| Alpha Tau Alpha | |
| Letters: | Greek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΑΤΑ |
| Crest: | File:The_crest_of_Alpha_Tau_Alpha.png |
| Birthplace: | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign |
| Affiliation: | Independent |
| Status: | Active |
| Emphasis: | Agricultural and Extension Education |
| Scope: | National |
| Colors: | Orange and Brown |
| Publication: | The Alphan |
| Symbol: | Sheaves of Wheat, Book, Lamp |
| Chapters: | 32 (1979) |
| Lifetime: | 13,767 (1979) |
| Address: | Alpha Tau Alpha c/o University of Minnesota Learning and Environmental Sciences 1954 Buford Avenue |
| City: | St. Paul |
| State: | Minnesota |
| Zip Code: | 55108 |
| Country: | United States |
Alpha Tau Alpha (Greek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΑΤΑ) is an American professional honorary agricultural education organization for those who have chosen a major in agricultural education or extension education.
The general purpose of vocational agriculture-to educate present and prospective farmers for proficiency in farming—created throughout this nation a band of men dedicated to the improvement of agriculture through education. These men were of a unique profession and one individual, Dr. A. W Nolan, conceived the idea of a professional organization for them.[1]
On, a group of men at the University of Illinois, College of Agriculture, met to plan and organize a group for those pursuing a career in Agricultural Education or Extension Education. On, plans were developed to nationalize the fraternity. After the plans were in place, the corresponding secretary was elected in March 1923 to contact other colleges concerning the organization of Alpha Tau Alpha chapters. Colleges with an Agricultural Education or Extension Education program were contacted. On, the University of Illinois granted Alpha chapter of Greek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΑΤΑ a permit for a national constitution.
The interest of A. W. Nolan in Alpha Tau Alpha continued beyond his retirement at the University of Illinois in 1938. He served as president until the national fraternity was reactivated following World War II. He was awarded a life membership in the American Vocational Association in recognition of his services as founder and president of Greek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΑΤΑ.
The Insignia was designed for the use of the national organization or local chapters. Parts of the Insignia are the equilateral triangle with the words Physical, Intellectual, and Spiritual making up the three sides, an Greek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΑΤΑ bond of fellowship that ties the sides together, the open book and the lamp of knowledge, supported by two sheaves of wheat. The Insignia is protected by copyright.
The official colors of Alpha Tau Alpha are orange and brown.
The purpose of Alpha Tau Alpha is to promote the highest standards of agricultural education and a more intimate acquaintance and closer relationship with individuals who have chosen a major in agricultural education or extension education. By studying the life, preparation, and personality of great educators, by a better understanding of various aspects of the great vocations in agriculture, and life of the people engaged therein, members aspire to become such agricultural educators as shall wisely and sufficiently lead those who have chosen the vocation of agriculture, into fuller lives of success and happiness.
Greek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΑΤΑ members seek to find and enjoy the fellowship of individuals of high scholarship, of true teaching ideals, and of sincere desire to serve in agricultural leadership.
See main article: List of Alpha Tau Alpha chapters.
A. Active Membership- Qualifications for active membership in Alpha Tau Alpha may exceed, if a chapter wishes, but shall not be less than the following:
B. Associate Membership- Associate membership shall be limited to those persons actively engaged in agricultural education or extension education professions.
C. Honorary Membership
D. National Membership- When the national initiation fee is received by the national secretary, the members of chapters automatically become members of the national body and constitute the membership of the organization.
E. Transfer of Membership- Membership may be transferred from one chapter to another at the member's request, by notifying the secretary of the chapter the member is joining and notifying the national secretary of the transfer and the roll number assigned to the member.
The Alpha Tau Alpha National Conclave is held in conjunction with the National FFA Convention each October. All Greek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΑΤΑ chapters are invited to attend. Business meetings are held in which any delegate matters are voted on by all attending chapters. During National Conclave, contests are held for chapters to participate against one another.