WKU Greek History

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On August 3, 1961, Dean Charles Keown submitted a Special Study—Fraternities and Sororities to University President Kelly Thompson.  The summary report listed Sigma Phi Alpha, The 13ers, The Barons, Oma-Kron Club and Pi Lambda Alpha as men’s groups and Beta Omega Chi, En Amie, Zeta Tau Omega, Pi Sigma Upsilon and Phi Delta Omega as women’s groups.  There was a grand total of 244 men and women involved in these organizations.  The Special Study group recommended that the college adopt a policy which would permit the establishing of national social fraternities and sororities on the campus of Western Kentucky State College.  It was stated that social fraternity or sorority fulfills a need which most other college clubs do not provide.  Social fraternities, if given the proper supervision and direction, can add materially to the strength of the student program.  Social fraternities and sororities would give students added opportunity to develop social competence.  The social fraternities and sororities would complement the existing student organizations.  Thus, began the evolution of the WKU Greek system to national organizations.

On January 9, 1965, Phi Delta Omega became Sigma Kappa the first national/international sorority on the Hill.  On February 5, 1965, Phi Kappa Alpha became Kappa Sigma the first national/international fraternity on the Hill.  The following shows the Organization, Original Name (if derived from a local organization) and Founding Date at WKU.