On April 28, 1926, fifteen premedical students at the University of Alabama met with Dr. Jack Montgomery, premedical advisor and professor of organic chemistry, to formalize the organization of a new premedical honor society. Baylor University, Samford University, The University of Texas, and the University of South Carolina established chapters in 1928/29. At the first national convention at the University of Alabama on April 18, 1930, ten members representing five chapters and one petitioning group were in attendance. From these modest beginnings, Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED) has today become the world's largest Honor Society exclusively serving premedical education, with a membership exceeding 144,000 in 186 chapters. In 1949, AED was incorporated in the State of Michigan. In February 1962, the Society was reincorporated in the District of Columbia as a nonprofit, educational organization.

The mission of the Society is to encourage and recognize excellence in premedical scholarship; to stimulate an appreciation of the importance of premedical education; to promote communication between medical and premedical students and educators; to provide a forum for students with common interests; and to use its resources to benefit health organizations, charities and the community.

AED functions both as an Honor Society and service organization. This dual role is reflected in the societal structure and chapter activities.

Government - The business of the Society is conducted by the National Officers, Regional Directors, and active chapters, with authorization of the national convention.

The National Officers are elected by the official delegates at national convention for a two-year term and serve without remuneration.

The Regional Directors assist the National Officers with chapter installations, contacts and visits, conventions, and scholarship programs. The delegates elect each Regional Director for a two-year term at the national convention from chapters in the appropriate region.

General administration of Society activities is conducted through the office of the National Secretary.

Chapters - Chapters may be established in four-year degree–granting accredited colleges and universities. The process requires submission of a petition to the National President, following the outline provided by the National Office. You are invited to contact the National Office for information regarding chapter establishment.

National Convention - The national convention, held biennially, is the governing body of AED. Each member is invited to attend and participate in its program. The National Officers, with the cooperation of the host chapter and Regional Director, arrange the place, date and program of the convention. One official delegate represents each active chapter at the convention. The official chapter delegates constitute the voting members at the business sessions during the convention.

Affiliations - AED is affiliated with the American Association for the Advancement of Science and is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies.