the fraternity.
In 1988 Sigma Theta Epsilon struggled again through some growing pains. Delta Chapter had all but disappeared while Alpha Gamma Chapter's numbers began to fall. But 1988 also saw the start of the Beta Alpha Chapter in Oklahoma City. This new chapter grew rapidly, and soon joined Epsilon Chapter as the fraternity's largest.
Beta Alpha's designation marked what was hoped to be a re-birth for the fraternity, and all chapters from this point on would be named in succession following Beta Alpha.
This excitement carried into Spring 1993, when Beta Beta Chapter at Miami University
of Ohio was formed. An excited group of men gathered together and quickly grew to be as solid as any chapter. In the fall of 1993, Delta Chapter put together its first Pledge Class in almost five years. Led by an alumnus of Epsilon Chapter, who had been teaching at Mount Union College
, these men revived the Delta Chapter just weeks before the National Fraternity was to absorb their charter and assets.
The fraternity didn't see National Growth again until 1998, when on January 31, the Beta Gamma Chapter was initiated at the University of Cincinnati
. Thus began a substantial period of National Growth that continues today. Spring Conclave 1999 saw the formal initiation of a group of men from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas as Beta Delta Chapter. This group of men would mark themselves as one of the most active chapters in the Nation.
At the 2000 Spring Conclave, a group of men from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois pledged as a temporary club. These same men were formally initiated as Beta Epsilon Chapter at The English Chapel at Ohio Northern University during the East Regional Fall Gathering on October 21, 2000.
At the West Regional Fall Gathering at Oklahoma City University
, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
, a group of men from Northeastern State University
in Tahlequah, Oklahoma
were formally initiated as the Beta Zeta Chapter on October 26, 2002. Their road to establishing a chapter was a rocky one to say the least, but their persistence prevailed.
On April 5, 2003, the Beta Eta Chapter was formally initiated at Spring Conclave in St. Louis, Missouri
. These men from West Virginia University
were blessed to have pledged under the supervision of the sitting National President, Chad Burdette, while he was completing graduate studies there.
The recent addition of the Beta Iota Chapter brings the number of chapters nationally to eleven. This is the highest number seen since the 1960s. The current period of growth continues to look promising, as reports of groups interested in forming chapters at their own schools continue to surface.
Delta, Mount Union College
Epsilon, Ohio Northern University
Beta Delta, Our Lady of the Lake University
Beta Epsilon, Bradley University
Beta Zeta, Northeastern State University
Beta Theta, Ohio University
Beta Eta, West Virginia University
Beta Kappa, Missouri Valley College
, 1925-67
Beta, University of Nebraska, 1925-65
Gamma, University of South Dakota
, 1925-60
Delta, University of Minnesota
, 1925-51
Epsilon, University of Iowa
, 1927-41
Zeta, University of California, Berkeley
, 1928-31
Eta, University of Northern Iowa
, 1929–62, 1966-71
Theta, Ohio University
1931-43, 1945-72
Iota, University of Wyoming
, 1931-34
Kappa, Ohio State University
, 1934-68
Lambda, Kansas State University
, 1936–43, 1952-65
Mu, West Virginia University
, 1938-1970
Nu, Oklahoma State University, 1939-71
Xi, Indiana University
, 1936-57
Omicron, Miami University
, 1937-62
Pi, Bowling Green State University
, 1937–42, 1952–58, 1960-62
Rho, Fort Hays State University
, 1948-59
Sigma, Kent State University
, 1948-71
Tau, University of Oklahoma
, 1949-68
Upsilon, University of Nebraska at Kearney
, 1950-53
Phi, University of Michigan
, 1950-53
Epsilon (2), Oklahoma City University
, 1950-54
Zeta (2), University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point
, 1952–54,
Chi, Pittsburg State University
, 1952–53, 1960-68
Iota (2), University of Iowa
, 1954-60
Psi, Southwestern Oklahoma State University
, 1955-57
Alpha Alpha, Michigan State University
, 1956-62
Alpha Beta, Western Michigan University
, 1956-74
Alpha Delta, Pennsylvania State University
, 1958–65, 1967-70
Alpha Epsilon, American University
, 1960-69
Alpha Zeta, Central Michigan University
, 1961–63, 1966-71
Gamma (2), Mansfield University, 1967-71
Beta (2), Lane College
, 1974-75
Eta (2), Northern Illinois University
, 1976-77
Beta Alpha, Oklahoma City University
, 1988-2003
Beta Beta, (Miami University of Ohio, 1993–2008)
Beta Gamma, University of Cincinnati
Beta Iota, Illinois Wesleyan University
Beta Theta, (Ohio University), 2005
Christian
A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament...
