The early eighties marked a period of learning and establishment for the brothers of Mu Iota. The active membership fluctuated from thirteen to as many as thirty-four through the admission of new members and the transfer of other brothers. Throughout this period, the chapter consistently remained in good standing with the University and Fraternity alike. In the spring of 1987, the brotherhood began its first Annual Unsung Heroes Banquet in conjunction with Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority. This program honored those individuals who ordinarily would not have been recognized. After twelve years of serving Alpha and it's high ideals, the Mu Iota chapter was rewarded with its first Chancellor's citation from the University, for "Outstanding Contributions to Campus Life," this award is the highest honor any UT campus organization can receive.

In the September 1996 Edition of Ebony Magazine, Brother Lakendrick Wilson was featured as one of the 30 future black leaders of America. In 1996, Brother Charles Holmes was the driving force that resurrected the collegiate chapter of the NAACP at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Charles went on to receive the Chancellor's Citation for Outstanding Campus Leadership in 1998. Around this time, Brother Christopher Jones founded GRASSROOTS with the purpose in mind of combating racism on the campus of UTK.