Historical Overview

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During the turn of the 20^th century, the consisted of two Historically Black Colleges: Claflin University (then Claflin College) and South Carolina State University (then South Carolina State A&M College). For African American students, a four-year college experience afforded them with an unprecedented education, imminent professional opportunities, lifelong friendships, and for many, the chance to become involved in and members of Greek fraternities and sororities. It did not take long for a select group of progressive educated, and influential members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority , Incorporated to initiate a concentrated effort to charter the first chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority in the State of South Carolina.

The late Sorors Rosamond A. Alston and Helen W. Sheffield were architects of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority in Orangeburg, South Carolina for Graduate and Undergraduate Chapters. Helen W. Sheffield, daughter of President Robert Shaw Wilkinson (second President of South Carolina State A&M College now University), was employed at college as Manager of the Dining Hall (Floyd Hall) and was faculty in the Chemistry Department. Rosamond A. Alston was employed at the college in the Education Department. These two women along with other members of the Sorority, identified, selected, guided, and successfully encouraged 24 young women to charter the Alpha Xi Chapter at then South Carolina State A&M University on May 12, 1934, becoming the first chapter chartered in this State.