Phi Beta Sigma

Honorable Brother Jimmy Hammock, 1970

A proud native of Fordyce, Arkansas, Honorable Brother 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.

Honorable Brother 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 Honorable 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, Honorable Brother Hammock assumed leadership responsibilities for the entire Fraternity, shaping its direction and vision. In the spirit of his commitment to service and community, Honorable 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 Additionally, his administration prioritized the preservation of the fraternity's historical documents and records through digitization and established the National Anti-Hazing Movement, ensuring a lasting legacy for future generations.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, Honorable Brother 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.

Honorable Brother 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.


Honorable Brother Chester W. Riley, 1953

Honorable Brother Chester W. Riley's journey with Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. began in the spring of 1953.

During the administrations of Honorable Brothers Chester W. Riley and Clarence D. Johnson, who served successively as Regional Directors from 1974 to 1980the Great Lakes Region experienced extraordinary growth. Reflecting on this period, Honorable Brother Johnson recalled, “Those were great times for the Fraternity in the Great Lakes Region,” and credited his mentor, the Honorable Brother Dr. Chester W. Riley, with chartering 34 undergraduate chapters during his tenure as Regional Director from 1974 to 1977. Honorable Brother Johnson, who followed Honorable Brother Riley as Regional Director, continued that momentum, chartering an additional 32 undergraduate chapters. Collectively, their administrations resulted in more than sixty chapters being chartered or reclaimed throughout the Great Lakes Region.

At the 53rd International Conclave in San Francisco, California, held from December 26–30, 1979, Honorable Brother Riley ran for the office of International President, the highest elected position in the Fraternity. He was defeated by Honorable Brother Richard M. Ballard Jr. Although unsuccessful in his bid, Honorable Brother Riley made history as the first member in Beta Theta Chapter’s history to seek the Fraternity’s highest office.

Honorable Brother Chester Riley's achievements earned him the distinction of being the 87th inductee of the Distinguished Service Chapter, the first alumnus of Beta Theta to receive this honor, further highlighting the chapter's history of producing outstanding and influential individuals. The significance of Honorable Brother Riley's legacy extended beyond his induction into the Fraternity's highest honor. The Great Lakes Region subsequently established the Chester W. Riley Distinguished Service Society, naming its highest regional honor in recognition of his extraordinary service, leadership, and enduring influence on the region. Honorable Brother Riley's recognition by the Distinguished Service Chapter and the later establishment of the Chester W. Riley Distinguished Service Society reflected the lasting impact of his leadership within Phi Beta Sigma.


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 six 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.
Hon. Bro. Marcus Chanay is the 207th 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.

#2 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