Phi Beta Sigma Is Bringing Three National Leadership Events to Nashville and Launching Its First Public Entrepreneurship Summit

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. is bringing hundreds of Brothers, educators, and entrepreneurs to Nashville, Tennessee for one of its most comprehensive leadership weekends to date, and for the first time in the fraternity’s history, one of its signature events is opening its doors to the public.

More than 500 attendees are expected across three national events: the Walter M. Clarke Institute, the Sigma Higher Education Leadership Development (S.HI.E.L.D.) Symposium, and the inaugural R.A. Billings Center for Business Excellence in Entrepreneurship Summit. The weekend coincides with the Grand Boule of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.

The Walter M. Clarke Institute will draw more than 150 collegiate members from across the country for leadership and chapter-officer development. The institute is named for Walter M. Clarke, the first and only collegiate member to serve as International President. More than 200 alumni members, collegiate advisors, and fraternity leaders will also take part, sharpening their advising and mentorship skills to strengthen chapters nationwide.

The S.HI.E.L.D. Symposium connects aspiring executive leaders with Sigma men currently serving in higher education, building a pipeline of Black college and university presidents through mentorship and executive development.

The R.A. Billings Center for Business Excellence in Entrepreneurship Summit marks the fraternity’s first signature leadership event opened beyond its membership, welcoming more than 150 entrepreneurs, business owners, students, and community members. The one-day program covers market analysis, financial planning, operational strategy, and business plan development, with a keynote from George Fraser, founder and CEO of Frasernet, Inc.

“This initiative is not just about opportunity,” said David A. Turner, International President of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. in the press release. “It is about legacy, access, and creating pathways for generations to come.”

Together, the three events carry forward Phi Beta Sigma’s long-standing commitment to Bigger and Better Business and to developing leaders at every stage of service.