Our Chapter History

North Carolina was the eighth chapter of Alpha Zeta and was installed January 30, 1904, at the North Carolina Agriculture and Mechanical College, Raleigh, North Carolina. It was originally named the Massey Chapter in honor of Professor W. F. Massey. In 1907 and again in 1911, the chapter petitioned the High Council to change the name to North Carolina Chapter, to identify it with the state. The petition was granted.

North Carolina was the second chapter which Brother Burkett aided in founding. He was assisted by Brother C. K. McClelland and Brother John Kendall. Many years later, Brother Burkett was awarded an honorary doctorate by North Carolina State University for his contributions to the betterment of agriculture.

David S. Weaver, long associated with the chapter, and who served 16 years on the High Council, is now memorialized by a scholarship given annually by the chapter.

The charter members of the North Carolina Chapter were Leroy Aberrancy, Robert J. Avery, Joel W. Bullock, William W. Finley, William Kerr, James O. Morgan, Robert W. Scott, Jr. John H. Squires, and James C. Temple.

National Alpha Zeta History

The Fraternity of Alpha Zeta was founded on November 4, 1897, at the Ohio State University by Charles W. Burkett and John F. Cunningham. The founding of the Fraternity began with Brothers Burkett and Cunningham, who were roommates while studying in the College of Agriculture at Ohio State. They realized the need for fellowship among students dedicated to the cause of agriculture. Agricultural education was of low meaning in the University. Similarly, there was little regard for the few students enrolled in agriculture. They needed an organized way to promote agriculture openly and cooperatively and to gain respect for themselves.