Interest in a chapter of Alpha Psi at Mississippi State University (MSU) was sparked by MSU veterinary student John G. Hynes in January 1988. Mr. Hynes was a New York native who was accepted into MSU's College of Veterinary Medicine. He had also interviewed at Auburn University and experienced the fraternal spirit of Theta Chapter's membership. Thus, upon entering MSU, Mr. Hynes wrote his Theta acquaintance, Dominic Marino, to inquire about the proper channel for information on establishing a chapter of Alpha Psi at MSU. Theta advisor H.C. Morgan referred Mr. Hynes' letter to the National Secretary, Edward Robinson, at the University of Georgia who communicated with Mr. Hynes concerning the steps necessary to establish a new colony. In the spring of 1988, 41 MSU students from the classes of 1989, '90, '91, and '92 petitioned the National Council for colony approval, which was granted unanimously by the ten active chapters and four national officers of Alpha Psi.

 

In the fall of 1988, Rho Colony members elected John Hynes as President. The Colony drew up a constitution and began to host socials and to perform service activities in the college and community by administering a Pet Therapy program at a nursing home and food-for-needy and toys-for-tots drives. Bruce Frost was Rho delegate to the January 1989 National Convention in Blacksburg, Virginia. 

 

On April 22, 1989, 46 colony members were inducted as charter members of Rho Chapter. Student members from Theta Chapter, National Vice President Verne Krista, and National Secretary Edward Roberson conducted the intiation ceremony at the Holiday Inn in Starkville, Mississippi, late on Saturday afternoon. A banquet followed at the Holiday Inn and subsequently an informal poolside party at the apartment villa.

 

MSU's Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, H. Dwight Mercer, officially recognized Rho Chapter of Alpha Psi as a veterinary student organization in a letter dated September 26, 1989.