J. Kendall Smalls’ is a life that has stood for service to others. Throughout his professional career and in his personal endeavors, everything Kendall has done has been marked by his vision as a servant leader. A native son of Harlem, Kendall left NY to attend Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD where he played football but also discovered his love for the sciences. He would graduate in 1990 with a BS degree in Biology with a minor in Computer Science. Later that summer, he would be initiated into Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. through the Xi Kappa Chapter in Maryland. It is significant that 1990 would be milestones for Mr. Smalls in both respects, as the years to follow would see Kendall surge ahead in both arenas.

Professionally, he became a supervisor of the Andrology department at Cornell University Medical Center in 1991. Just a few years later Kendall would find his calling in the specialized area of fertility. Among his most notable achievements, Kendall worked with the world-renowned embryologist, Dr. Jacque Cohen, a leading scientist in the field of in-vitro fertilization, at the Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Science at Saint Barnabas Medical Center and would go on to receive a Masters of Science Degree in Clinical Embryology from the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom.  The University of Leeds is one of only two educational institutions in the world to award an advanced degree in the study of embryology and Kendall is the first African American to hold this degree from Leeds University.  He has since devoted his work toward addressing infertility issues for persons of color. His goal is to enlighten the community about the advancements in in-vitro fertilization with the expectation that doing so will take away the shame and misinformation currently associated with it. 

Within the realm of Omega, Kendall is affectionately known as the “King of NY” in many circles. However, this is not an empty crown and has been earned through decades of hard work and service not only to the fraternity but throughout the greater NYC area. Among his positions held, Kendall has been the Vice Basileus (vice president) of Nu Omicron chapter in Queens; a member of the Board of Directors for the Early Childhood Development Center run by Nu Omicron Chapter; four time Basileus (president) of Epsilon Chapter—the 5^th oldest chapter in the entire fraternity;  and the 2^nd District Health Officer.  Kendall’s service has been recognized on numerous occasions, having been awarded the Scroll of Honor for Nu Omicron and Epsilon Chapters as well as being a two time recipient of the Omega Man of the year award from Epsilon Chapter.  At the 60^th Second District conference Kendall received the highest Omega award of his fraternal life when he was the inaugural recipient of the Edward H. Taylor Superior Service Award.

Kendall’s most noteworthy attribute is his ability to transform vision into action and do so on a large scale. Nothing exemplifies this better than his introduction of Epsilon’s annual Leadership Brunch which, with 2008 marking its fourth year in existence, serves as a conduit to the community and has featured a myriad of noteworthy speakers who have addressed the pressing issues of our day. Further, the recent Domestic Violence Awareness forum which Kendall spearheaded with the help of the Brooklyn Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. that resulted from a powerful epiphany is also proof positive of Kendall’s visionary leadership. After watching a segment on domestic abuse on Oprah, Kenny decided that it was imperative that the men of Omega Psi Phi take a stand against domestic violence.  From that idea, a powerful moving forum resulted, with a ripple effect that has echoed throughout the city. He has continued to put action and work with his vision, leading the charge against HIV/AIDS as the 2^nd District Health Officer. He recently took the initiative to partner with others in support of the National HIV/AIDS Elimination Act, out of his recognition that sound legislation is a key component within setting an agenda which is truly capable of combating the HIV/AIDS epidemic. It is yet another example of how Kendall has combined his background and talents with visionary leadership in order that he might affect change. This should, however, be of little surprise to most because it is a prime example of how the King of NY makes things happen.