Welcome to our dedicated page on the proud history of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority in the Garden State. Here, we honor the trailblazers and milestones that have shaped our legacy of service and excellence throughout New Jersey.

Early Beginnings

On this historic day (March 25, 1948), the first Graduate chapter was chartered at Camden’s Macedonia A.M.E. Church. Triumphant Soror Rev. Alexzina Brown initiated the charter for Gamma Nu Zeta Chapter with the support of Sorority President Lullelia Walker Harrison and Regional Director Evelyn Hunt. The visionary charter members—Catherine Johnson, Evelyn Ellerbee, Jean Lewis, Katherine Besselieu Ross, and Inez Brooks—laid the foundation for a future record of outstanding service to those in need.

Pioneering Undergraduate Chapters

1954 – Chi Alpha Chapter
In 1954, the Chi Alpha Chapter emerged as New Jersey’s first undergraduate city chapter. Established in the vibrant Princeton/Trenton area, this chapter set the standard for community engagement and academic excellence. Today, Chi Alpha calls Rider University home, continuing its legacy of leadership and service.

1974 – Omicron Epsilon Chapter
Expanding our reach on college campuses, the Omicron Epsilon Chapter was chartered at Trenton State College (now The College of New Jersey) in 1974, marking the state’s first campus-based undergraduate chapter.

Expansion through Auxiliaries

Under the administration of Soror Lullelia Harrison, the first Zeta Amicae chapter was officially organized in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1947, making Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. the first sorority within the National Pan-Hellenic Council to establish an auxiliary group. As our Zeta family expanded, New Jersey’s first Amicae auxiliary, Zeta Amicae of Camden was founded on January 10, 1956. After several years of inactivity, it was reactivated in April of 2012. Today, Amicae auxiliaries continue to operate under the sponsorship of local graduate chapters, extending Zeta’s reach and impact. As our Zeta family grew, so did our network of auxiliaries dedicated to service:

  • Zeta Amicae of Camden (1956)
    Founded as the State’s first Amicae auxiliary and reactivated in 2012 after a period of inactivity.
  • Zeta Amicae of Princeton-Trenton (1956, reorganized in 1969)
  • Zeta Amicae of Newark/Orange (1973)
  • Zeta Amicae of Plainfield (1975)
  • Zeta Amicae of Moorestown (1985)
  • Zeta Amicae of Gloucester County (1995)
  • Zeta Amicae of Atlantic City (1999)
  • Zeta Amicae of Jersey City (2012)
  • Zeta Amicae of Middle & Southern Middlesex County (2014)
  • Zeta Amicae of Monmouth and Ocean Counties (2021)

Each auxiliary reflects our enduring commitment to sisterhood and service across New Jersey.

Celebrated Leadership & Milestones

New Jersey’s contribution to Zetadom is further enriched by the presence of distinguished leaders who have advanced our mission at both state and international levels:

  • Past International Presidents:
    • The late Dr. Deborah Wolfe
    • Dr. Edith V. Francis
  • Former National Educational Foundation Chair:
    • Dr. Kathryn T. Malvern, who also served as a Past Regional Director and Chair of Regional Directors
  • Gina Merritt-Epps, Esq.:
    • Served as the 14th New Jersey State Director and the 17th Atlantic Regional Director, and currently serves as the International First Vice President.

Additionally, under the visionary leadership of Past State Director Geraldine Johnson, the statewide Founders’ Day Celebration was initiated—an annual tribute to our enduring legacy and future promise. The State of New Jersey is honored to be the final resting place of the following esteemed Past International Presidents: S. Evelyn Lewis, Dr. Deborah Wolfe, and Dr. Janice G. Kissner.

New Jersey State Leadership

Associate Regional Directors

Mildred B. Stanford – 1st State Director: 1965-1970

Catherine Johnson – 2nd State Director: 1970-1974

State Directors (Title Change)  

Jean Harris – 3rd State Director : 1974-1976

Dr. Kathryn T. Malvern – 4th State Director: 1976-1980

Wylle Grae Joyner (Jeter) – 5th State Director: 1980-1983

Irene Solomon – 6th State Director: 1983-1986

Dolores Everette – 7th State Director: 1986-1987

Geraldine Johnson – 8th State Director: 1987-1992

Vesta M. Godwin-Clark – 9th State Director: 1992-1996

Carrie Knotts-Jackson – 10th State Director: 1996-2000

Pauline E. Gibson – 11th State Director: 2000-2008

Paquita W. Henderson – 12th State Director: 2008-2010

Gina M. Merritt-Epps, Esq. – 13th State Director: 2010-2016

Anjanette Highsmith – 14th State Director:  2016-2018

Titessa D. Smith – 15th State Director: 2018-2024

Kimyatta M. Pitts – 16th State Director: 2024-Present

Looking Forward

The history of Zeta Phi Beta in New Jersey is a testament to the power of sisterhood, leadership, and unwavering service. As we celebrate our rich past, we remain excited and committed to continuing the awesome work of our organization. We invite you to join us in honoring our legacy and looking forward to the future achievements of our Garden State Zetas.

For more information about our events, chapters, and how to get involved, please explore our website or contact your local chapter.

Thank you for being a part of our journey and for your interest in the history and ongoing mission of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority in New Jersey.