fraternal organization. It is the oldest Christian Fraternity in the United States, tracing its history (through a series of name changes and mergers) to its founding in 1925 at Lincoln, Nebraska
Lincoln, Nebraska
The City of Lincoln is the capital and the second-most populous city of the US state of Nebraska. Lincoln is also the county seat of Lancaster County and the home of the University of Nebraska. Lincoln's 2010 Census population was 258,379....
. Currently with twelve chapters, it is the third largest Christian Fraternity in the country.
Philosophy
- "Appreciating the need for a closer Christian fellowship among college and university men, and believing that a fraternal organization can stimulate such fellowship, and believing that college and university men, if so organized, can have a much more effective influence on the life and leadership of the church and the world, we unite ourselves as Sigma Theta Epsilon, National Christian Fraternity."
The Four-Fold Purpose
I. To extend our service projects through programs of action to meet unfilled human needs.II. To attempt with the guidance of God to live Christian lives of faith and service.
III. To provide social activities through service and Brotherhood.
IV. To provide a background for understanding ourselves, our faith, and our world.
The Five Principles
- We Seek Fellowship: We seek the joys and blessings of intimate comradeship with its power to encourage, to give and to receive. We seek the deep personal discussions, the wholesome and relevant social activities, the cheerful, the honest, unswerving loyalty of friendship.
- We Seek to Serve: We seek to give to the world talents given to us. We seek to give our brotherhood a more complete understanding of the arts of living and to develop their talents in order that they may enjoy the more abundant life. We seek to serve as workers in any worthwhile project, having for its purpose to serve as disciples of our Lord.
- We Seek Faith: We seek in our hearts and souls that faith in God, His manner of working and His love, that nothing can dispel. We endeavor to build a faith in humanity and eventual victory of the right.
- We Seek Reverence: We seek that constant acknowledgement of God as the motivating power in our lives. We try to exemplify in our every word and action the respect we hold for the pure love of our Creator, friendship and worthy deeds.
- We Seek Love: We seek that spirit which is God within us. We seek to attune our lives in order that His love and mercy may find expression through us. As God is love within us, coordinating our every effort and motivating our every action, so the love of God through Christ is the cornerstone of our fraternity, completing and giving purposeful
life to our Brotherhood.
Statement of Faith
Section 1: PreambleAppreciating the need for a statement of faith, and believing that such a statement can
stimulate and develop our Christian Brotherhood, and believing that such a statement can
promote tolerance, mutual respect, and cooperation amongst Christian denominations and
organizations, we assert our faith and beliefs as Sigma Theta Epsilon, National Christian
Fraternity, Incorporated.
Our Christian Brotherhood honors and recognizes the faiths and practices of Christian
denominations, as we base this statement of faith in the philosophy of "In Essentials,
Unity. In Non-Essentials, Liberty. In All Things, Love." The use of this statement of
faith is not for a molding process, nor as a replacement for individual affirmations of
faith. It is for advancement of community, discussion, training and refinement among the
Christian men who populate our Brotherhood.
Section 2: Articles of Faith
I. WE BELIEVE that the Bible, consisting of the Old and New Testament, is the inspired
Word of God and without error in its original writing. God has given us no greater
authority than the Bible in the areas of Faith and Practice.
