FRATERNITY HISTORY
Kappa Alpha Psi, a college Fraternity, now comprised of functioning Undergraduate and Alumni Chapters on major campuses and in cities throughout the country, is the crystallization of a dream. It is the beautiful realization of a vision shared commonly by the late Revered Founders Elder Watson Diggs; John Milton Lee; Byron K. Armstrong; Guy Levis Grant; Ezra D. Alexander; Henry T. Asher; Marcus P. Blakemore; Paul W. Caine; Edward G. Irvin and George W. Edmonds.
It was the vision of these astute men that enabled them in the school year 1910 - 11, more specifically the night of January 5, 1911, on the campus of Indiana University at Bloomington, Indiana, to sow the seed of a fraternal tree whose fruit is available to, and now enjoyed by, college men everywhere, regardless of their color, religion or national origin. It is a fact of which KAPPA ALPHA PSI is justly proud that the Constitution has never contained any clause which either excluded or suggested the exclusion of a man from membership merely because
of his color, creed, or national origin.
The Constitution of KAPPA ALPHA PSI is predicated upon, and dedicated to, the principles of achievement through a truly democratic Fraternity. Chartered and incorporated originally under the laws of the State of Indiana as Kappa Alpha Nu on May 15, 1911, the name was changed to KAPPA ALPHA PSI on a resolution offered and adopted at the Grand Chapter in December 1914. This change became effective April 15, 1915, on a proclamation by the then Grand Polemarch, Elder Watson Diggs. Thus, the name acquired a distinctive Greek letter symbol and KAPPA ALPHA PSI thereby became a Greek letter Fraternity in every sense of the designation.
The Founders
December 23, 1883 - November 8, 1947
July 18,1891 - September 29, 1971
April 4, 1892 - June 28, 1980
June 30, 1890 - March 5, 1963
January 3, 1889 - October 9, 1959
May 17, 1890 - April 15, 1931
August 13, 1890 - June 13, 1963
April 9, 1891 - November 11, 1973
August 13, 1893 - November 4, 1982
September 7, 1890 - January 8, 1958
CHAPTER HISTORY
The Nu Rho Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, much like previous chapters, was founded as a representation of the ideas laid down by ten astute founders. The Nu Rho Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. was established on February 25, 1989 at Vanderbilt University. The chapter was first established as the Alpha Theta colony on November 22, 1986 after The Seven Diamonds of Genesis cross-pledged at Tennessee State University. Eric Jones, the first Polemarch of the chapter, along with several other brothers helped transform the dream of Kappa Alpha Psi into a reality here at Vanderbilt University.
Their plan was a simple one. Considering that Vanderbilt was becoming a melting pot of new ideas and cultures, it was essential that they begin bridging the gap between all cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds. However, the chapter made a distinction and targeted men of high ideals and high moral ethics. The chapter also sought to encourage college men to unite in the bond of fraternity. These were the ideas set down by the legendary founders; these are the ideas the chapter has built upon.
Achievement in the Fraternity
The Nu Rho Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. has received many awards and recognition over the years from both our institution of Vanderbilt University and the fraternity:
2025 South Central Province Undergraduate Chapter of the Year (Small Chapter)
2021 South Central Province Undergraduate Chapter of the Year (Small Chapter)
2021 South Central Province Undergraduate Website of the Year (Small Chapter)
2011 Vanderbilt University Chancellor Heard Award
The Nu Rho Chapter is also home to many leaders within fraternity leadership at the province and the grand chapter levels. The following brothers served in the following positions.
Grand Chapter
Jeremy Williams
- 78th Guy Levis Grant Awardee and past Jr. Grand Vice Polemarch
Denzel B. Washington
- 88th Guy Levis Grant Awardee and past Grand Lt. Strategus
South Central Province
Sean Gentry
​- Region 2 Board Member - Undergrad: 2025 - 26
Ethan Thomas
​- Region 2 Board Member - Undergrad: 2023 - 25
- 79th Province Council Polemarch Achievement Award
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Bryant Lampley
​- Province Strategus - Undergrad: 2023 - 25
Alexander Burkett
​- Region 2 Board Member - Undergrad: 2022 - 23