Zeta Tau Alpha (ZTA) fraternity for women will be making its return to campus in
Spring 2013. ZTA, which was founded at Longwood University on Oct. 15, 1898, closed its
Longwood chapter in May 2009 due to hazing allegations.
Director of the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life Kate Planow explained that when the
chapter was closed, it was under the agreement that it could re-colonize after the two-year
mark. College Panhellenic Council (CPC) approved ZTA to come back between 2012 and
2014.
"We are grateful for the opportunity given to us by the Longwood Panhellenic Council
to re-establish our very first chapter and once again become a part of fraternity and
sorority life on our first campus," said ZTA National President Keeley McDonald in
an email.
Although some concerns may arise in regards to ZTA returning to campus, Longwood
CPC President Whitney Beale thinks the organization will be able to make a
good return. "I think with their nationals coming in, it's going to really help promote
the good aspects of [ZTA] as a chapter. They have been doing some really great things
with their philanthropy and I think that's going to help remove the image they had
beforehand," said Beale.
ZTA has 158 active collegiate chapters as well as a colony at Vanderbilt University.
Longwood's chapter is one of three chapters that will be reactivated during
the 2012-2013 academic year. The chapter at University of California-
Berkeley as well as the chapter at Tulane University in New Orleans
will be reactivated.
"This was very exciting news for us to be able to share with all of our
alumnae and collegiate members across the country today, especially
our alumnae from Alpha Chapter and in Virginia," said McDonald.
McDonald explained that the reinstated chapter would represent the
1898 founder's values of loyalty, responsibility, leadership, service and
commitment.
Planow explained that some national staffers would come in and hold information
sessions and interviews to select the first group of women. "This is a huge
piece of our history coming back to campus," said Planow.
"It's going to be a great opportunity for those women who might not like some of
the chapters we offer now. This might be a great way for them to get involved with
Greek life," said Beale. "I hope everyone accepts it and embraces it with open arms,"
she added.