II. WE BELIEVE in one completely holy and sovereign God, creator and sustainer of the
heavens and the earth, who is perfect, all-knowing, all-powerful, and eternally co-existent
as God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
III. WE BELIEVE that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ and that he was both fully God and
fully man. He was born free of sin to a virgin and lived a holy life without sin. He was
crucified, died and was buried. On the third day, He rose from the dead, appeared to
many witnesses and ascended into heaven to the right hand of God from where He will
come again in glory to judge the living and the dead.
IV. WE BELIEVE that all have sinned and continue to sin; therefore every person
deserves to spend eternity separated from God in conscious eternal punishment (Hell).
However, people may be forgiven of their sins and receive eternal life in heaven by
confessing that Jesus Christ is their Lord and believing in their heart that He died and
rose again. Salvation can not be obtained by man because of any human work, but
instead, entirely because of the grace of God. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life;
no one comes to the Father but through Him.
V. WE BELIEVE that God gave the Holy Spirit to dwell in those who belong to Jesus
Christ so that they might be conformed to His likeness and continually set apart in
holiness (sanctified) until Jesus Christ returns.
VI. WE BELIEVE that the Church is composed of all true believers, with Jesus Christ as
the Head. We believe that its members should assemble themselves together regularly
with the local Church for worship, prayer, fellowship, teaching and to serve one another
with the purpose of glorifying God. We believe that each believer is called to a life of
faith demonstrated by obedience to God and His Word, the Bible; furthermore, He
desires for us to stir up one another to love and good works, encouraging each other in
obedience to Jesus Christ.
Section 3: Scriptural Backing
Article I:
Luke 21:33, 24:44; Romans 15:4; Matthew 5:18; Hebrews 4:12; II Timothy 3:15-17; I Peter 1:25, II Peter 1:19-21
Article II:
John 1:2; Colossians 1:16-17; Isaiah 40:28; Numbers 14:18; Romans 1:20; Psalm 139
Article III:
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; 1 Peter 1:3-4; Hebrews 10:12; Acts 4:10, 10:42, 13:29; Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 2:22; Colossians 1:15-20; John 1:1-5; Hebrews 1:3
Article IV:
Luke 24:47; Acts 10:43; Romans 5:12; Colossians 1:14; Ephesians 2:8; Acts 4:12; Hebrews 5:9; 1 John 5:12
Article V:
Acts 4:12; Romans 8:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:8; Romans 5:5; Hebrews 10:15; 1 Corinthians 2:10; 1 Corinthians 2:14
Article VI:
Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 5:23; Acts 2:42; Galatians 6:2, 10;
Hebrews 10:24-25
Origin of the Name
The name "Sigma Theta Epsilon" finds its roots in the Greek words, "Sunergoi Theou Esman", meaning "Fellow Workers with God". This is taken from I Corinthians 3:9, and should be a constant reminder of our duty as a Christian Brotherhood.History
A group of Methodist men in the Wesley FoundationWesley Foundation
A Wesley Foundation is a United Methodist campus ministry sponsored in full or in part by the United Methodist Church on a non-church owned and operated campus...
at the University of South Dakota
University of South Dakota
The University of South Dakota ', the state’s oldest university, was founded in 1862 and classes began in 1882. Located in Vermillion, South Dakota, United States, USD is home to South Dakota's only medical school and law school. USD is governed by the South Dakota Board of Regents, and its current...
, Vermillion, South Dakota, had been carrying on a program as a religious fraternity, which they called Phi Lambda Phi, for some time when it occurred to them that perhaps the men in other Wesley Foundations had similar groups which could be mutually helpful if they should form a union. The idea was brought up at the student council retreat at Ames, Iowa
Ames, Iowa
Ames is a city located in the central part of the U.S. state of Iowa in Story County, and approximately north of Des Moines. The U.S. Census Bureau designates that Ames, Iowa metropolitan statistical area as encompassing all of Story County, and which, when combined with the Boone, Iowa...
