The Alpha Kappa Chapter of Alpha Gamma Rho (AGR) was chartered at the University of Tennessee in 1951 by a group of individuals with a common interest in agriculture and brotherhood. Since our chartering in 1951, 1454 men have been initiated into our chapter at UT. Active chapter membership (Spring 2021) totaled 118 brothers, making the UT AGR chapter one of the largest AGR chapters in the country.
Alpha Gamma Rho is the only professional and social fraternity at UT that stands true to its history of excellence in academics, activities, and campus leadership. The chapter consistently ranks near the top of academics each semester by concentrating on the GPA. AGR's overall GPA for Fall Semester 2020 was 2.92 with 35 brothers having a GPA of 3.5 or higher for the semester! Spring 2021 GPA was a record 3.26 with 39 brothers making the UT Dean's List and 7 AGRs having a perfect 4.0 GPA. Besides academics, the brothers of Alpha Gamma Rho are very involved with the university by participating in activities such as Intramural Sports, Homecoming, All Sing, Carnicus, Greek Week, Student Government and IFC.
The development of leadership skills is an important part of the training members receive from AGR. Within the chapter there are 11 Executive Board positions and 23 secondary officer positions. Each position has a detailed job description that is designed to maximize leadership skills and develop Over 85 percent of the members are involved in extra-curricular activities on campus and also off campus.
In 2018 and 2020, an Alpha Gamma Rho brother was selected to receive UT'as highest honor: Torchbearer. The receiptant of the Torchbearer honor is based upon the UT senior's academic, leadership and campus involvement.
In recent years, 2 UT AGR’s have served as national FFA officers. During this same time frame, two AGRs have been elected president of the Interfraternity Council. One AGR has been elected President of the Student Government Association and two have been elected as Director of Student Services. AGRs have also been consistently involved with the Ambassador program on both the Ag Campus and the Main Campus. One AGR serves as UT Ambassadors and three more as UT College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CASNR) Ag Ambassadors. In 2016, an AGR was selected as the National Chief of Boy Scouts of America.
Alpha Gamma Rho won UT Homecoming from 2005-2009 and again in 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2019. During each semester, various social activities are scheduled, such as mixers with various sororities.
Our chapter's philanthropy project, AGR Water Wars, is held each spring. It is a day long water balloon tournament played by various sororities. Since beginning Water Wars, AGR has raised over $100,000 for our philanthropy, St. Jude's Children's Hospital. AGR also particpated in Greek Week activities, helping build a Habitat for Humanity house.
A long-standing tradition in our chapter is the training of the UT mascot, "Smokey." Since 1977, our brothers have selected to care for the dog both on and off the playing field.
Another strength of our chapter is the strong relationship with the chapter's Alumni Association. We involve our alumni in many chapter functions, including Homecoming Day each fall and Parent-Founder's Day in the spring. $53,500 in awards and scholarships were given to Alpha Gamma Rho members at the 2021 Banquet in April.
Alpha Gamma Rho currently resides in its recently renovated chapter house on Fraternity Row.
Alpha Gamma Rho is one of the few fraternities at UT which offers a new member education program. Alpha Gamma Rho is a non-hazing fraternity. In 1992 Alpha Gamma Rho eliminated the traditional pledging program that it had and many fraternities currently have. Through strong membership standards, Alpha Gamma Rho provides a fulfilling and meaningful experience for college men.
