The Zeta Kappa Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. was the first Black sorority and the second Black Greek Letter Organization to be chartered on the campus of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. The chapter’s beginnings started with the desire of the ladies of the Pi Omega graduate chapter to charter a group on the campus as the Black student presence on the campus had increased. The ladies held a Rush on the campus and formed an interest group of about 30 young women. After several months of activities and grooming lessons on what it means to be an Alpha Kappa Alpha woman, the Regional Director, Ernestine Holloway, granted permission for the graduate chapter to charter Zeta Kappa. The president, Gladys Williams, appointed Dorothy Jones and Ida Partridge to oversee the initiation of the young ladies. By this time the group had grown smaller due to grades and financial issues. Zeta Kappa Chapter was chartered March 20, 1971. Sixteen young ladies became the first members of Zeta Kappa—Gwendolyn Perry Rucker, Valerie Akins Jennings, Gloria Barley, Lucy Borders Nealy, Deborah Burnette, Gwenda Coleman, Linda Coleman, Charlotte Fitzgerald, Janie Green, Barbara Mabry, Cheryl Traylor, Linda Traylor, Theola Traylor, Catherine Walton, Norma Wheeler Chapman, and Nancy Wood.

The events of the spring of 1971 marked the beginning of a new era on the campus. Most of the other Black Greek Letter organizations had formed interest groups and were in the process of chartering chapters. When the sixteen young ladies stepped out on campus for the first time, the other sororities took notice. This was a part of the Black culture that they had not seen before. Until this time, most Black students remained isolated except for the Black Student Association. The “Pink and Green” ladies strutted around in their fashionable outfits and the campus took notice.

This was their coming out party and, then their labors began. Zeta Kappa had been groomed well in the purpose of Alpha Kappa Alpha, “service to all mankind”. The young ladies had begun to perform service prior to their initiation. Programs for the elderly at Friendship Haven, an all Black retirement facility and volunteering to help feed the hungry were just a few of the programs they undertook. Zeta Kappa continues that tradition today, by using the bonds of sisterhood to enrich the college experience and impact the community in and around the campus through programs of service. The sorority sees the undergraduate chapter as their lifeline and the oversight insures that the ideals of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. are kept alive.

The Eta Beta chapter of Omega Psi Phi fraternity Inc was founded on the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s campus February 27, 1971. The Eta Beta Chapter was the first black social organization to establish a chapter at UTC. It was founded by twelve magnificent undergraduates known as the 12 Disciples; these men had a desire for brotherhood and service of their community. The 12 Disciples embraced and embedded the four Cardinal principles; Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift, into everything that they tried to accomplish in and outside of the fraternity. By introducing the Omega spirit and traditions to UTC, they paved the way for many others to follow. This leadership has made it possible for this chapter to sustain its duties and goals over the past 30 years.

In 1971 twelve phenomenal and visionary women sought to bring an organization like no other to the campus of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. This dream came into fruition with the founding of the Theta Rho chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. on May 22, 1971. Theta Rho has made an incredibly positive impact on the campus of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga as well as in the city of Chattanooga through various programs and efforts put forth by the chapter. The annual Delta Step Down held during homecoming week was established by Theta Rho and has been integrated as a permanent component in the homecoming week activities. In 2001, Theta Rho was voted National Collegiate Chapter of the Year. The chapter continues to lead the campus in growth and change as we follow in the legacy of committed service, scholarship, and sisterhood brought about by our charter members.

Lamda Delta was the first African American Greek-letter sorority founded at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga June 16, 1971. Lambda Delta's trailblazers were Gracey Avery, Sandra James, Florresting Watson Hayes, Louise Terrell Miles, Samevelyn Morgan, Gladys Russell, Thelma Simmons, Clara Blakemore Smith, and Pamela Wilcoxson. The chapter has grown on UTC's campus since its inception, and consists of several beautiful and intelligent ladies who continue to uphold Zeta's high standards of Finer Womanhood. LD sorors continue to be active on the UTC campus. Many of its members participate in campus organizations such ACE, BSA, NPHC, NPC, Resident life staff, A-Team, SAC, the UTC Lady Mocs Basketball Team, and the UTC Mocs Tennis Team. The ladies are best known on campus for their down-to-earth personalities, loyalty, and excellent example of sisterhood. Throughout the city of Chattanooga, Lambda Delta strives to fulfill their outstanding commitment to volunteering at local schools, churches and with other organizations.

The Zeta Iota Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. was founded on October 20, 1984 at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Eleven beautiful ladies comprised the charter line: Diane Dees Meadows, Yolanda Gay, Michelle Burk (Jina), Darlene Ramsey, Cassandra Rilmer, Carnita Reed, Alicie Griffin, Sylvia Jones, Anita Bobbo, Bonita Carter, and Tammy Brown.Some of the chapter's projects include Buckle Up America, Susan G. Komen Race For the Cure,Sex for Chocolates,Wrap-A-Door,Youth Symposium,and Voter Registration Drives.

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. was organized on November 12, 1922 in Indianapolis, Indiana by seven young educators: Mary Lou Allison Little, Dorothy Hanley Whiteside, Vivian White Marbury, Nannie Mae Gahn Johnson, Hattie Mae Dulin Redford, Bessie M. Downey Martin and Cubena McClure. The group became an incorporated national collegiate sorority on December 30, 1929, when a charter was granted to Alpha chapter at Butler University.

Soaring To Greater Heights Of Attainment Around The World, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., as a leading national service organization, has met the challenges of the day and continues to grow through Sisterhood, Scholarship and Service