UK’s Omicron Delta Kappa Nu Circle inducts new members, recognizes student leaders

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 7, 2026) — The University of Kentucky’s Nu Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa inducted 36 new members and recognized student leaders and faculty advisors during its Spring 2026 initiation ceremony last month.

Founded in 1914 at Washington and Lee University, Omicron Delta Kappa is a national leadership honor society that recognizes excellence across five pillars of campus life: scholarship, athletics, service, communications and the arts. Established at UK in 1925, the Nu Circle has a long tradition of honoring and developing student leaders.

This year’s ceremony celebrated both that legacy and the next generation of leaders at UK.

“The students inducted into the Nu Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa this spring represent all five of the society’s pillars of campus life,” said Hayley Hoffman, Ph.D., lecturer in the College of Communication and Information and incoming faculty advisor. “They are leaders across a variety of majors and disciplines, and we look forward to working with them to further enhance their leadership skills.”

Hoffman and Leslie Sweeney, also a lecturer in the College of Communication and Information, were introduced as new faculty advisors.

In addition to the induction, several students were recognized with prestigious awards.

Maurice A. Clay Awards

Named for longtime UK educator Maurice A. Clay, this award honors an outstanding graduating senior in each academic college for exceptional leadership, service and academic achievement.

2026 recipients

• Malena Hughes, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment*
• Mallory Sparks, College of Arts and Sciences*
• Amber Mandhyan, Gatton College of Business and Economics
• Reese Durham, College of Communication and Information
• Ethan Smith, College of Design
• Emily Speaker, College of Education
• Isaac Madill, Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering
• Max Gambrell, College of Fine Arts
• Sophia Drancik, College of Health Sciences
• Hannah Everett, College of Nursing
• McKenna Green, College of Public Health*
• Spencer Payton, College of Social Work
• Siena Pilati, Martin School of Public Policy and Administration*

Jerry D. Claiborne Scholarships

Named for UK alum and former football coach Jerry D. Claiborne, these scholarships recognize Omicron Delta Kappa members who demonstrate compassion, integrity and humility in their leadership.

2026 recipients

• Jessica Kidd, College of Social Work
• Aleisha Morris, College of Social Work

The ceremony also recognized outgoing student leaders Drew White, past president, and Payton Verespej, communications chair, for their service.

Spring 2026 inductees

Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment

• Addison Edge
• Zahra Piltan
• Harper Ritchey*
• Sophia Tieszen
• Kennedy Wuellner*

College of Arts and Sciences

• Peyton Barrett~
• Jeffrey Brock*
• Amia Carter~
• Aubrey Fugitt*
• Scarlet Hudgins*
• Jenna Koura
• Lauren Moore*
• Myka Smith-Jackson~

College of Education

• Isabella Cherry
• Tristan Herzog~

Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering

• Jayadeep Kothapalli

​College of Health Sciences

• Caianne Brugger*
• Emma Damron
• Regan Jones*
• Alaina Ramundo*

College of Public Health

• Sara Dickens~
• John Staton~

College of Nursing

• Jasmine Juarez*
• Ansley Lauterbach

College of Social Work

• Meghan Andersen
• Alicia Beck
• Cambron Burke
• Myliekia Francois
• Lana Henrickson
• Shawn Hunter
• Katherine Kaufmann
• Tanekkya King
• Jade Lowe
• Aniyah Maxey*~
• Kyla Miller
• Amanda Muncy
• Lewis Murillo
• Sara Pullum-Pinon
• Caprice Riley
• Kiesha Screen-Murdock
• Dawn Smith
• Emily Wampler

* Lewis Honors College member
~ Fall 2025 initiate

During the event, the Nu Circle also celebrated the contributions of outgoing student leaders Drew White, past president; and Payton Verespej, communication chair, for their service. Both are graduating seniors.

As Omicron Delta Kappa transfers into new hands, the organization remains committed to developing ethical, inclusive and effective leaders who will shape the future. Follow @ODKattheUKY on social media to join in celebrating this momentous year and to recognize the extraordinary leaders of today and tomorrow. For more information, contact ODKattheUKY@uky.edu.