National History   |   Chapter History 

 
The Eta Rho Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. was established on February 12^th, 1981, by 7 bold young men who were graduates of Sam Houston State University & had begun their life in Sigmadom in the Theta Rho Chapter at SHSU. 

The 7 charter members were:

John Henry Askew (charter member Theta Rho, Spring 1977)

Timmie Lee Washington (charter member Theta Rho, Spring 1977)

Oliver Wendell Williams (charter member Theta Rho, Spring 1977)

Kenneth Wayne Blanche (1st line Theta Rho, Fall 1977)

Lawrence Gill Edwards (1st line Theta Rho, Fall 1977)

Steven Ray Edwards (2nd line Theta Rho, Spring 1978)

Richard Simpson Jr. LM# 503 (3rd line Theta Rho, Fall 1978

John H. Askew was elected as Chapter President.

The work of establishing a Alumni Chapter in the Greater Huntsville area started soon after the graduation of Brothers Askew, Blanche, L.G. Edwards & Washington, who, after working diligently to establish the collegiate chapter, quickly realized the necessity for having an Alumni chapter for their continued participation in Fraternal activities & to continue assisting with the development of the brothers of the Theta Rho Chapter, who, at the time, were being advised (and was chartered)  by the Alpha Beta Sigma Chapter in Houston. After completing the arduous chartering process through the National Office, the official chapter charter was received in February 1981.

Each one of the 7 chartering members of Eta Rho Sigma lived in the Greater Houston area & was just starting out in their respective careers. After a few years of existence, the chapter became dormant; however, the Chapter’s charter remained intact.

In October 2006, Bro. Johnnie Sandles LM# 963 (Theta Rho, Fall 1978) was approached by a group of brothers who wanted to revive the Eta Rho Sigma Chapter. At the same time, members of the SHSU Alumni Association had requested of Bro. Sandles to make an attempt to get more former students & Alumni involved in the University’s activities. With requests to get more Sigma men involved on two fronts, Bro. Sandles wrote a letter-of-request to the Regional Director: Bro. Jerry Green, requesting permission to activate the chapter. Permission was granted & Eta Rho Sigma resumed operations on January 1, 2007 with Bro. Sandles elected as Chapter President. Thirteen brothers either transferred into or reactivated with Eta Rho Sigma in 2007, reuniting with the organization to continue moving forward as “Our Cause Speeds On its Way”.

Brother Sandles led the chapter through the end of 2008. A new board was elected in November 2008 with Bro. Carl Moses (Delta Theta, 1975) elected as Chapter President for the 2009-2010 term.

The Eta Rho Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. has also had the privilege of initiating its first member into our wondrous band through the chapter.  Brother Brit Bell was initiated on November 5, 2010 at 7:14pm (19:14).