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.
Hear from our members about why they went ZTA:
"I chose Zeta Tau Alpha because of the authenticity of all the girls, since day one. Every conversation felt natural and every girl was kind and so open to being friends. I have truly met some of my best friends in ZTA!"
- Reanna W. (Fall PC '23)
"Going Zeta was one of the best decisions I made in my first semester. I joined because Zeta is a diverse group of individuals who are extremely welcoming and passionate about their philanthropy. I knew that I would be welcomed with open arms and I would make many valuable connections. Not once did I feel undervalued or unappreciated and I immediately felt at home with my sisters. I can’t wait to spend the next 4 years with Zeta."
- Risha K. (Fall PC '22)
"I joined Zeta because all the girls I spoke to during COB recruitment were so sweet and genuine. They instantly made me feel like I belonged. For this reason I’d love to create the same feelings for incoming new members and show them why they too belong at ZTA."
- Valeria R. (Spring PC '24)
"From the first day of fall formal recruitment, I've met so many wonderful girls with different backgrounds and interests, connected by a set of values rooted in sisterhood and philanthropy. ZTA provides a space for girls to find mentors, study partners, best friends, and everything in between. Joining ZTA has been one of my best decisions of college yet!”
-Malia K. (Fall PC '22)
