Omicron Delta Kappa now accepting applications for membership
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 2, 2025) — Applications are now open for membership in Omicron Delta Kappa, the National Leadership Honor Society. Membership is available to sophomores, juniors and seniors (by credit hours) enrolled in a degree-granting program, as well as graduate and professional students, faculty, staff and administrators.
Omicron Delta Kappa recognizes and encourages superior leadership and exemplary character across five pillars of campus life: academics and research, athletics, service to campus and community, communications, and creative and performing arts. Founded in 1914, the society honors and develops leaders through scholarships, workshops, career development resources and a lifelong network of members.
The Nu Circle at the University of Kentucky was established in 1925. Local members engage in service across campus and the community, co-sponsor the Great Teacher Award with the UK Alumni Association, and present the Jerry D. Claiborne Scholarship and Maurice A. Clay Awards. The circle also supports members’ professional development and leadership opportunities.
“Being part of Omicron Delta Kappa is about rising to your full potential — leading with heart, serving with purpose and inspiring others to do the same,” said Drew White, Nu Circle president and health sciences major.
Students, faculty and staff are invited to attend an information session to meet current members and officers at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, via Zoom.
Applications can be submitted online at https://odk.org/members/apply-for-membership/ by midnight Sept. 22. All applications will be reviewed, and invitations to join will be sent via email to those selected.
If selected, new members will be initiated at 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19. Please note that the National Initiation Fee is $94, plus $15 in local dues. More information on membership fees is available at https://odk.org/membership-fees/.
The 2025-26 Nu Circle executive board includes: Drew White, president; Katelyn Huffaker, vice president/president-elect; Jessica Kidd, membership; and Payton Verespej, social media coordinator. Isabel Escobar, Ph.D., professor of chemical engineering and Chellgren Endowed Chair, serves as faculty advisor, and C. Lynn Hiler, chief administrative officer for the Chellgren Center for Undergraduate Excellence, serves as staff advisor, Nu Circle coordinator and treasurer.
For more information, contact the Nu Circle leadership at odkattheuky@uky.edu or visit https://odk.org/prospective/.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.