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Story

ΘΜ

Theta Mu Chapter

The Theta Mu Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha, Fraternity, Inc. was the first Black Greek Letter Organization founded on the campus of Sam Houston State University on April 14, 1973.  Brothers - Melvin Green, Reginald Archer, Rickey Brown, Conrell Brown, Billy Jacobs, Adolphus Moore Jr., Rodney Williams, Steven Mays, Ed Coleman, Coleman Porter, Harry Hughes, Ronald Evans, and Langston Johnson Jr. affectionately known as "Rare Breed" began the legacy of "Alpha Men" to last a lifetime. Fifty years later we have an opportunity to celebrate and continue the mission of these brothers. They sought to be scholars, and a pillar in the community on and off campus through service to all mankind. This set the stage for eight other Black Greek organizations on the campus of Sam Houston State University, located in Huntsville, Texas.

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Cheers to 50 years and beyond! 

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First of All, Servants of All, We shall transcend All

Dean William R. Powell

William R. Powell came to SHSU as an assistant dean in the Student Life Office in 1972, becoming the first African American administrator hired by the university. He played an integral role in the development of the student judicial system and served as a mentor and advisor to a number of students and student organizations. A member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, Powell was instrumental in establishing the Theta Mu chapter of the fraternity on the SHSU campus. He was named associate dean of Student Life in 1977, a position he held until his retirement in 1987. During that time he worked to develop the University Counseling Center. In honor of Powell, the African American Friends of SHSU Scholarship was established in 2012 to provide financial assistance to students in need, and on May 21, 2015 a new building on campus - The William R. Powell Student Health and Counseling Center building was dedicated to honor Dean Powell.

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College Days

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