As of 2018, Alpha Zeta Partners is a coed, professional honorary fraternity for students in the College of Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Sciences at Ohio State University. Alpha Zeta was founded at Ohio State University in 1897, after which additional chapters were established at other universities. It was the first agricultural fraternity in America. The Ohio State University chapter was named Townshend. Originally, membership was restricted to white men, but the fraternity began accepting men of all races in 1950, and women in 1972. As of 2018, Alpha Zeta is a national co-ed fraternity with active chapters across the United States.

In 1998, the Ohio State University chapter formed a partnership with five alumni of Alpha Zeta and began to focus on leadership skills and connections with employers. They added “partners” to their chapter name to reflect this change, but remain affiliated with the national organization as the Townshend chapter as of 2018. To be eligible to apply for membership in 2018, students must meet minimum grade point average and maximum credit hour requirements. Applications are reviewed by a selection committee, which interviews top candidates to evaluate their commitment and willingness to participate in the organization. Alpha Zeta Partners values and fosters fellowship, leadership, scholarship, and service, as well as the advancement of the field of agriculture and natural resources.