ZETA KAPPA IOTAS (EWU)

If you're going to tell a story, you have to start at the very beginning. Because to know where you're going, you have to have a sound understanding of where you've been. And for the Zeta Kappa Chapter of Iota Phi Theta, it all starts with Nathaniel Brown. In the fall of 2002 Iota Phi Theta was simply a figment on the campus of Edward Waters College. You could only say its name at a whisper... anything more and it would disappear in a flash. The following spring, Nathaniel Brown along with his two line brothers requested the presence of Iota Phi Theta on the campus of EWU and began their march toward the city paved in Brown and Gold. It wouldn't be until March 13, 2003, with the help of the Edward Waters Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho (Delta Upsilon), specifically Tresa Hester, that Iota Phi Theta would establish a colony on the campus of Edward Waters College through the already established Gamma Omicron Chapter from the University of Florida. And once the brothers arrived, things would never be the same again.

Nathaniel would go on to establish himself as a renowned DJ throughout the state of Florida and continue to breathe life into the chapter until his schedule within the entertainment community evolved in a such a fashion that new members were needed to continue the Iotas’ evolution on campus and also afford the chapter the opportunity to continue to grow and evolve. Enter spring 2005...

In the spring of 2005, four new members would join the Zeta Kappa and like their predecessors, they would immediately begin the process of blazing a trail in a way that was similar, yet different than those that came before them. Working with less, but accomplishing more, the Zeta Kappa Chapter expanded its presence beyond the Jacksonville area, gaining recognition throughout the state of Florida and into Georgia as the Iotas you "don't wanna try." Edgy and gritty in their approach, the Zeta Kappa Chapter groomed hardworking men that thrived on a strong sense of accountability between brothers of their chapter and maintained a no nonsense attitude with those who would question their stamina and campus relevance. If there was a workshop, the Iotas were there. If there was a step show, the Iotas were there. If there was anything going on, the Iotas were either present or involved in some capacity (with Nathaniel, now DJ Nasty Nate by the time, DJ'ing many of the campus events and Brandon Chestnut, who was evolving into an intricate part of the local promotion company Point Blank Entertainment). From an academic standpoint, members like Michael Ranglin (who would go on to be a founder for the Theta Pi Chapter at the University of North Florida) kept the Iotas relevant on the set and in the classroom. By 2007, there was no question that the Zeta Kappa Chapter was on the verge of pure greatness.

Taking their chapter to the next level, Spring 2007 brought forth what many consider to be one of the most important lines in Zeta Kappa's history, I.S. Frozen Tundra. Through this line, the chapter was able to evolve in ways that would be needed for the chapter to maintain significant success, while at the same time, also maintaining the philosophies that made the chapter great. There was always the desire to have the chapter maintain the ideals that Iota was always known for: doing more with less; but at the same time, the chapter needed to diversify as more Iotas had moved into the Jacksonville area and the chapter had already established its presence on campus as a force to be reckoned with. No longer was Iota the underdog on the campus of Edward Waters. It was now clear that the chapter could and would continue to bring in quality men who would move the chapter forward. EWU football players John Dukes and Josh Williams would go on to be impact players in the name of Iota. Their LBs Steve Conoly and Dominic McKnight would not be slouches either and would travel from city to city in the name of Iota, making their mark in their own right wherever they traveled. This line has gone on to be one of the most significant in the chapter's history as Nathaniel had moved on and Brandon's time was needed elsewhere. 2008 would bring an insurgence of insanity into the chapter, turning the entire campus on its head and continuing the "take no prisoners" attitude and moving it to new heights.

In spring of 2008 the Zeta Kappa Chapter was infused with insanity, as the chapter brought forth its largest line to date of 8 brothers, known appropriately as I.S. Insane. This line was a collection of men who are exactly what their ship name implies... insane. Full of ruthless attitude, each of the brothers brought something different to the chapter and happily took on the moniker of "Owtlaw" and took it to a new level. Their campus visibility and community involvement continued what I.S. Frozen Tundra had already laid out and would set the stage for 2010.

In the spring of 2010, the Iotas came marching in like a wave of ferocity and anger. Many thought in the fall of 2009 that the Iotas were finished. As graduation grew closer, some unforeseen circumstances fell on many of the chapter members and the status of the Zeta Kappa chapter seemed up in the air. Yet the brothers of this chapter never wavered and maintained a strong sensibility and understanding in themselves. Much like their predecessors, I.S. Frozen Tundra and I.S. Insane, the line of Spring 2010 showed no mercy, riding into their neophyte showcase on a fire truck no less! These men were the culmination of all things great about the Zeta Kappa Chapter. They would usher in a new age for the chapter, creating men ready to move on into the recently established Jacksonville Grad Chapter (now Gamma Mu Omega), while continuing that strong continuity and sense of obligation to their undergraduate chapter. These men were ready for WAR and were appropriately named. I.S. WAR. Since their induction into Iota Land, these men have gone on to graduate chapters up and down the Eastern seaboard, while building their undergraduate chapter, servicing the community, and maintaining the core principles of the fraternity.

The chapter would continue to grow with the line I.S. S.B.D. crossing through the chapter in November of 2011, but the chapter would take a major hit in 2012 with the loss of Bro. Chris Donaldson to cancer. Chris's passing rocked not only Zeta Kappa, but the entire Gulf Coast Region of Iota to its core. Although the brothers of the Zeta Kappa Chapter continue to honor him, his loss still lingers.

The most recent light to shine upon the Zeta Kappa Chapter came with the addition of a brother whose crossing into Iota Land was long overdue. For many members of the EWU community and the Zeta Kappa Chapter specifically, when you hear the last name Adams, it is synonymous with your perspective of Iota Phi Theta on EWU’s campus. Phyllis Adams, mother of Iota Sweethearts Sheena, Nerissa and Dhyannah, played a pivotal role in the success of Zeta Kappa. Mrs. Adams supported the brothers of the chapter and encouraged all of her daughters to do the same. The Adams connection was finally completed with the addition of the Mrs. Adams's youngest son, Devin, crossing into Iota Land under the ship name I.S. Bloodline. A man of true grit and a testament to overcoming all odds, having Devin join the fold has brought the chapter full circle and is a sign that great things are on the horizon. Sadly Mrs. Adams passed away on August 24, 2007, nine years before Devin would become a member of Iota Phi Theta, but despite not being able to be physically present, she was certainly there in spirit and her love forever echoes through Zeta Kappa.

The heart of a champion cannot be questioned. It cannot be quantified, calculated in traditional ways, or ever fully understood... you just know it when you see it. Such is the case with the Zeta Kappa Chapter of Iota Phi Theta. Many don't understand the bond that this chapter and its members share with one another, but it is something that is the product of the chapter's hard upbringing, the nature of their college’s small family environment, and the passion that its members have for success. One thing is certain, the Zeta Kappa Chapter is one that has seen its share of struggles, but has maintained itself even through its dark times. As they continue to grow and mature, more men pursue interest in the organization through this chapter (which is the first chapter of Iota in the city of Jacksonville) and its members have gone on to be community leaders. If you would like to know more about the chapter or have interest in becoming a member, contact a brother directly or e-mail them at zetakappa@iotaphitheta.org!