Undergraduate Chapters
Four undergraduate chapters of Kappa Alpha Psi® Fraternity, Inc. across the Midlands are advised by the Columbia (SC) Alumni Chapter. Their histories run from 1947 to 1992 — and in two of them, a member of our own charter class helped light the way.
Allen University
The Beta Rho Chapter
During 1947, on the campus of Allen University in Columbia, South Carolina, eight great men — affectionately known as the Great Eight — waited anxiously to obtain membership with the best fraternity known to mankind.
Dr. W. E. Johnson, who served as a professor at Allen University and Benedict College and as a member of the Columbia (SC) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi® Fraternity, Inc., along with fifteen members of the Alpha Lambda Chapter of South Carolina State University, journeyed to Allen University to initiate the Great Eight into the noble clan of Kappa Alpha Psi® Fraternity, Inc.
Although the Great Eight’s foundations differed socially, economically and spiritually, they shared a common aspiration: to become members of Kappa Alpha Psi® Fraternity, Inc. — and more particularly, chartering members of the Beta Rho Chapter.
The Beta Rho Chapter is the fraternity’s 63rd chartered collegiate chapter, the fourth oldest collegiate chapter in the Southeastern Province, the second oldest collegiate chapter in the State of South Carolina, and the oldest collegiate chapter in the Columbia Metropolitan Cluster of Kappa Alpha Psi®.
Since its establishment the Beta Rho Chapter has initiated and chartered over four chapters into Kappa Alpha Psi®, and all its initiates share one common value: Achievement.
- Roosevelt Marshall Franklin
- Robert J. Jenkins
- John Thomas McDonald
- Harold McFadden
- Bishop Rouse
- David C. Sams
- Abie Wilson
- William M. Young
Benedict College
The Gamma Mu Chapter
On November 18, 1947, six students — Emmet D. Clark, Gilbert B. Ellerbe, Jr., Phillip Albert McPhail, Eldridge Sellers, Jr., Leslye S. Stallworth and Robert R. Webb — and one professor, Dr. W. E. Johnson, all of Benedict College, petitioned the Grand Board of Directors to create an expansion chapter on the campus of Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina. On February 25, 1949, Benedict College was granted a charter bearing the name the Gamma Mu Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi® Fraternity, Inc.
- Vice-PolemarchGeorge Wideman, Jr.
- Keeper of RecordsErnest Wright
- Keeper of ExchequerPhillip Albert McPhail
- Dean of PledgesRobert R. Webb
- HistorianReverend James T. McCray
- Charter MemberGilbert B. Ellerbe, Jr.
- Charter MemberArchibald G. Bacoats, Jr.
- Charter MemberJerry C. Smith
- Charter MemberAlonzo Spencer
- Charter MemberOtis A. Outen
- PetitionerDr. W. E. Johnson
The Charter members of the Gamma Mu Chapter were very active on the campus and in the local community. Charter member Leslye S. Stallworth served as defensive end for the Benedict College football team, and Charter member Robert R. Webb served as an offensive end as well as a member of the Benedict College basketball and track teams. Subsequent to graduating, the Charter members pursued various careers: Gilbert B. Ellerbe, Jr., Robert R. Webb, Phillip A. McPhail, Ernest Wright and George Wideman, Jr. served as public school teachers and administrators until retirement. Robert R. Webb later pursued a career with MID, and Ernest Wright worked as a photographer, writer and business entrepreneur.
Since its inception the Gamma Mu Chapter has continued its quest in achievement and community service, demonstrated by the level of excellence its Charter Members, alumni brothers and current collegiate brothers exude. The chapter has participated in a wide variety of community service projects across the Metropolitan Columbia area, including the Columbia Police Department K-A-Bond After School Program, the Carver Elementary School Mentoring Program, the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice Mentoring Program, Family Connections of South Carolina, the South Carolina Branch of the N.A.A.C.P., and most recently the C. A. Johnson Preparatory Academy High School Mentoring Young Men Program. All of these projects are segments of our Fraternity’s Guide Right program.
University of South Carolina
The Zeta Epsilon Chapter
The Zeta Epsilon Chapter was the inspiration of Brother William Turner, who was initiated at the Beta Rho Chapter at Allen University in 1966. After transferring to USC in the fall of 1966, Brother Turner served as the inspiration for men at Carolina who later pledged Kappa at Allen University. These men would be the impetus in establishing a chapter at USC, and the continued initiation of USC students at Allen led to efforts to establish one on their own campus.
