Chapter History

You have to know where you’ve been to know where you are going. Kappa holds a special place in its heart for Fraternity history, but every chapter of our organization has unique beginnings of its own. Each plays a part in shaping us today. Read more about our chapters’ histories in Kappa's digital archives.

The Delta Rho Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma was founded at the University of Mississippi in March 1947. Our story began in 1945 when the Dean of Women invited Kappa to consider establishing a chapter at Ole Miss. Inspired by the opportunity, national leaders and devoted alumnae from Memphis, New Orleans, and Jackson came together to make that dream a reality.

At the time, there was only one Kappa alumna living in Oxford, so support from surrounding alumnae was essential. In October 1946, eleven women signed the colonization pledge book, and by the spring of 1947, Delta Rho was officially installed. The chapter’s earliest meetings took place in a room at the top of the YWCA, the oldest building on campus and once a Civil War hospital. The space had been thoughtfully furnished by the Fraternity and quickly became a home base for our founding members, lovingly referred to as the Lucky Thirteen.

By fall 1948, the chapter moved into its first house, a beautiful red brick Colonial residence. It was the first house on campus large enough to house and feed the entire chapter. The home combined elegance with practicality and marked an exciting new chapter for Delta Rho.

From the beginning, Delta Rho has emphasized academic excellence, leadership, and sisterhood. We quickly became an active and respected presence on campus, with members recognized in Mortar Board, student government, Panhellenic, and other leadership organizations. What started as a small group of pioneering women has grown into a chapter built on tradition, unity, and a strong sense of purpose.

We are so proud to share that one of our very own, Elizabeth Bailey, a Delta Rho alumna, is currently serving as the International President of Kappa Kappa Gamma! Elizabeth has always been a shining example of what it means to be a Kappa, and it's so special to see someone from our chapter leading on such a big scale. We're cheering her on every step of the way and couldn't be more honored to call her a Delta Rho sister! 

Elizabeth Bailey, Member Class of 1978