, in 1924 and 1925. They sent an invitation to all Wesley Foundation
Wesley Foundation
A Wesley Foundation is a United Methodist campus ministry sponsored in full or in part by the United Methodist Church on a non-church owned and operated campus...
units asking those interested to send representatives to an organizational meeting. This meeting was held at Lincoln, Nebraska
Lincoln, Nebraska
The City of Lincoln is the capital and the second-most populous city of the US state of Nebraska. Lincoln is also the county seat of Lancaster County and the home of the University of Nebraska. Lincoln's 2010 Census population was 258,379....
on February 6–7, 1925. The delegates drew up articles of federation and elected National Officers, thus a National Religious Fraternity for Methodist Men became known as Phi Tau Theta
Phi Tau Theta
A group of Methodist men in the Wesley Foundation at the University of South Dakota had been carrying on a program as a religious fraternity, which they called Phi Lambda Phi, for some time when it occurred to them that perhaps men in other Wesley Foundations had similar groups which could be...
(meaning "Friends of God").
On October 8, 1936, another group of Christian men met and started a fraternity. The meeting was held at Indiana University, and Sigma Epsilon Theta was formed.
In 1939, a delegation of Phi Tau Theta
Phi Tau Theta
A group of Methodist men in the Wesley Foundation at the University of South Dakota had been carrying on a program as a religious fraternity, which they called Phi Lambda Phi, for some time when it occurred to them that perhaps men in other Wesley Foundations had similar groups which could be...
approached the National Officers of Sigma Epsilon Theta and proposed a merger of the two National Fraternities. During Thanksgiving break, 1941, Delta Sigma Theta was formed. The transition from two fraternities to one was smooth, largely due to careful preparation by the officers. When all seemed to be going well, Delta Sigma Theta
Delta Sigma Theta
Delta Sigma Theta is a non-profit Greek-lettered sorority of college-educated women who perform public service and place emphasis on the African American community. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority was founded on January 13, 1913 by twenty-two collegiate women at Howard University...
(a sorority) threatened suit against the fraternity for use of their name. The name "Sigma Theta Epsilon" was selected during Easter
Easter
Easter is the central feast in the Christian liturgical year. According to the Canonical gospels, Jesus rose from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion. His resurrection is celebrated on Easter Day or Easter Sunday...
break 1949.
Inactivity of the chapters (high in number - low in spirit) persuaded the National Conclave of 1968 to appoint a committee to examine the philosophy of the fraternity. The committee suggested that the fraternity change from a National Religious Fraternity for Methodist Men. This change saw a decrease in enrollment due to decreased support by the Wesley Foundation. The National Cabinet Meeting of 1972 realized that Sigma Theta Epsilon had evolved into a National Christian Service Fraternity, and thus adopted purposes centered on three main areas: religious, service , and social. These purposes were revised at the Conclave of 1975 into the four Purposes of Sigma Theta Epsilon we have today.
An all-time low was reached in 1975 with only two active chapters: Alpha Gamma at West Virginia Wesleyan College
West Virginia Wesleyan College
West Virginia Wesleyan College is a regionally accredited private, coeducational, liberal arts college in Buckhannon, West Virginia, United States. It has an enrollment of about 1,400 students from 35 U.S. states and 26 countries. The school was founded in 1890 by the West Virginia Conference of...
and newly formed Epsilon Chapter at Ohio Northern University
Ohio Northern University
Ohio Northern University is a private, United Methodist Church-affiliated university located in the United States in Ada, Ohio, founded by Henry Solomon Lehr in 1871. ONU is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. ONU is a sister...
