Chapter History

Tennessee Kappa was founded June 18, 1879, brought by SAE's John E.D. Shipp (Alabama Alpha-Mu) and Joseph W. Horton (Tennessee Lambda). The six founding members were Alexander McMillian, Sterling P. Anderson, Frank Colville, Ellis R. Reese, J.R. Coleman and William H. Dick. Soon afterward, the chapter became inactive. The Chapter became reestablished from the efforts of Harry Bunting (Tennessee Zeta) and Robert McCallie. Bunting and McCallie found eight men and then the chapter was officially reestablished. After WW1 the chapter had a record 159 actives and initiated another 56 to achieve 215 members. 

Tennessee Kappa's presence at the University of Tennessee includes: two dozen members of Scarabbean Senior Society, two Torchbearers, multiple Tennessee athletes in football, basketball, baseball, and track, and several offices representing all facets of student life on Rocky Top. Tennessee Kappa are original contributors to the SAE songbook (1907), also original participants at the SAE leadership school which was the first of its kind in the Greek organizations. Today Tennessee Kappa has over 3000 initiates. 

Distinguished TN Kappa 

Joseph W. Walt (TN Kappa, 1946): Historian, author, publisher and teacher of SAE history

John O. Mosley: Dean of Students at the University of Tennessee and founder of the SAE leadership school

Jim Dement (TN Kappa, 1973): Former SC Senator; President of the Heritage Foundation

Andrew Werner: One of the founders of Handicap Awareness Week

Deana Carter: TN Kappa Little Sister and recording artist.

James Denton (TN Kappa, 1983): Actor

Richmond Flowers (TN Kappa, 1966): Former NFL athlete, UT All American in track

Dane Scism: Founder of Cellular Sales which is the largest Verizon retail dealer in the world

Jim Loy: Distinguished Service Award Recipient, 

Dick Koela: Distinguished Service Award Recipient, Chapter Advisor, 

Awards 

Multiple time recipient of the Chapter Achievement Award, Outstanding Eminent Archon Award, Outstanding Eminent Treasurer Award, Order of the Phoenix, Order of the Lion, Order of Minerva, and numerous T.H.E (The Highest Effort) Award for excellence in various political and academic achievements

"Tennessee Kappa is the brightest jewel in Minverva's crown" - John O. Mosely