Kappa Alpha Theta after more than two decades has returned to the University of South Carolina, bringing new opportunities for leadership, service and sisterhood to the university’s vibrant Greek community.

The reestablished Zeta Kappa chapter has begun welcoming new members this semester – 120, to be exact. It originally operated at USC from 1990 to 2001, de-establishing when its enrollment numbers dropped. For Theta, the first modern-day Greek-letter fraternity for women, the return represents both a reconnection with history and a chance to redefine what belonging means in today’s campus culture.

“Kappa Alpha Theta believes that fraternity and sorority communities and chapter excellence begin with the actions and values of chapter members,” said Julianne Butler, the national organization’s chief marketing officer. “As the University of South Carolina women strive for the highest levels of intellectual and personal growth, Theta members aim to live by similar core values in their daily lives.”

Theta’s return to USC comes with a focus on purpose-driven growth and community impact. The chapter’s philanthropy program, Theta for Good, supports the National Court Appointed Special Advocates/Guardians ad Litem (CASA/GAL) Association for Children, with USC’s Zeta Kappa Chapter planning to partner locally with Richland County CASA.

“Zeta Kappa will dedicate time to advocacy, service, and fundraising for Richland County CASA — a partnership that reflects our mission to exercise the widest influence for good,” Butler said.

Butler said that while Theta didn’t participate in primary recruitment this year, the organization’s approach is focused and intentional.

“Our recruitment efforts focus on seeking out qualified women,” she said. “We’re continuing to spread the word that Theta is back! The women who join Theta at USC this year have a unique opportunity to define how the chapter will move forward and to create a legacy that will live long after their time at USC.”

The reestablishment process will take time, with national Theta staff based in Columbia through 2027 to support chapter operations. The first members will create bylaws, plan events and build what later will be traditions.

“What’s most important to us in this first year is that our members build meaningful relationships with one another and within the community, find a sense of belonging and feel like Theta is enriching their experience at USC,” Butler said.

Theta, despite not having a chapter house, is confident it will thrive.

“We want to demonstrate that a chapter at USC can have a positive experience without owning a house,” Butler said. “Our annual membership survey shows that a house isn’t needed to foster belonging within the chapter.”

Collyn Taylor, USC’s internal communications manager, said Theta’s arrival adds to the strength of the university’s Greek system.

“The fraternity and sorority community at USC is a vibrant one, making our campus a desirable place for chapter expansion,” Taylor said. “Establishing a chapter at USC means that an organization’s values — scholarship, leadership, brotherhood or sisterhood, and service — align with what USC wants to champion across its entire student body.”

As Theta settles back into campus life, Butler said she’s most excited about the enthusiasm already shown by students and alumnae alike.

“Our Zeta Kappa chapter and Columbia-area alumnae demonstrate that Theta lasts a lifetime,” she said. “We’re truly excited that this chapter has received enthusiastic support from so many from the very beginning.”