. The following years almost saw the dissolving of Sigma Theta Epsilon as a National Fraternity. The addition of Delta Chapter at Mount Union College
Mount Union College
The University of Mount Union is a 4-year private, coeducational, liberal arts college in Alliance, Ohio.Mount Union enrolls 2200 undergraduates. Approximately 50 percent are women and 50 percent are men, representing more than 22 states and 13 countries. Mount Union has an active alumni base of...
in April 1980 stimulated new optimism and growth for the fraternity.
In 1988 Sigma Theta Epsilon struggled again through some growing pains. Delta Chapter had all but disappeared while Alpha Gamma Chapter's numbers began to fall. But 1988 also saw the start of the Beta Alpha Chapter in Oklahoma City. This new chapter grew rapidly, and soon joined Epsilon Chapter as the fraternity's largest.
Beta Alpha's designation marked what was hoped to be a re-birth for the fraternity, and all chapters from this point on would be named in succession following Beta Alpha.
This excitement carried into Spring 1993, when Beta Beta Chapter at Miami University
Miami University
Miami University is a coeducational public research university located in Oxford, Ohio, United States. Founded in 1809, it is the 10th oldest public university in the United States and the second oldest university in Ohio, founded four years after Ohio University. In its 2012 edition, U.S...
of Ohio was formed. An excited group of men gathered together and quickly grew to be as solid as any chapter. In the fall of 1993, Delta Chapter put together its first Pledge Class in almost five years. Led by an alumnus of Epsilon Chapter, who had been teaching at Mount Union College
Mount Union College
The University of Mount Union is a 4-year private, coeducational, liberal arts college in Alliance, Ohio.Mount Union enrolls 2200 undergraduates. Approximately 50 percent are women and 50 percent are men, representing more than 22 states and 13 countries. Mount Union has an active alumni base of...
, these men revived the Delta Chapter just weeks before the National Fraternity was to absorb their charter and assets.
The fraternity didn't see National Growth again until 1998, when on January 31, the Beta Gamma Chapter was initiated at the University of Cincinnati
University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati is a comprehensive public research university in Cincinnati, Ohio, and a part of the University System of Ohio....
. Thus began a substantial period of National Growth that continues today. Spring Conclave 1999 saw the formal initiation of a group of men from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas as Beta Delta Chapter. This group of men would mark themselves as one of the most active chapters in the Nation.
At the 2000 Spring Conclave, a group of men from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois pledged as a temporary club. These same men were formally initiated as Beta Epsilon Chapter at The English Chapel at Ohio Northern University during the East Regional Fall Gathering on October 21, 2000.
At the West Regional Fall Gathering at Oklahoma City University
Oklahoma City University
Oklahoma City University, often referred to as OCU, is a coeducational, urban, private university historically affiliated with the United Methodist Church...
, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Oklahoma City is the capital and the largest city in the state of Oklahoma. The county seat of Oklahoma County, the city ranks 31st among United States cities in population. The city's population, from the 2010 census, was 579,999, with a metro-area population of 1,252,987 . In 2010, the Oklahoma...
, a group of men from Northeastern State University
Northeastern State University
Northeastern State University is a public university with its main campus located in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, United States, at the foot of the Ozark Mountains. Northeastern's home, Tahlequah, is also the capital of the Cherokee nation of Oklahoma...
in Tahlequah, Oklahoma
Tahlequah, Oklahoma
Tahlequah is a city in Cherokee County, Oklahoma, United States located at the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. It was founded as a capital of the original Cherokee Nation in 1838 to welcome those Cherokee forced west on the Trail of Tears. The city's population was 15,753 at the 2010 census. It...
were formally initiated as the Beta Zeta Chapter on October 26, 2002. Their road to establishing a chapter was a rocky one to say the least, but their persistence prevailed.
On April 5, 2003, the Beta Eta Chapter was formally initiated at Spring Conclave in St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis is an independent city on the eastern border of Missouri, United States. With a population of 319,294, it was the 58th-largest U.S. city at the 2010 U.S. Census. The Greater St...
