History of Zeta State
Zeta State History
Delta Kappa Gamma Society International
The formation of Zeta State in Mississippi became a reality when Dr. Annie Webb Blanton, national founder and national president until May 1933, and Miss Norma Smith of Alabama contacted the Mississippi Department of Education asking for names of leading women educators worthy of membership in this new society, The Delta Kappa Gamma. Names were submitted, recommendations made, and invitations sent to teachers who wished to become Mississippi State founders,
On April 21, 1934, the national president, Miss Norma Smith, conducted the initiation of founders and organized Zeta State at a meeting at the Edwards Hotel in Jackson.
Zeta State has usually held one or more meetings a year since organization in 1934. These meetings were held in different parts of the state, usually one in the northern part, then central, and southern parts.
Since 1987 Zeta State has held district meetings in even numbered years and a state convention in the odd numbered years. Leadership workshops for chapter officers were begun at that time also, and have become a successful tool in the success of our society in Mississippi.
Zeta State Founders
(all are deceased)
Edna Simmons Campbell Oline Coffee
Annie Mary Covington Ella Mae Cresswell
Clytee R. Evans Georgie Lee Tatum Hoskin
Laura Lester Amanda Lane Lowther
Laura T. Martin Elaine Massey
Belvidera Parkinson Hallie Mary Prather
Lena Mary Allison Taggart
Delta Kappa Gamma Society International
The formation of Zeta State in Mississippi became a reality when Dr. Annie Webb Blanton, national founder and national president until May 1933, and Miss Norma Smith of Alabama contacted the Mississippi Department of Education asking for names of leading women educators worthy of membership in this new society, The Delta Kappa Gamma. Names were submitted, recommendations made, and invitations sent to teachers who wished to become Mississippi State founders,
On April 21, 1934, the national president, Miss Norma Smith, conducted the initiation of founders and organized Zeta State at a meeting at the Edwards Hotel in Jackson.
Zeta State has usually held one or more meetings a year since organization in 1934. These meetings were held in different parts of the state, usually one in the northern part, then central, and southern parts.
Since 1987 Zeta State has held district meetings in even numbered years and a state convention in the odd numbered years. Leadership workshops for chapter officers were begun at that time also, and have become a successful tool in the success of our society in Mississippi.
Zeta State Founders
(all are deceased)
Edna Simmons Campbell Oline Coffee
Annie Mary Covington Ella Mae Cresswell
Clytee R. Evans Georgie Lee Tatum Hoskin
Laura Lester Amanda Lane Lowther
Laura T. Martin Elaine Massey
Belvidera Parkinson Hallie Mary Prather
Lena Mary Allison Taggart
History of Alpha Chi Chapter
The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International~
Alpha Chi Chapter
Organized on July 7, 1989 in Magee, Mississippi, by Zeta State President, Dr. Angela Bendenbaugh, and sponsored by Pi Chapter.
Charter Members
Lacie Ree Berry * Jane Clair Brown
Patricia Calder Gussie Cole
Tommie Lou Cole Frydis Hansbrough
Jean Jones Cynthia Keith
Katherine McNair* Wilma Ponder*
Margie Smith* Wanda Smith
Louise Windham Jean Womack*
* Deceased
Past Alpha Chi Chapter Presidents
1989-1991 Wilma Ponder
1989-1992 Wilma Ponder
1992-1994 Katherine McNair
1994-1996 Tommie Lou Cole
1996-2000 Jeannie Gary
2000-2004 Ilene Floyd
2004-2006 Geraldine Roberts
2006-2008 Gaye Smith
2008-2010 Sherrill Haynes
2010-2012 Jimmie Sullivan
2012-2014 Tracey Crawford
2015 Shawna Mangum
2016 Jan Stuckey