Robert Gene Jacobs

Robert Gene Jacobs was born September 26, 1932 in Annapolis MD. He was educated in the public schools of that city graduating from Bates High School. After a stint in the United States Army, he entered Morgan State College in 1953. He worked 12 years in Special Education at Rosewood State Hospital. He was awarded a M.Ed. degree from Towson State College in 1970. He worked as a Community Relations Specialist, Division Director for Civil Rights and became the Executive Assistant to the Deputy Secretary of Health and Mental Hygiene of the State of Maryland. He was an administrator in the Energy Policy Office during the energy crisis. Brother Jacobs opened the Walter P. Carter Center and later retired as Superintendent of the Crownsville State Hospital. After retirement he worked at the Johns Hopkins Medical Service Corps and retired as Director of Community Affairs. A man of many accolades, Brother Jacobs was inducted into the Morgan State College “Athletic Hall of Fame”. In 2019, he was honored by the National Association for Black Veterans, Inc. (NABVETS, Inc).

Affectionally, known as “Annapolis Jake”, Brother Jacobs was initiated into the Alpha Iota of Kappa Alpha Psi, the Morgan State College Chapter (E) on December 9, 1954. His capacity as a leader emerged during his pledge period as he was the “Zero” of his line of 14. He also served as Strategus and Dean of Pledges. The Alpha Iota Chapter was always close to his heart and he never lost an opportunity to mentor its members and he was recognized with the Alpha Iota Award for Outstanding Service.

Brother Jacobs was an active member of the Baltimore (MD) Alumni Chapter (E), over his years of active service and leadership, he would leave an indelible mark on the Chapter and the Fraternity. Prior to his ascension to Polemarch, he served as Strategus, Vice Polemarch, Chapter Board of Director, and unofficial advisor to several Baltimore (MD) Alumni Chapter Administrations. The Baltimore Alumni Chapter recognized his many contributions and he received the G. James Fleming Award (for outstanding achievement at the Province or National Level); James Fenimore Cooper Award (for selfless contributions without the need for recognition); Baltimore Alumni Professional Service Award; 36th Polemarch Appreciation Award from the Baltimore (MD) Alumni Chapter’s Young Brothers; Polemarch’s Appreciation Award for contributions to Chapter Programs (2000); the Inaugural Charles G. Tildon Award for Achievement and Exemplary Leadership in the Public Interest; 50 Year Member Distinguished Service Award, 50 Year Member Past Polemarch’s Award and Polemarch’s Teaming for Excellence Award (2007).

In 1989, Brother Jacobs became the 36th Polemarch of the Baltimore (MD) Alumni Chapter. To say that his administration was successful would be an understatement. Among the 36th Administration’s achievements include but are not limited to: earning the Paul W. Caine Large Chapter of the Year Award (1991); a record 101 Baltimore Alumni brothers attended the January 27, 1990 Metro Founders Day Banquet, a record which still stands; 125 Christmas baskets were distributed to families in need; and the acquisition of the Kappa Family Center (Hanover, MD).
During his tenure as Vice Polemarch and Polemarch, Brother Jacobs served as a Delegate to the 1988-1991 Eastern Province Councils and Delegate to the 67th and 69th Grand Chapter Meetings. Brother Jacobs served as Executive Assistant to the Senior Grand Vice Polemarch. In 1999, Brother Jacobs was called to serve again, this time as Chief of Staff/Executive Operating Assistant for the 29th International Grand Polemarch Howard L. Tutman Jr. In this capacity he supported the 29th International Grand Polemarch’s vision for Fraternity excellence. In addition, Brother Jacobs had oversight of more than 15 National Committees, emphasizing effective management, community service and Prostate Cancer Prevention!

Brother Jacobs achieved in Kappa at both the Undergraduate and Alumni levels as he was received the following recognitions: Eastern Province Award for the Director of Kappa Singing; The Zeta Kappa of Kappa Alpha Psi, the University of Tennessee-Martin Chapter (SC) Founders’ Day Award (Guest Speaker); Columbia (MD) Alumni Chapter (E) Guest Speaker Award; and the H.E.W. Citizenship Award.

At the 2018 Eastern Province Council, the 28th Eastern Province Polemarch Robert L. Jenkins awarded Brother Jacobs the highest honor available to a member of the Eastern Province- the Pillar of the Province.