History

      Ohio has been a part of Zeta history since its inception. It was in this region that founders Myrtle Tyler (Faithful) and Viola Tyler (Goings) were born and raised on a farm near Flushing, Ohio. They both entered Howard University in Washington, D.C. and in 1920 founded Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. with three others. Alpha Chapter was chartered on that campus, and another Ohio soror, Gladys Warrington, was one of the first initiates.

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      Myrtle Tyler Faithful served as Grand Basileus from 1921-22. In 1923, the sorority was incorporated in the District of Columbia, and Gladys Warrington was one of the signers of the Article of Incorporation. Myrtle and Viola returned to Ohio to raise their families after graduating from Howard and were active in chapter activities at the college in Wilberforce, Ohio, and throughout that region. They were frequent attendees at chapter charterings, state and regional meetings and Boule’s held in the Great Lakes region. They set the pace for exemplary leadership, service, and sisterhood.

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      In 1947 the sorority’s regions were reorganized and renamed. The Great Lakes Region was created and included Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Kentucky. Later three (3) additional states joined the ranks – Ohio, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.

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      In 1958, Evelyn J. Robinson who was the State Director of Ohio and Margaret Irby who was the current Great Lakes Regional Director, held the first state meeting in the region. Also in 1958, founder Myrtle Tyler Faithful was present as her daughter, Frances, and graduate of Central State University, became a charter member of Zeta Beta Zeta Chapter in Flint, Michigan.

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      In addition to the office of Grand Basileus, a number of sorors from the Ohio have held or currently hold national elected offices including, National Trustees, Nominating Committee Chair, and National Education Foundation Board members.

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      As the home of the Tyler Sisters, the State of Ohio continues to grow with Zeta Zeal. The state now boasts 11 undergraduate chapters, 11 graduate chapters and six Amicae chapters. As we look towards the future, Ohio only looks to continue to build on the legacy started more than a century ago.