During his initial semester at the University of Memphis, TJ became acquainted with several members of the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity, who facilitated his acclimatization to campus life. In January 1998, during his second semester, he noted an increased interest from the members regarding his campus activities. A member named Rod Nixon began to extend invitations for various events, including expedited access to organization activities, basketball games at the gym, and engaging discussions concerning the fraternity’s mission and contributions. In February, on a particularly brisk day, he received an invitation to don formal attire and attend a meeting at the Alumni Center. Seated at the head of the table among approximately twelve fraternity brothers, he was subjected to an in-depth inquiry regarding his aspirations, abilities, and campus involvement. It soon became apparent that he was undergoing an interview as part of the Membership Intake Process for that semester. Following the interview, a comprehensive dialogue ensued with several brothers regarding the numerous benefits associated with membership in Phi Beta Sigma. A few weeks later, TJ commenced the intake process alongside ten other gentlemen known as the 11 TRU SOULJAZ. He assumed the role of Line President and was identified as a 9-Club member. The initiation into Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Delta Nu Chapter, occurred on April 1, 1998. In the first chapter meeting after their initiation, TJ was elected as the First Vice President, later ascending to the position of President, as well as serving as the Director of Bigger and Better Business and Step Captain. Under his leadership, the chapter gained significant visibility on campus, boasting a membership of 47 financial members and participating in approximately 50 competitive Step Shows nationwide. Furthermore, the team asserted that participation in contests would only occur if the prize exceeded $2,000, often bringing enthusiastic student audiences along during their travels. TJ subsequently joined the Tau Iota Sigma Alumni Chapter, becoming an active contributor. At the local level, he has completed two terms as President and has held various positions on nearly every committee within the chapter. He has also frequently served as a Collegiate Chapter Advisor to the Delta Nu, Alpha Beta Delta, and Beta Zeta chapters, in addition to holding the role of Director of Bigger and Better Business and being a member of the Past Presidents Council. Over his tenure in the Alumni chapter, he has coordinated collaborative initiatives with various community service organizations. TJ saw the benefits of becoming a Life Member and began saving well before his graduation. Upon entering the alumni chapter, he met all the requirements and became a Life Member in 2002. At the regional level, TJ has served as the Regional Director, First Vice Regional Director, and Director of Collegiate Affairs. He has participated in International Committees focused on Membership, Nominations, Grievance, and Awards, while also chairing both the Step Show and Miss PBS committees. He has maintained a perfect attendance record at regional conferences since becoming a member. As a Past Southwestern Region Director, he provides a consistent voice of reason and guidance regarding appropriate procedural practices. Additionally, he has conducted numerous training sessions, which encompass topics such as the Membership Intake Process (MIP), Program Implementation Assessment (PIA), Chapter Reporting Training, and Membership Growth, among various other workshops. As TJ’s understanding of Phi Beta Sigma deepened, he took pride in participating in the last twelve International Conclaves. During these gatherings, he held the position of International Director of Collegiate Affairs and served as Chairman of the Regional Directors Council. He has acted as Deputy Director to two International Presidents and participated in the Awards and Grievance committees on three occasions. Furthermore, he has chaired several committees, including those overseeing Credentials, First-Time Attendees, the Basketball Tournament, Workshop Sessions, the Step Show, and the Miss Phi Beta Sigma Program. With his work on all three levels, commitment to the community, and professional accomplishments, he received the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a member. TJ was inducted in the National Distinguished Service at Las Vegas Conclave in 2019, making him the youngest inductee in the modern era – at that time. Additional roles undertaken by TJ within the fraternity include: - International Trainer for Standards and Awards - Attendee of the International Sigma Wellness Strategic Planning (Little Rock) - Member of the Conclave Planning Team (Little Rock, Detroit, and Las Vegas) - Member of the Regional Conference Planning Team (Oklahoma, Little Rock, and Nashville) - Advisor to the Collegiate Model Chapter of the Year for the Fraternity - Advisor to the Largest Collegiate Chapter in the Southwestern Region - President of the International Outstanding Alumni Chapter in the Southwestern Region - President of the Largest Alumni Chapter in the Southwestern Region