. These men from West Virginia University
West Virginia University
West Virginia University is a public research university in Morgantown, West Virginia, USA. Other campuses include: West Virginia University at Parkersburg in Parkersburg; West Virginia University Institute of Technology in Montgomery; Potomac State College of West Virginia University in Keyser;...
were blessed to have pledged under the supervision of the sitting National President, Chad Burdette, while he was completing graduate studies there.
The recent addition of the Beta Iota Chapter brings the number of chapters nationally to eleven. This is the highest number seen since the 1960s. The current period of growth continues to look promising, as reports of groups interested in forming chapters at their own schools continue to surface.
Active Chapters
Alpha Gamma, West Virginia Wesleyan CollegeWest Virginia Wesleyan College
West Virginia Wesleyan College is a regionally accredited private, coeducational, liberal arts college in Buckhannon, West Virginia, United States. It has an enrollment of about 1,400 students from 35 U.S. states and 26 countries. The school was founded in 1890 by the West Virginia Conference of...
Delta, Mount Union College
Mount Union College
The University of Mount Union is a 4-year private, coeducational, liberal arts college in Alliance, Ohio.Mount Union enrolls 2200 undergraduates. Approximately 50 percent are women and 50 percent are men, representing more than 22 states and 13 countries. Mount Union has an active alumni base of...
Epsilon, Ohio Northern University
Ohio Northern University
Ohio Northern University is a private, United Methodist Church-affiliated university located in the United States in Ada, Ohio, founded by Henry Solomon Lehr in 1871. ONU is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. ONU is a sister...
Beta Delta, Our Lady of the Lake University
Our Lady of the Lake University
Our Lady of the Lake University is an independent Catholic, co-ed university located in San Antonio, Texas, United States. It was founded in 1895 by the Sisters of the Congregation of Divine Providence, a religious order originating in Lorraine, France, during the 18th century...
Beta Epsilon, Bradley University
Bradley University
Bradley University, founded in 1897, is a private, co-educational university located in Peoria, Illinois. It is a small institution with an enrollment of approximately 6,100 undergraduate and postgraduate students and a full-time faculty of approximately 350....
Beta Zeta, Northeastern State University
Northeastern State University
Northeastern State University is a public university with its main campus located in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, United States, at the foot of the Ozark Mountains. Northeastern's home, Tahlequah, is also the capital of the Cherokee nation of Oklahoma...
Beta Theta, Ohio University
Ohio University
Ohio University is a public university located in the Midwestern United States in Athens, Ohio, situated on an campus...
Beta Eta, West Virginia University
West Virginia University
West Virginia University is a public research university in Morgantown, West Virginia, USA. Other campuses include: West Virginia University at Parkersburg in Parkersburg; West Virginia University Institute of Technology in Montgomery; Potomac State College of West Virginia University in Keyser;...
Beta Kappa, Missouri Valley College
Missouri Valley College
Missouri Valley College is a private, four-year liberal arts college affiliated with the Presbyterian Church . The campus is in Marshall, Missouri.The college was founded in 1889 and supports 27 academic majors and an enrollment close to 1,800 students...
Inactive Chapters
Alpha, Iowa State UniversityIowa State University
Iowa State University of Science and Technology, more commonly known as Iowa State University , is a public land-grant and space-grant research university located in Ames, Iowa, United States. Iowa State has produced astronauts, scientists, and Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners, along with a host of...
, 1925-67
Beta, University of Nebraska, 1925-65
Gamma, University of South Dakota
University of South Dakota
The University of South Dakota ', the state’s oldest university, was founded in 1862 and classes began in 1882. Located in Vermillion, South Dakota, United States, USD is home to South Dakota's only medical school and law school. USD is governed by the South Dakota Board of Regents, and its current...
, 1925-60
Delta, University of Minnesota
University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities is a public research university located in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, United States. It is the oldest and largest part of the University of Minnesota system and has the fourth-largest main campus student body in the United States, with 52,557...
