Zeta State History & Founders
The formation of Zeta State in Mississippi became a reality when Dr. Annie Webb Blanton, national founder and national president until May 1933, and Miss Norma Smith of Alabama contacted the Mississippi Department of Education asking for names of leading women educators worthy of membership in this new society, Delta Kappa Gamma. Names were submitted, recommendations made, and invitations sent to teachers who wished to become Mississippi State founders. On April 21, 1934, the national president of Delta Kappa Gamma, Miss Norma Smith, conducted the initiation of founders and organized Zeta State at a meeting at the Edwards Hotel in Jackson.
The thirteen founders of Zeta State were outstanding women recognized for their continuing services to education in a variety of fields. Two were prominent as music instructors -- one at the University of Mississippi and the other in Hinds County. The four in elementary education served as teachers, supervisors or principals. Two of the elementary supervisors soon began working in higher education -- one at Memphis State Teachers College and the other at Wilson Teachers College in Washington, D.C.
The thirteen founders of Zeta State were outstanding women recognized for their continuing services to education in a variety of fields. Two were prominent as music instructors -- one at the University of Mississippi and the other in Hinds County. The four in elementary education served as teachers, supervisors or principals. Two of the elementary supervisors soon began working in higher education -- one at Memphis State Teachers College and the other at Wilson Teachers College in Washington, D.C.
The three founders in the field of home economics contributed appreciably to the building and constant growth of the Extension Service and the 4-H Clubs in Mississippi. One founder was a long-time successful teacher of English in the junior high schools of Jackson. The final three attained eminence in particular areas of college teaching – biology at Mississippi State College for Women, history at Delta State, and psychology at Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina. Although some of the founders moved to other states to pursue their careers, several remained in Mississippi and worked tirelessly to promote the growth of Zeta State. Amanda Lowther is the one founder with the enviable record of active participation in all phases of the work for a half-century. Each founder also contributed a vital part to the history of The Delta Kappa Gamma
Zeta State has usually held one or more meetings a year since its organization in 1934. These meetings were held in different parts of the state usually one in the northern part, then central and southern parts. In 1987 during the presidency of Jessie Everett, the state divided into three districts with district meetings held on even numbered years. This all became a reality in 1988 during the presidency of Evelyn Barron. District directors and assistant directors were appointed and plans for the first meetings were started in the spring of that year. Since there was no state meeting that year, the Executive Board met in Jackson. The first leadership workshop designed for chapter presidents, program chairmen, and membership chairmen was held during the presidency of Jessie Everett in 1987. This continues today as a useful tool in the success of Delta Kappa Gamma in Mississippi.
Members are encouraged to attend all meetings. Zeta State leaders have always provided some time for fellowship in all of these activities. This gives members the opportunity to share ideas and develop friendships.
