About
OUR MISSION
"To Foster a Spirit of Sisterhood Among Teachers and to Promote the Highest Ideals of the Teaching Profession"
The National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Incorporated is a professional organization of women in the field of education. The three-point program - Y.E.S., which stands for Youth, Education and Service, is the foundation of the organization. As a national educators’ sorority we have accepted the challenge and responsibility of molding and shaping the lives of youth in various communities throughout the world. We have dedicated our professional services to carrying the torch of enlightenment everywhere.
As a professional organization of well-trained and effective educators in all components of the learning spectrum, the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc. is dedicated to training youth and adults to develop and enhance those skills, abilities, attitudes and ethics that will prepare them to function successfully in a democratic society. Education is the vehicle by which they can pursue their dreams, discover new vistas, seek self-actualization and achieve extraordinary accomplishments.
Our History and Our Founders
The National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc. (NSPDK) is a nonprofit, educational sorority founded by eight educators desiring to establish a sisterhood among teachers and promote the highest ideals of the teaching profession. NSPDK was the idea of Gladys Merritt Ross, who, on Good Friday, March 30, 1923, convened a group of young teachÂers from Jersey City Normal School in Jersey City, New Jersey to discuss the idea of forming a sorority.
Eight members of those present concurred, and Newark attorney, J. Mercer Burrell, incorporated the new organization on May 23, 1923 - which is now recognized as the official Founders Day. Because the original members were all minors, their parents or guardians, Dr. G.E. Cannon, Mr. J.L. Merritt, Mrs. Lottie Cooper and Mrs. Estelle Morris became trustees.
The eight founders are Gladys Merritt Ross (Mother Founder), Julia Asbury Barnes, Ella Wells Butler, Marguerite Gross, Florence Steele Hunt, Edna McConnell, Gladys Cannon Nunery and Mildred Morris Williams.
Delta Epsilon Chapter History
The first chapter of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc. established in Dallas, Texas was Alpha Rho, chartered in 1954. As the membership in this prestigious chapter grew, the possibility of establishing another chapter began to be discussed among some of the members.
During the winter and spring of 1979, several meetings were held in Sorors’ homes to discuss the vision of establishing another chapter in the Dallas area. Advantages noted were: a means of decentralization; an increase in membership and chapter growth locally, regionally, and nationally; more public visibility; promotion of sisterhood; improvement of morale; and most importantly, another vehicle for promoting the highest ideals of the teaching profession and purposes of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc.
After carefully and prayerfully weighing the benefits of establishing another chapter, eighteen sorors pledged their support. Soror Ann Williams, former Basileus, Regional Director, and past National Officer served as spokeswoman for this group.
The request for division of Alpha Rho Chapter was presented at the 1979 Conclave, held in Detroit, Michigan. Soror Williams kept in constant telephone contact with sorors in Dallas, who were anxiously awaiting the news of approval for division, much to the
hartering activities for the new chapter, Delta Epsilon, were held on October 13, 1979, at 11:30 A.M. at the Wyatt’s Cafetria on Hampton Road, Dallas, Texas. Supreme Basileus Billy J. Mason and Regional Director Minifred E. Kibler presided at this chartering. This very moving Chartering Ceremony concluded with a Candle Lighting Ceremony.
Chartering members included: June Birdsong, Elena Cox, Sallie Fagan, Earline Gray, Giley Griffin, Ethel Hancock, Eliner Jackson, Florine Jeffery, Marilyn Johnson Mask, Mary McNeal, Sherrill Nickerson Goodman, Matry Sanders, Theresa Shaw, Arissa Smith, Mary Stewart, Espanola Thacker, Mae Frances Traylor, Ann Williams, and Adlonius Wilson.
Delta Epsilon is quite fortunate in having attracted teachers and other educators who are dedicated to the profession, sincere in their quest for making a positive difference in the lives of students, committed to the philosophy of The National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc., and personally engaged in bringing about a powerful change in their community and nation.
delight of the waiting sorors.
Delta Epsilon Chapter Officers
President: Bridget Williams
1st Vice President: Keishla Coleman
2nd Vice President: Joyce Lewis
Secretary: Leisa Booker
Historian: Tabatha Johnson
Treasurer: Cynthia Adams
Financial Secretary: Wilma Coleman
Dean of Pledgees: Myla Wilson
Editor of The Krinon: Demetria McDonald
Director of Public Relations: Cheri Butler
Executive Advisor: Oneida Bailey