About us

Throughout the years, the Brothers of the Eta Upsilon Chapter have come together to celebrate their shared dedication to Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Eta Upsilon, and Mississippi State University. These gatherings, held during chapter anniversaries and various social events across the country, have served as cherished opportunities for reconnection and celebration.

In 2014, during our 40th Anniversary breakfast event, the idea of formal organization began to take shape. Inspired by the experiences shared by Brothers from the Gamma Pi Chapter, who successfully launched the Gamma Pi Alumni Association in 2008, discussions arose about the potential benefits of establishing a similar alumni association for Eta Upsilon.

On September 12, 2020, those discussions culminated in the official launch of the Eta Upsilon Alumni Association. With a commitment to mentorship and support, the association was founded to assist undergraduate chapter brothers in their pursuit of the goals set by the national fraternity. Additionally, the association seeks to foster renewed connections among former members of the undergraduate chapter, further strengthening the bonds of brotherhood that unite us.

Highlights

In 1965, Mississippi State University welcomed its first African American student, Richard Holmes, marking a significant milestone in the university’s history. While Holmes was already a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., it wasn’t until 1972 that a growing interest in black fraternities emerged on campus.

Leander Taylor, serving on a committee to boost African American enrollment, noticed this burgeoning interest during his interactions with prospective students. In the spring of 1972, Taylor participated in the Cooperative Education Program in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, where he discovered established black fraternities at several predominantly white institutions (PWIs).

Upon returning to Mississippi State University, Taylor discussed fraternity interests with friends and classmates. After researching fraternities at other schools, he determined that Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. would resonate most with African American students at Mississippi State University.

Taylor learned that Mr. James Kilgore, a counselor at the university, was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He contacted Kilgore, informing him of the student group’s interest in establishing a chapter. On November 9, 1972, Kilgore contacted the National Headquarters of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. to initiate the process. A group of students petitioned the Grand Chapter, leading to the Student Organization Committee of Mississippi State University extending an invitation to Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. to colonize on campus on April 29, 1973.

The Grand Board of Directors approved the interest group’s petition on March 9, 1974, leading to the chartering of the Eta Upsilon Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. on the campus of Mississippi State University. The charter members, initiated at historically black universities, were united in their desire to uphold the fraternity’s purposes and ideals.