Spring 1965
- William Turner
Spring 1967
- Joseph Boyd
- Risher Cross
- Anthony Morris
Fall 1968
- Luther Battiste
- James Evans
- George Leaks
- Carl Lee
- Kenneth Price
- William Wright
Spring 1969
- Floyd Lemon
- Henry Cain
- Leon Finklin
- Benny Lyles
- Joseph McKinney
Fall 1969
- James Durrah
- Paul Townsend
Spring 1970
- Vernard Cottingham
- Wilton Cross
- Herman Moore
- Forrest Parker
- James Sharp
The brothers faced stern opposition from both the University and the Interfraternity Council. The regulations and requirements for establishing chapters were structured in a manner meant to discourage the establishment of an African-American fraternity. To combat this evident racism and mounting opposition, the Executive Secretary of Kappa Alpha Psi® came to Columbia to meet with USC officials. The negotiations were often tense and emotional. In a meeting with then USC Dean of Student Affairs Eugene Cooper, Brother Executive Secretary Morris explained the goals and purposes of Kappa Alpha Psi®, and pointed out the necessity of a social outlet and the need for African-American college men of purpose to have the opportunity to share common ideas under a fraternal bond.
Thus, on September 25, 1970, the Zeta Epsilon Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi® was chartered in Rutledge Chapel on the campus of the University of South Carolina. The chartering of Zeta Epsilon is especially significant in that it marked the establishment of the first African-American Greek-letter organization on the University of South Carolina’s campus.
Since being chartered over fifty years ago, the Zeta Epsilon Chapter has gone on to produce men of achievement in every field of human endeavor — from brothers leading in roles such as student government on campus, to national officers throughout the fraternity, to careers as CEOs, politicians, engineers, entrepreneurs, military officers, athletes and doctors.
Newberry College
The Xi Pi Chapter
The very first line was taken over as a Gamma Nu Colony of Claflin under the direction of Brother Reginald Shaw. That line crossed the burning sands in 1990 and included James “Doc” Byers, Ricky Robinson and Larry DeWalt III. During that initiation process they selected the line name “Three Times Elated.” From the initial line, Ricky Robinson was voted by his fellow brothers to preside as the first Polemarch. Brother Paul Rabb of the Columbia (SC) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi® Fraternity, Inc. was named the initial advisor.
After several months of establishing their influence on campus, in early fall 1991 the brothers of Gamma Nu conducted their first interest meeting. Afterwards, several young men expressed their interest in joining the noble brotherhood of Kappa Alpha Psi® Fraternity, Inc. After a long interview process the brothers selected five young men: Kevin Gleaton, Jermaine Walker, Donn Rogers, Hubert Cromer-Goree and Terrance Tyson. On November 26, 1991 these young men were initiated as members of the Gamma Nu Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi®. The newly initiated members selected as their line name “The Five Eternal Diamonds.”
Upon returning after semester break, new officers were selected: Kevin Gleaton as Polemarch, Hubert Cromer-Goree as Vice Polemarch, Jermaine Walker as Dean of Pledges, Donn Rogers as Treasurer and Terrance Tyson as Strategus.
The brothers began to take on several projects on campus. They raised money and completed the necessary paperwork and obligations with Kappa Alpha Psi® Fraternity, Inc. Headquarters to allow Newberry College brothers to stand on their own. A charter was soon to be realized. Xi Pi Chapter of Newberry College was granted on May 22, 1992. Members of the Southeastern Province came to Newberry, a ceremony was held, and the actual Charter was presented on February 27, 1993 — one of the proudest days of our lives, because in essence we were founders as well, just like those ten brothers back in 1911.
The chapter established something on a predominantly white campus that was needed and respected. Kappa Alpha Psi® is a state of mind. It is a state of being, and we have worked too hard to let it go by the wayside.
Support the Chapters We Advise
Alumni advisors from the Columbia (SC) Alumni Chapter work alongside these four collegiate chapters year-round — guiding their programs, mentoring their members and helping them carry Achievement forward on every campus. If you are an alumnus in the Midlands, there is a place for you in that work.