The purpose of our organization is the intensifying of friendship, the fostering of spirit and love, the creation of such sentiments, the performing of such deeds, and the molding of such opinions as will be conductive to the building of a purer and nobler womanhood in the world.

Zeta Tau Alpha was founded in 1898 by nine young women at Longwood University with the intent to create an organization that would create deep connections and uphold strong and noble values. Our nine key values include Lifelong Learning, Leadership, Responsibility, Being Rather than Seeming, Service & Philanthropy, Seeking Understanding that We Might Gain True Wisdom, Humility, Loyalty & Commitment, and Love.