History

Founding & Early Years

Kappa Alpha Order was founded on December 21, 1865 at Washington College (now Washington and Lee University) in Lexington, Virginia, originally under the name Phi Kappa Chi. The name was soon changed to Kappa Alpha to avoid confusion with another fraternity.

Samuel Zenas Ammen, known as the “Practical Founder,” helped shape KA’s rituals and constitution, creating a distinctive framework inspired by ideals of moral character, respect, duty, and honor.

Growth & Identity

KA quickly grew throughout the Southern United States and eventually expanded nationwide. It is part of the Lexington Triad along with Alpha Tau Omega and Sigma Nu — three fraternities founded at Washington College.

Kappa Alpha Order encourages members to pursue lives of excellence, emphasizing a reverence to God, respect for women, and the cultivation of character and integrity.

National Organization & Programs

The fraternity’s national headquarters is located at Mulberry Hill in Lexington, Virginia. KA supports its members through scholarships, leadership programs, and educational initiatives via the Kappa Alpha Order Educational Foundation, established in 1982.

National philanthropic efforts include Project Outreach and a long-standing partnership with the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), which has raised millions of dollars in support of research and families affected by muscular dystrophy.

Today

Today, Kappa Alpha Order has over 120 active chapters and more than 150,000 initiated members nationwide. The Order remains committed to developing leaders, serving communities, and fostering lifelong brotherhood.