In October, 1964, eight Tennessee Tech students decided to launch a social fraternity.  They named it Kappa Phi Delta.  Their actions violated university rules that prohibited participation in any unauthorized organization, and they risked expulsion from school.  The demand for more organized social activity at the University led to a rapid increase in membership.  By the end of school year 1965-66, Kappa Phi Delta numbered more than 35 members, participated, anonymously, in many school activities and became a founding member of the underground Inter-fraternity Council.

 
In the winter of 1966, the Administration, learning of the extent of unauthorized fraternities on campus (five at this time with over 100 members) launched a study of “the fraternity situation.”  This led to probationary recognition of groups that met established criteria: twenty members with at least a 2.0 GPA, a constitution and bylaws and a faculty member who would agree to advise the group.  Only Kappa Phi Delta met all the criteria, and on February 23, 1967, it became Tennessee Tech’s first recognized social fraternity.

In the fall of 1966, the fraternity moved into the house formerly known as Barbour Manor at 525 North Walnut Avenue.  KPD and Kappa Sigma occupied this house for the next 35 years.  Kappa Sigma continues to occupy the location today. 

KPD colonized with the national Kappa Sigma fraternity in the winter of 1968, and on May 2, 1969, Kappa Colony became Kappa Mu Chapter of Kappa Sigma, Tennessee Tech’s first national fraternity.