For over 100 years, Alpha Sigma Tau has been an active presence at universities and colleges across the country.  From its beginnings in 1899 to today, the Purpose of the Sorority has been to promote the ethical, cultural, and social development of its members and members have maintained high standards of scholarship, friendship, and social grace.

The establishment of sororities on college campuses which addressed themselves to the education of teachers led to the formation of those sororities into the Association of Education Sororities.  One of these goals of Alpha Sigma Tau was to become a national sorority, and to achieve membership in AES.

Alpha Sigma Tau’s first ten years was a period of establishing an appropriate foundation to move toward the structure needed to develop a national organization.  In April 1905, a group of women at Central Michigan Normal School (now Central Michigan University), in Mt. Pleasant, joined Alpha Sigma Tau as Beta Chapter.  Other chapters soon affiliated, and by April 1926, the Sorority had achieved membership in AES.  The Sorority’s first convention was held in Detroit, Michigan, where the Sorority magazine, The ANCHOR, was established.

In December 1951, the AES merged with the National Panhellenic Conference, and Alpha Sigma Tau began its long and active association with NPC.  AST Cynthia Peckhart McCrory served on the Executive Committee of NPC from 1979 through 1985, and was elected to the first Executive Board of the National Panhellenic Conference Foundation.

The Alpha Sigma Tau National Foundation was incorporated in 1982 to promote and expand the educational and charitable activities of the Sorority.  The major milestone has provided Alpha Sigma Tau with the means to make stronger philanthropic contributions and to more readily provide academic scholarships to sisters.

In 1995 Alpha Sigma Tau established its new building for the Alpha Sigma Tau National Headquarters in Birmingham, Alabama.  This office serves as the clearinghouse for most sorority information, and as the Sorority’s “home.”

From the beginning, alumnae involvement as been an important part of membership in Alpha Sigma Tau.  Alumnae have been instrumental in the expansion and growth of the Sorority, providing guidance and support to Collegiate Chapters, and taking leadership roles in Greek organizations.  They have also staffed Headquarters, coordinated Conventions, and funded major Sorority projects.

Today, Collegiate and Alumnae Sisters continue to form strong and lasting bonds in Alpha Sigma Tau.  The Sorority’s programs and social service projects continue to enrich the lives of many, helping Sisters contribute our share to the progress of mankind.  We welcome new sisters and help each other grow to be contributing members of our community.