The Iota Zeta Chapter of

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

December 6, 1977

The beginning of Black Greek Letter Organizations in South Carolina began in 1923 when the Omicron Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. was chartered at Clafflin University, in Orangeburg S.C. Since that beginning more than seventy-nine (79) years, Pan Hellenic spirit has transcended this entire state. All nine (9) national organizations continue to leave their mark on our society.

            In the spring of 1977, Brother Larry Blanding proposed to the Regional Board the starting of the chapter of the Fraternity at Morris College. The board agreed to allow the Delta Kappa Sigma Chapter to proceed with organizing the new chapter pending accreditation of the institution.

            Interest in joining the new Fraternity was extremely high. Thirty-eight young men applied for admission into the chapter’s interest group (Squires Club). Eighteen were accepted into the interest group. Later ten young men were inducted into the Crescent Club of the Fraternity. Then on December 6, 1977 nine (9) gracious gentlemen were initiated into our Noble Band, thus the Iota Zeta Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. was born. Then tenth Crescent crossed the burning sands that following semester.

            The Charter Members of our Chapter are Notable Brothers Anthony Kingston, Robert Ward, Gentry Simms, Larry Singleton, Cloppell Rhodes, Charles England, *Tracey Caultren, James White and Edward Dennis. Wayne Morant the 10^th initial Crescent crossed with the second line.

Special mention  should  be  given  to Brothers James L. Gallieshaw, Franklin D. Colclough,  and the late Bro William B. Sanders for there assistance in establishing the chapter during our initial years. In 1979, less that two years after our founding we co hosted the State Conference with our sponsoring graduate chapter. The Hon. Charles B. Wright, was the first National President to visit our campus in 1980 while in town   speaking for Founder's Day for the graduate chapter. In 1981 Iota Zeta Chapter won it's First of three State Championships in the Basketball tournament held during the State Conference. In 1983 we co hosted  the Southeastern Regional Conference, The Honorable Demetrius Newton, Esq. National President along with Past National President's R. O. Sutton, John Westberry and future President James T. Floyd  were  all in attendance. 

In 1991 the Honorable Carter D. Womack visited the campus for the first of many visits. We co hosted the State Conferences again in 1987 and 1991. We have held high the banner of our noble band by providing quality leadership and pursuing academic excellence. Several of our Brothers have served as Student Government Association President. Son's of Iota Zeta have "departed to serve" and distinguished themselves in various career. 

Successful as businessmen, attorneys, medical doctors, educators, air traffic comptrollers, ministers, and military careers, we endeavor to speed our cause on its way! The year 2003 provided Iota Zeta its first true “Legacy" when Brandon Dennis was initiated into our chapter. He was pinned by his father a charter member of the chapter. Also Brother Anthony Kingston son is also a member of Sigma.  So you see the legacy lives on. We who remain will endeavor to hold high the standards set by our fore bearers and set new ones for those who will follow.  As we reflect on our chapter's history  we are  confident that despite our present greatness  our best days lie ahead of us.