Charles "Sis Doc" Richardson

Charles Richardson (January 8, 1864 – December 22, 1924) was a dentist, newspaper publisher and editor, and college fraternity leader. He was best known as a Kappa Sigma fraternity leader and a founder of Chi Omega fraternity for women, which is now the largest women's sorority in the United States.

Early life Charles Richardson was born near Rich Valley, Virginia in 1864.

Following graduation from Emory and Henry College, he taught school in Marion, Virginia. He moved to Nashville, Tennessee where he attended Vanderbilt University Dental School (now defunct), graduating in 1888.

Career After dental school, Richardson moved to Arkansas, first to Greenwood and then to Fayetteville, where he practiced dentistry. He became the editor-in-chief and managing editor of the Fayetteville Daily Democrat and part owner of the Democrat Publishing and Printing Company. He also occasionally wrote travelogues for the newspaper.

Richardson served as Worthy Grand Procurator (National Vice President) of Kappa Sigma from 1898 to 1906.

Chi Omega Fraternity Richardson with Chi Omegas, In 1895, four female Arkansas Industrial University students asked Richardson for his assistance in starting a fraternity for women.

Richardson drafted the ritual, constitution, and by-laws of Chi Omega.

Personal life Richardson was a member of the Masonic order, along with the Rotary Club, and the Elks. In April 1925, Mary C. Love Collins, academic and national president of Chi Omega, dedicated her book, Human Conduct and the Law, to Richardson, noting, he "endowed Chi Omega with the idea of service." During its 16th National Convention in Hot Springs, Arkansas, Chi Omega held memorial services at Richardson's grave on June 29, 1930. Chi Omega has installed 181 collegiate chapters and 248 alumnae chapters with more than 402,000 initiated members.