HISTORY

The Gamma Beta Mu Leadership Society was founded on September 17th, 2002 by 8 strong prominent student leaders on the campus of Georgia Southwestern State University. These 8 individuals all shared the idea of developing a student organization that was composed of leaders who would use their leadership skills in order to better the campus community and community as a whole through implementing programs both social and educational, as well as providing peer counseling to those in need.

The originator of this whole idea started with Larry T. Brown who was the first President of the Gamma Beta Mu Leadership Society. He then sought out Yolanda Jones, the first Vice-President of Social Programming, and Antony Ware, the first Ritual Step Coordinator and second Vice President of Educational Programming. Several days and long hours were spent by these 3 individuals in Jordan Hall in order to configure the first draft of the constitution. In order to fully complete the task of drafting a complete and official constitution for the Gamma Beta Mu Leadership Society, they then sought out the remaining 5 founders whom shared their original dream for the Society. They were Kimberly Hardaway (Historian), Summer Willis, Adrianne Harris, Michelle Carpenter (first Financial Coordinator) and Asha Odums (first Vice-President of Educational Programming).

These were the founding 8 members of the Society. Expansion slowly began for the society as the official establishment date came forth. To further help organize and solidify the society, the founding 8 members brought in Andrina Kirkland (Informant), Antonio Walden (first Secretary), Shanta Bradley, and Rushell Waterton (second Financial Coordinator), Jason Williams, with Michelle Parnell serving as Advisor. Together, and all sharing the same vision, these original 14 members made up the Alpha Class of the Gamma Beta Mu Leadership Society. After much more work and preparation, the Gamma Beta Mu Leadership Society was finally officially established on February 19, 2003.

The history and growth of the Society continued on the date of October 3, 2003, which marked the first induction of new members since the Society’s official founding date. These members were Andrew Worth, Shalanda Jackson, Todrick Webb, Lovely Lewis and Lamar Radford. Together, and sharing the same dream of leaders who can and will make a difference, these 5 individuals make up the Beta Class of the Gamma Beta Mu Leadership Society. Worth and jackson quickly took on the roles of Historian and Secretary.  The Beta Class members began to implement programs and events on campus, such as the HIV-AIDS Awareness Week, Presenting the Sneeches, and more.  In this semester, the organization adopted America's Promise, and organization founded by the General Colin Powell, as the national philanthropy of the chapter.

In the spring of the same academic year, Gamma Beta Mu inducted two new members of their Gamma Class - Latasha Roberts and Jessica Washington.  These new members were a part of the collaborative efforts to put on "A Promise for A Better America" Campaign Week - which turned out to be a great success.  Continuing the spirit of excellence, Gamma Beta Mu inducted the Delta Class of Shakitha Hadley and Melanie Simmons.  The new delta class inspired the successful completion of many community service programs for the organizations national philanthropy, America's Promise.

In the spring of 2005, Gamma Beta Mu inducted new members, into the Epsilon Class.  These members:  Matthew Earnest, Denata Williams, Keive Gordon, and Shantriss Riggins have since played a signifcant role in getting Gamma Beta Mu on track, hence the recent Promise for a Better America Campaign. 

Gamma Beta Mu continues to set standards, precedents even, for Going Beyond Measures…………..