About Zeta Tau Alpha

In 1898, nine young women at the Virginia State Female Normal School (now Longwood University) formalized their friendship by forming Zeta Tau Alpha. Away from home for the first time, these teenagers longed for companionship while they studied to be teachers. Fearing their unique friendship would fade without a formal bond to sustain it, they met in secret by candlelight in the bathroom of their dormitory. At the start, they used only three question marks as their group name. The first minute book of regular meetings states Zeta Tau Alpha was organized Oct. 15, 1898.

Learn more about how Zeta Tau Alpha was founded.

We now have more than 300,000 initiated members, 172 active collegiate chapters and more than 225 alumnae chapters across the country.

The Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation is the philanthropic and fundraising arm of the Fraternity. The Foundation leads our efforts in breast cancer education and awareness, provides around $1 million in scholarships annually, and sponsors educational and leadership opportunities for our members and others.

The ZTA Fraternity Housing Corporation is the largest in the Panhellenic world and provides safe, secure and competitive housing for all our collegiate members.

Explore the national ZTA website to find additional information about our Nine Key Values, policies, dedication to inclusion, programming and more.

“Now that I am a senior, I can honestly say that joining a sorority was one of the best decisions I have made in college. I did not deem myself as a “sorority girl” but wanted to be involved, be surrounded by supportive people and have fun during my four years. I found that here and so much more. The girls here are the realest you will ever meet, supportive, funny as anything, dependable, trustworthy and beautiful inside and out.” - Mieko Vail