Alpha Delta Sigma was formed as a men's professional fraternity for the field of advertising at the University of Missouri on November 14, 1913.

[1][2] Its founders were Alex C. Bayless, J. Harrison Brown, Oliver N. Gingrich, Howard W. Hailey, Alberg G. Hinman, Joseph B. Hosmer, John W. Jewell, Alfonso Johnson, Rex B. McGee, Hugh J. McKay, Thomas E. Parker, John B. Powell, D. D. Rosenfelder, Charles H. Ross, James E. Schofield, Robert K. Tindall, Guy B.

[9][1] To better organize its governing structure, Alpha Delta Sigma held its first national convention in Columbia, Missouri during the Journalism Week of 1926.

[3] Delegates from four chapters attended, with others sending their proxy by telegraph to write and approve a new constitution, expand the national officers, and update the fraternity's ritual.

[3] E. K. Johnston, an advertising professor at the University of Missouri, was selected as the second national president and served two terms.

[3] Under Johnston's leadership, Alpha Delta Sigma positioned itself as a men's national professional advertising fraternity.

[16] The Alpha Delta Sigma professional fraternity's badge was a shield, with the image of the Western Hemisphere on a black background at the bottom, surmounted by the three Greek letters ΑΔΣ, and surrounded by a wreath.

Eligible members are juniors and seniors who have completed at least two upped level advertising classes, have at least a 3.25 GPA.