, 1925-51
Epsilon, University of Iowa
University of Iowa
The University of Iowa is a public state-supported research university located in Iowa City, Iowa, United States. It is the oldest public university in the state. The university is organized into eleven colleges granting undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees...
, 1927-41
Zeta, University of California, Berkeley
University of California, Berkeley
The University of California, Berkeley , is a teaching and research university established in 1868 and located in Berkeley, California, USA...
, 1928-31
Eta, University of Northern Iowa
University of Northern Iowa
The University of Northern Iowa is a college located in Cedar Falls, Iowa, United States. UNI offers more than 120 majors across the colleges of Business Administration, Education, Humanities and Fine Arts, Natural Sciences, and Social and Behavioral sciences, and graduate college.UNI has...
, 1929–62, 1966-71
Theta, Ohio University
Ohio University
Ohio University is a public university located in the Midwestern United States in Athens, Ohio, situated on an campus...
1931-43, 1945-72
Iota, University of Wyoming
University of Wyoming
The University of Wyoming is a land-grant university located in Laramie, Wyoming, situated on Wyoming's high Laramie Plains, at an elevation of 7,200 feet , between the Laramie and Snowy Range mountains. It is known as UW to people close to the university...
, 1931-34
Kappa, Ohio State University
Ohio State University
The Ohio State University, commonly referred to as Ohio State, is a public research university located in Columbus, Ohio. It was originally founded in 1870 as a land-grant university and is currently the third largest university campus in the United States...
, 1934-68
Lambda, Kansas State University
Kansas State University
Kansas State University, commonly shortened to K-State, is an institution of higher learning located in Manhattan, Kansas, in the United States...
, 1936–43, 1952-65
Mu, West Virginia University
West Virginia University
West Virginia University is a public research university in Morgantown, West Virginia, USA. Other campuses include: West Virginia University at Parkersburg in Parkersburg; West Virginia University Institute of Technology in Montgomery; Potomac State College of West Virginia University in Keyser;...
, 1938-1970
Nu, Oklahoma State University, 1939-71
Xi, Indiana University
Indiana University
Indiana University is a multi-campus public university system in the state of Indiana, United States. Indiana University has a combined student body of more than 100,000 students, including approximately 42,000 students enrolled at the Indiana University Bloomington campus and approximately 37,000...
, 1936-57
Omicron, Miami University
Miami University
Miami University is a coeducational public research university located in Oxford, Ohio, United States. Founded in 1809, it is the 10th oldest public university in the United States and the second oldest university in Ohio, founded four years after Ohio University. In its 2012 edition, U.S...
, 1937-62
Pi, Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green State University, often referred to as Bowling Green or BGSU, is a public, coeducational research university located in Bowling Green, Ohio, United States. The institution was granted a charter in 1910 by the State of Ohio as part of the Lowry Bill, which also established Kent State...
, 1937–42, 1952–58, 1960-62
Rho, Fort Hays State University
Fort Hays State University
Fort Hays State University is a public, co-educational university located in Hays, Kansas, United States. It is the fourth-largest of the six state universities governed by the Kansas Board of Regents, with an enrollment of approximately 11,200 students .- History :FHSU was founded in 1902 as the...
, 1948-59
Sigma, Kent State University
Kent State University
Kent State University is a public research university located in Kent, Ohio, United States. The university has eight campuses around the northeast Ohio region with the main campus in Kent being the largest...
, 1948-71
Tau, University of Oklahoma
University of Oklahoma
The University of Oklahoma is a coeducational public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. Founded in 1890, it existed in Oklahoma Territory near Indian Territory for 17 years before the two became the state of Oklahoma. the university had 29,931 students enrolled, most located at its...
, 1949-68
Upsilon, University of Nebraska at Kearney
University of Nebraska at Kearney
The University of Nebraska at Kearney , founded in 1905 as the Nebraska State Normal School at Kearney, is the Kearney, Nebraska, United States campus of the University of Nebraska system.-History:...
