Chapter History

Dr. Barbara Akins-Hodges is also a charter member of Middle Tennessee State University, Mu Theta Chapter. Barbara is a pillar in the community of Rutherford County. She is an Internal Medicine doctor in Murfreesboro, and both she and her husband are world-renowned artists. They are the founders of the nonprofit organization, 

Creative Art Camp for Youth. 

Valeria Yvette Vincent was initiated into the Epsilon Alpha chapter at The Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN where she received a Bachelor of Science in Education. Valeria is a teacher with Rockdale County Schools in Georgia.

LeKeisha Kilgore-Hockett-Campbell became a member of Zeta on January 13, 2001. Her desire to bond with other strong, professional women and to become proactive in the community were two key reasons for joining. LeKeisha is currently pursuing her doctorate in Special Education and Reading. Her passion is teaching; she teaches reading for grades 5-7.

Dr. Barabra Howard- Knox is a native of New Albany, MS. Barbara received a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree from the University of Mississippi where she became a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. She later received a Specialist Degree from Middle Tennessee State University and a Doctor of Education from Tennessee State University. Barbara’s love for God allows her to share His marvelous works. Being blessed with the “gift of help,” she enjoys helping people, especially those who have traditionally been oppressed. She believes whom the Son sets free, is free indeed.

Sarah Mae Gooch Malone - She became a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated at Stillman College in 1964, Epsilon Gamma Chapter. As a charter member of Sigma Chi Zeta Chapter, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, she embarked on the role of leadership which allowed her to be one of the forerunners to lead in the educational and community growth in the city of Murfreesboro. Sarah coined the chapter motto “Steady as a Rock”. She believed the chapter would be unbreakable. In 2009, Soror Malone entered the gates as a triumphant Soror, and for 45 years she proved herself worthy of Zeta’s trust.

Lisa M. Jones was initiated on November 10, 1986, on the Campus of the University of Mississippi Tau Eta Chapter. Lisa is a business owner, author, producer, and CEO of “Her Name Is” ministries and Divine Enterprises. Lisa planted a seed for her family as a charter member of the National, South-Central Regional and The Tennessee Legacy clubs. Lisa has impacted Zeta in many ways through leadership and recognition. 2019-SCR Undergraduate Advisor of the Year, 2020- Tennessee’s Arizona Cleaver Stemons award recipient and the 2021 Tennessee Chair of the Executive Board.

Shannon LaRose James-Martin became a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated on January 13, 2001, with the Pi Zeta Chapter of Nashville, TN. Shannon was a graduate of Central High School, Columbia College, and Middle Tennessee State University. She was an educator in the Rutherford County, TN and Huntsville, AL school systems.

Throughout our great sorority, we have many women who have made an impact and touched our lives in ways unimaginable. Soror Martin was one of these women. As a posthumous charter member of Sigma Chi Zeta Chapter, she was an exemplary member who upheld the principles of Zeta and as an Educator. She was always there to lend a helping hand to everyone, especially her students. Tragically, September 14, 2001, Soror Martin's life ended due to a motorcycle accident.