Fraternity & Chapter History

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. was founded on January 5, 1911, at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, by ten Black collegiate men seeking achievement, unity, and dignity amid racial exclusion. Originally named Kappa Alpha Nu, the fraternity was incorporated in 1915 and later renamed Kappa Alpha Psi to prevent mispronunciation of its original name. From its inception, the fraternity was built upon high scholastic standards, ethical leadership, and service to the community—principles that continue to define the organization more than a century later.

Charter: In 1973, Brother Linwood Jacobs of the Richmond Alumni Chapter helped submit the required documentation to the Pan-Hellenic Council to establish a chapter at the University of Virginia. The chapter was officially chartered on December 7, 1974.

1. William Anderson
2. Dennis Blackwell
3. Jerome Brown
4. Robert Davidson
5. Harrison Davis
6. Kent Merritt
7. Robert Milner
8. Alex Strawn

These men entered UVA during a transformative and challenging period in the university's history. Several charter members were among the first African American athletes to integrate the university's football program. Their presence represented not only athletic achievement but also resilience, courage, and leadership in spaces where representation had long been absent. Their actions laid a foundation not just for a chapter, but for a legacy. These brothers defined ACHIEVEMENT. In 1970, the University of Virginia integrated its football team by signing four African-American players, two of whom were Eta Sigma charter members!

Although the charter members came into the bond in April, the chapter did not receive designation as the University of Virginia Chapter, the Eta Sigma of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., until December 7, 1974. During the next 47 years, more than 250 young men became members of Eta Sigma, either as initiates or via transfers or the chapter’s facilitation of the chartering of Nu Lambda at James Madison University. From its founding, Eta Sigma adopted a culture of excellence and accountability. Known as the “Krown Jewel of the Eastern Province,” the chapter operates under the motto:

About the Business of Taking Care of Business

Over the decades, Eta Sigma has grown into one of the most recognized undergraduate chapters in the province. The chapter has been named National and Province Chapter of the Year six times and was honored in 2018 as the NPHC Chapter of the Year and Most Outstanding Service Fraternity. These recognitions reflect a consistent commitment to scholarship, leadership development, and community impact. Beyond accolades, Eta Sigma’s influence is seen in the men it produces. Brothers have gone on to excel in professional athletics, corporate leadership, finance, entrepreneurship, and public service.

In 2024, Eta Sigma celebrated its 50th anniversary, marking half a century of brotherhood, resilience, and achievement at the University of Virginia. As the chapter continues into its 52nd year, it remains grounded in the fraternity’s fundamental purpose: Achievement in Every Field of Human Endeavor.

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Chapter Invisible

In loving memory of brothers who have transitioned to the Chapter Invisible. 
 
Kevin E. Lewis (Spring 1977)
James M. Campbell (Spring 1978)
Anthony Rankins (Spring 1978)
Jason Bruce, Esq. (Spring 1982)
Ravenell Keller III (Spring 1982)
Dr. George L. Hill (Spring 1982)
Mark D. Carr (Spring 1983)
Elliott F. Hair (Spring 1983)
Samuel Ramsey (Spring 1984)
Byron Clemons (Spring 1984)
William Brightwell (Spring 1985; JMU Charter Line)
Derek E. Brown, D.D.S. (Spring 1988)
Stephen Pearce (Spring 1989)
Marlin J. Coleman (Spring 1993)
Travis B. Williams (Spring 1993)
Bartholomew P. Williams (Spring 1994)

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