The Charlotte Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa was chartered October 25, 1966 with fifty-seven charter members. Dr. Gayle Simmons was the founder of the Chapter. When he moved to Charlotte in 1965, he contacted International Headquarters for a list of Kappans in the area, inviting each to a meeting of the Charlotte Phi Delta Kappa Club. At the first meeting Kappans from other chapters and International Headquarters shared their experiences in Phi Delta Kappa and the importance of the organization to them.
During the past thirty years the Charlotte Chapter has experienced change and growth. Women were admitted to the organization in 1974 and the term ?field chapter? has been dropped. Dedication to the ideals of service, leadership and research has been reflected in the Chapter?s programs and activities. Phi Delta Kappa has been at the forefront in recognizing and confronting major educational issues. PDK is committed to openness, neutrality and freedom of discussion on all sides of controversial issues; it does not take political positions nor endorse candidates. It has stressed support of public education, dissemination of research-based information and service to its members and the educational profession.
The Charlotte Chapter has excelled in the selection of outstanding programs and service projects and has won numerous international and district awards for programmatic excellence and contributions to the Educational Foundation.
During its thirty-seven year existence, the Chapter has received District Membership Awards, won several District Foundation Awards (plus one PDK International award), awarded numerous future teacher scholarships and sponsored Professional Development Institutes. Moreover, the Chapter has continued unrelenting efforts to reinstate inactive members, hosted five Area Leadership Conferences, sponsored several Reavis reading Centers, hosted joint meetings with other chapters, hosted PDK International officers and staff members (including three Fraternity Presidents and the Executive Director) and hosted two District Conferences in Charlotte.
