Phi Beta Sigma

Hon. Bro. Jimmy Hammock
1970
A proud native of Fordyce, Arkansas, Jimmy Hammock educational journey began with a full four-year academic scholarship to UAPB after attending J.E. Wallace High School. In 1973, he graduated from UAPB with a degree in business administration, and would go on to work for ArvinMeritor (formerly Rockwell International) as a materials manager for 29 years.
Jimmy Hammock's journey with Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. began in December 1970. His dedication to Phi Beta Sigma is evident in his Life Membership and performance of duties which extended to various roles, including President of Phi Sigma Chapter, Knoxville, TN, East Tennessee State Director, Director and Vice Director of the Southeastern Region, International Treasurer and International First Vice President.
On July 9, 2009, during the 69th International Conclave in New Orleans, LA, the election of Brother Jimmy Hammock as the 33rd International President of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. marked a monumental moment in the chapter's history. As the highest-ranking official, Brother Hammock assumed leadership responsibilities for the entire Fraternity, shaping its direction and vision. In the spirit of his commitment to service and community, Brother Hammock's quote, "What we do says who we are", encapsulates his guiding philosophy. This profound statement served as the cornerstone of the Hammock Administration's theme: "Changing Lives through Service." Under his two terms of leadership, Phi Beta Sigma became synonymous with community service, with notable achievements such as increased fundraising for the March of Dimes, the establishment of a vocational school in Ghana, and advancements in various causes. Additionally, his administration prioritized the preservation of the fraternity's historical documents and records through digitization and established the National Anti-Hazing Movement, ensuring a lasting legacy for future generations. Notably, he became the first and only alumni of AM&N/UAPB to achieve this prestigious position within their respective organizations.
Beyond his fraternity commitments, Jimmy Hammock actively serves his community and beyond, contributing to several civic boards such as AAA, Bethel United Methodist Church, Boys and Girls Club, Morristown Chamber of Commerce, and Red Cross of Hamblen County. His exemplary service is recognized by multiple organizations, including Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity and Connecting Links of the Links, Inc., Knoxville Chapter.
Hammock's impressive achievements have garnered numerous awards, such as the Global Excellence Award from ArvinMeritor, Good Citizenship Award from Rockwell International, and the Phi Beta Sigma Service to the Region Award from Southeastern Region, among others.

Distinguished Service Chapter
The 1929 Conclave of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. created the Distinguished Service Chapter (DSC). This special chapter was established to provide the highest level of recognition the Fraternity can bestow upon a Brother who has made outstanding contributions and given extraordinary service to the Fraternity, the community, the state, and the nation. Brothers initiated into the Distinguished Service Chapter are bestowed with the title "Honorable". The Beta Theta Chapter is honored to have five brothers in the DSC who were initiated through our chapter:

Hon. Bro. Chester Riley is the 87th inductee of the Distinguished Service Chapter.
Hon. Bro. Waymon L. Ponds is the 106th inductee into the Distinctive Service Chapter.
Hon. Bro. Dr. J.W. Mason is the 156th inductee into the Distinguished Service Chapter.
Hon. Bro. Jimmy Hammock is the 168th inductee of the Distinguished Service Chapter.
Hon. Bro. Johnnie Lee Young is the 178th inductee of the Distinguished Service Chapter.

Alain Leroy Locke Honors Chapter
Named in honor of Dr. Alain Leroy Locke, our fellow Sigma brother and the first African-American Rhodes Scholar, the chapter recognizes the top performing scholars among our collegiate membership. The ALHC is also the first chapter of its kind among the National Pan-Hellenic Council organizations.

Most Esteemed Brother Travis Adams

The Beta Theta Chapter has had four of its alumnus to serve as Director of 4 of the Fraternity's 7 regions:

Chester Riley - Great Lakes Regional Director
James Bankston - Southwestern Regional Director
Jimmy Hammock - Southeastern Regional Director
Marcus Chanay - Southern Regional Director