MTSU Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa

Founded in 1914 at Washington and Lee University, Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK, or O∆K) has grown into a national organization dedicated to fostering leadership, service, and scholarship across diverse fields. ODK’s mission is to recognize outstanding leadership and to promote collaboration among student leaders who exemplify integrity and dedication. O∆K fosters collaboration among members across the 5 phases celebrated by O∆K: 

• Scholarship (met by GPA requirement)
• Athletics
• Campus/Community Service, Social/Religious Activities, and Campus Government
• Journalism, Speech, and Mass Media
• Creative and Performing Arts

OΔK was the first college honor society of a national scope to give recognition and honor for meritorious leadership and service in extracurricular activities and to encourage the development of general campus citizenship, setting a precedent for other organizations similar to ODK.

Students must have a 3.5 cumulative GPA and be active in 2 of the 5 phases of campus life. Membership is open to sophomores through graduate students. Being part of ODK allows students to enhance their leadership skills further.

Check out the graduation regalia for Omicron Delta Kappa.

MTSU Circle of ODK Officers

President	Lena Eccles
Vice President	Holly Olendorf
Secretary	Rashieq Cockerham
Circle Coordinator	Nancy Prescott
Faculty Advisor	John R. Vile (Dean, Honors College)
Treasurer	Philip Phillips (Associate Dean, Honors College)

History

OΔK was the first college honor society of a national scope to give recognition and honor for meritorious leadership and service in extracurricular activities and to encourage the development of general campus citizenship. Since its founding, Omicron Delta Kappa has initiated over 300,000 members.

The unique mission of O∆K is to recognize and encourage collaboration among collegiate leaders. ODK seeks to identify, celebrate, and engage collegiate and community leaders from different backgrounds, perspectives, and generations. Members enjoy scholarship opportunities, leadership development programs, access to a national network, and much more.

Why join Omicron Delta Kappa? 

If you are a leader, this society is the best organization to recognize your accomplishments and connect you with other individuals who value collaborative and inclusive leadership. O∆K is the oldest leadership honor society and is highly selective. Fewer than 5% of students on campus will be invited to join.

Omicron Delta Kappa recognizes and encourages superior leadership and exemplary character. We support collaboration among students, faculty, and other members of all ages and across the five pillars celebrated by O∆K: academics, athletics, service, communications, and arts. We continue to honor and develop leaders through scholarships, workshops, career opportunities, leadership resources, and a lifelong connection to other O∆K members.

• Selective Membership: O∆K only accepts individuals with exceptional academic and leadership records, enhancing the prestige of ODK membership.
• Leadership Development: O∆K is the oldest and most prestigious leadership honor society. You will be among a select group of leaders from your institution and in the country who can wear the O∆K Key of Membership, a symbol of the esteemed ODK.
• National Network: O∆K network of 350,000+ spans higher education, business, entertainment, sports, mass media, and many other fields. The O∆K name or symbol on a resume is instantly recognizable to fellow members as the certification of accomplished collegiate leadership. Our LinkedIn groups for lifetime and collegiate members offer connections across generations. We also offer a members-only Discord server for more member engagement.

2025 Scholarships & Fellowships

Below is the expected list of scholarships and fellowships to be awarded in 2025. The scholarships can be used up to 3 years later by deferral. Final allocations and amounts as of January 2025. Scholarships and fellowships range from $1,000 – $3,500, available for award this year:

• John D. Morgan Scholarship – awarded to the top undergraduate applicant (one scholarship, $3,500)
• Albrecht Arts Fellowship – awarded to top applicant representing the arts pillar who plans to pursue a graduate or professional degree in the Creative and Performing Arts (one scholarship, $2,500)
• Rick Bright Fellowship in Life and Data Sciences for Global Public Health – awarded to the top applicant pursuing a graduate or professional degree in life science, data science, and related fields (one scholarship, $2,500)
• Chellgren Family Endowed Scholarship – (one scholarship, $2,500)
• Louise and William Latture Scholarship – awarded to a student from an institution in the southeastern United States (one scholarship, $2,500)
• Rupert Nelson Latture Scholarship – (two scholarships, $2,000)
• Matthew B. Nobles Scholarship for International Studies – awarded to a student studying (and living) at an institution outside of the United States (one scholarship, $2,000)
• Scott R. Goodale Memorial Endowed Scholarship – awarded to the top applicant representing the athletics pillar as an athlete-scholar (one scholarship, $1,500)
• Key Fund Scholarship – awarded to the three applicants who are Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian or Asian American, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander (three scholarships, $1,000 each)
• LGBTQ+ Scholarship – awarded to the two top applicants who identify as LGBTQ+ (two scholarships, $1,000 each)
• General Scholarships – awarded to other outstanding students (20 scholarships, $1,000 each)

To apply for an O∆K scholarship or fellowship in the 2024-25 cycle, an individual must:

• be an initiated member of Omicron Delta Kappa;
• be in senior status if an undergraduate;
• intend to complete, no later than August 31, 2025, an undergraduate degree or complete the requirements for undergraduate courses if enrolled in a dual undergraduate/graduate or professional degree program;
• expect to enroll or are currently enrolled in an accredited graduate or professional program in the United States or abroad; and
• have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.25 (on a 4.0 scale) on all academic work at both the undergraduate and post-baccalaureate level if appropriate.

For more information or help with questions about the scholarship application process, please contact Michelle Dilk, director for external relations, at scholarships@odk.org or (540) 458-5346.