, 1950-53
Phi, University of Michigan
University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is a public research university located in Ann Arbor, Michigan in the United States. It is the state's oldest university and the flagship campus of the University of Michigan...
, 1950-53
Epsilon (2), Oklahoma City University
Oklahoma City University
Oklahoma City University, often referred to as OCU, is a coeducational, urban, private university historically affiliated with the United Methodist Church...
, 1950-54
Zeta (2), University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point
University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point
The University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point is a public university located in Stevens Point, Wisconsin...
, 1952–54,
Chi, Pittsburg State University
Pittsburg State University
Pittsburg State University, also called Pitt State or PSU, is a public university with approximately 7,100 students located in Pittsburg, Kansas, United States. A large percentage of the student population consists of residents within the Pittsburg region; the gender proportion is relatively equal...
, 1952–53, 1960-68
Iota (2), University of Iowa
University of Iowa
The University of Iowa is a public state-supported research university located in Iowa City, Iowa, United States. It is the oldest public university in the state. The university is organized into eleven colleges granting undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees...
, 1954-60
Psi, Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Southwestern Oklahoma State University is a public university in Weatherford and Sayre, Oklahoma. It is one of seven state regional universities in the state of Oklahoma.The current president of SWOSU is Randy Beutler.-History:...
, 1955-57
Alpha Alpha, Michigan State University
Michigan State University
Michigan State University is a public research university in East Lansing, Michigan, USA. Founded in 1855, it was the pioneer land-grant institution and served as a model for future land-grant colleges in the United States under the 1862 Morrill Act.MSU pioneered the studies of packaging,...
, 1956-62
Alpha Beta, Western Michigan University
Western Michigan University
Western Michigan University is a public university located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States. The university was established in 1903 by Dwight B. Waldo, and as of the Fall 2010 semester, its enrollment is 25,045....
, 1956-74
Alpha Delta, Pennsylvania State University
Pennsylvania State University
The Pennsylvania State University, commonly referred to as Penn State or PSU, is a public research university with campuses and facilities throughout the state of Pennsylvania, United States. Founded in 1855, the university has a threefold mission of teaching, research, and public service...
, 1958–65, 1967-70
Alpha Epsilon, American University
American University
American University is a private, Methodist, liberal arts, and research university in Washington, D.C. The university was chartered by an Act of Congress on December 5, 1892 as "The American University", which was approved by President Benjamin Harrison on February 24, 1893...
, 1960-69
Alpha Zeta, Central Michigan University
Central Michigan University
Central Michigan University is a public research university located in Mount Pleasant in the U.S. state of Michigan...
, 1961–63, 1966-71
Gamma (2), Mansfield University, 1967-71
Beta (2), Lane College
Lane College
-Namesake:SS Lane Victory, a World War II Victory Ship, and one of the few such ships surviving, was named for Lane College. It is now docked in San Pedro, California . It is now open as a museum.-External links:*...
, 1974-75
Eta (2), Northern Illinois University
Northern Illinois University
Northern Illinois University is a state university and research institution located in DeKalb, Illinois, with satellite centers in Hoffman Estates, Naperville, Rockford, and Oregon. It was originally founded as Northern Illinois State Normal School on May 22, 1895 by Illinois Governor John P...
, 1976-77
Beta Alpha, Oklahoma City University
Oklahoma City University
Oklahoma City University, often referred to as OCU, is a coeducational, urban, private university historically affiliated with the United Methodist Church...
, 1988-2003
Beta Beta, (Miami University of Ohio, 1993–2008)
Beta Gamma, University of Cincinnati
University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati is a comprehensive public research university in Cincinnati, Ohio, and a part of the University System of Ohio....
Beta Iota, Illinois Wesleyan University
Illinois Wesleyan University
Illinois Wesleyan University is an independent undergraduate university located in Bloomington, Illinois. Founded in 1850, the central portion of the present campus was acquired in 1854 with the first building erected in 1856...
Beta Theta, (Ohio University), 2005