In spring 2025, the Xi Psi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc ®, celebrated 40 years of sisterhood, service and scholarship on the campus of Texas A&M University. More than a milestone, the anniversary honored the legacy of Black women who broke barriers, built community and lit a path of leadership that continues to shine.
As one of the university’s earliest Black Greek Letter Organizations, (BGLOs) Xi Psi’s story is a powerful reminder that progress is not always given — it’s built.
The chapter’s origins date back to 1983, when Cheryl Richardson ’86, an electrical engineering student from Lancaster, Texas, worked with Student Activities Advisor Kevin Carreathers and then-Vice President of Student Services Dr. John Koldus to begin the process of bringing Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® to Texas A&M. Richardson was officially initiated in 1983 and, over the next year, prepared four additional women for initiation on February 26 and April 1 of 1984. Collectively, these five women became known as “The First Five” and formed the foundation of what would become Xi Psi.
At the time, Texas A&M had yet to formally recognize any fraternities or sororities. Undeterred, these women created an interest group, which organized service and social projects demonstrating the sorority’s values. On January 26, 1985, these women were also initiated providing the pathway for the official charter of the Xi Psi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® at Texas A&M University on April 14, 1985.
“What began as the bold vision of one student has flourished into a legacy that has touched countless lives,” noted current Chapter President Kaiya Burden.
The chapter has grown to nearly 300 initiated members, expanding with each decade with the chapter growing to be affectionately known as “Superfly Xi Psi.”
The Xi Psi Chapter contributed to measurable gains in wellness, academic enrichment and student development in the campus and local community through some of their signature programs such as the Women’s Health Symposium, Ivy AKAdemy and High Noon Teas. Countless service initiatives have been part of the chapter’s contributions to the Bryan & College Station community, including eldercare activities at senior living facilities, childcare services to parents in the community, childcare services to parents in the community, youth and teen mom mentoring and tutoring programs, recognizing and celebrating the arts, support young girls through mentoring, focused on celebrating young men, clothing and food donation campaigns, programming to amplify the dangers of drinking and driving, etiquette and fashion events, community and environment cleanup activities, volunteer work with local charitable organizations, and so many other efforts.
In a congratulatory letter to the chapter, Texas A&M University President Mark A. Welsh III wrote, “Your collective efforts are truly inspiring. You’ve made an indelible mark on Bryan-College Station and a lasting mark on our campus.”
To mark the 40th anniversary, Xi Psi launched a service initiative with the Little Free Library movement — a global nonprofit focused on expanding access to books and building community through neighborhood book-sharing stations.
Each library the chapter builds and maintains represents more than a collection of books. It’s a tangible expression of Xi Psi’s commitment to education, access and uplift.
Xi Psi’s leadership and service runs deep. Members have led within dozens of prominent student organizations, including the MSC Black Awareness Committee, Student Government Association, The Battalion, Southwestern Black Student Leadership Conference, The Psychology Club, National Society of Black Engineers, and numerous others affiliated with the business, science, and medicine disciplines. In addition, notable experiences were a result of Xi Psi’s legacy, such as the founding of Fade to Black Dance Ensemble in 1991 as a creative expression outlet and space of community, meaningful connection, and collective interest for like-minded young women.
“You have set a high standard for service and leadership,” wrote Dr. Shawn Emerson Simmons in a letter of recognition. “That kind of commitment is something to be celebrated, honored and uplifted.”
In 2018, alumna the Honorable Ingrid Warren envisioned a lasting form of support: the Xi Psi Alumnae Endowment, established through the Texas A&M Foundation. By 2022, the fund exceeded $100,000 and began awarding scholarships. The fund has since become a cornerstone of support for future generations of students — a reminder that Xi Psi’s impact is not just historical, but ongoing.
Additionally, Xi Psi Alumnae have individually established endowments, in addition to their annual giving through the Association of Former Students. Members’ personal giving ranges from $25,000 to $100,000, attaining recognitions such as membership in the Texas A&M Legacy Society with engraved name plates in the Jon L. Hagler Building, Texas A&M University Champions Council, and Eppright Distinguished Donors with engraved name plate in Kyle Field. Combined with individual giving and fundraising led by members, Xi Psi alumnae have contributed in the millions to Texas A&M University and its students.
Xi Psi has never been just a chapter. It’s a living, evolving tradition that is passed from member to member, year to year, grounded in scholarship, service and sisterhood.
With 40 years of service behind them and generations of leadership ahead, the Women of Xi Psi remain a commanding force for service, scholarship and sisterhood.
“Our chapter will always embody what it means to be Pretty, Poised, and Powerful,” wrote Chapter President Kaiya Burden. “We are Xi Psi.”