Province Territory
The Groundwork: Division into Provinces
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was the Grand Chapter city from December 30, 1920 to January 1, 1921, with the Lambda and Epsilon Chapters as hosts. George F. David II, Grand Keeper of the Exchequer, became the first Grand Polemarch who had not been nurtured by the Alpha Chapter under the direct influence of the Founders. David's election was pivotal — his administration would reflect the thoroughness with which the fraternity's ideals had been transmitted to a new generation of leadership.
Grand Polemarch David proposed legislation to divide the fraternity into supervisory districts — an idea given to him by his father, then a presiding Elder of the A.M.E. Church and a member of the fraternity. This proposal laid the groundwork for what would eventually become the Southwestern Province.
The Fifteenth Grand Chapter, 1925
Columbia University was the seat of the Fifteenth Grand Chapter, held December 26–30, 1925. In his address to the convention, Grand Polemarch Earl B. Dickerson stressed that Kappa Alpha Psi was no longer a provincial organization of a few ambitious young men within a single community — it had grown into a national society of members who "walked the high road" in cities and towns throughout the nation.
"College fraternities must be active agents in helping to create better understanding among the nations and races of the world."
Delegates passed resolutions reflecting the Grand Polemarch's perspective. One resolution called for college fraternities to act as agents of better understanding among nations and races. Another favored extending Kappa Alpha Psi into Southern colleges. At this Grand Chapter, the official designations of "Region" and "Regional Director" were changed to "Province" and "Province Polemarch" — terminology the fraternity continues to use today.
The Southwestern Province Is Born, 1930
Detroit, Michigan hosted the Seventeenth Grand Chapter on December 25, 1927, where Archie A. Alexander succeeded Earl B. Dickerson as Grand Polemarch, holding that office through December 1930. In accepting the office, Alexander committed his administration to appointing Province Polemarchs who would bring energy to their work and extend the program of Kappa Alpha Psi throughout the country.
The Northeastern and Southwestern Provinces were established in 1930, bringing the total number of provinces to ten. The Southwestern Province was placed under the leadership of its first Province Polemarch, Dr. Oliver W. Phillips — a charter member of the Kappa Chapter at Meharry Medical College (1919), former member of the Guide Right Commission, and the chartering Polemarch of the Marshall (TX) Alumni Chapter.
Dr. Phillips was a dentist who graduated from Meharry Medical College in 1921. He was part of the dental staff of the T&P Railroad Company and maintained a private practice. His appointment as the province's first leader signaled a commitment to principled, accomplished men at the helm of this new territory.
Province Timeline
Grand Chapter in Philadelphia. Grand Polemarch George F. David II proposes dividing the fraternity into supervisory districts — the foundational concept for provinces.
Fifteenth Grand Chapter at Columbia University. "Region" and "Regional Director" officially renamed to "Province" and "Province Polemarch."
Seventeenth Grand Chapter in Detroit. Grand Polemarch Archie A. Alexander elected, committing to expanding Kappa Alpha Psi into new territories.
The Southwestern Province established as the 10th province of Kappa Alpha Psi. Dr. Oliver W. Phillips named inaugural Province Polemarch.
The Southwestern Province spans Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Southern Mississippi, and Mexico — home to the Denton-Lewisville (TX) Alumni Chapter.
Our Place in the Province
The Denton-Lewisville (TX) Alumni Chapter is proud to be a part of the Southwestern Province — a province rooted in a legacy of principled expansion, achievement, and service. As the North Texas community grows, the chapter continues the province's tradition of excellence in every field of human endeavor.
Learn more about the Southwestern Province at southwesternprovince1911.org.