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ODK inducts new members

By November 4, 2014Faculty/Staff, Students
2014 Omicron Delta Kappa inductees include (front row, l to r): Kassidy Tally, Megan Heathcock, Whitney Crum and Taylor Holland. Back row, l to r: Mikel Sykes, Michael Holland, Derrick Bean and Austin Henderson.

Delta State University’s chapter of Omicron Delta Kappa held its initiation ceremony Monday at the Sillers Chapel on campus.

Eight new members were inducted to the national leadership honor society that recognizes college students, faculty, staff, administrators and alumni.

This year’s initiates include: Derrick Arnette Bean (biology, Tupelo); Whitney Paige Crum (speech and hearing sciences, Southaven); Megan Noelle Heathcock (nursing, Flora); Austin Martin Henderson (biology, Madison); Michael Chace Holland (entertainment industries, Grenada); Taylor Brooke Holland (biology, Grenada); Mikel Debarcus Sykes (social science education, Winona); and Kassidy Elise Tally (elementary education, Raleigh).

“ODK is a special leadership society because it’s not only an honorary group, but one that is based on leadership, involvement and participation,” said Wayne Blansett, vice president of Student Affairs. “ODK members remain involved after initiation and make valuable contributions to the quality of life on the Delta State campus.”

ODK was founded Dec. 3, 1914 at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Va. In the tradition of the idealism and leadership of George Washington and Robert E. Lee, the founders stated that leadership of exceptional quality and versatility in college should be recognized.

They also believed representatives of all phases of college life should cooperate in worthwhile endeavors, and that outstanding students and faculty members should meet on a basis of common interest, understanding and helpfulness.

The motives that guided the founders sprang from the desire to bring together one body for the general good of the institution, leaders from all parts of the university community.

The Delta State University Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa evolved from the local leadership honor society, Omicron Delta, which was organized in 1967 under the guidance of ODK members William Cash, the late Jack Gunn, the late W. F. LaForge, and other interested faculty and staff members.

Since its establishment, the Delta State circle has recognized campus leadership among students and faculty, and has especially emphasized the value of free exchange of ideas among campus leaders and between student and faculty members of the circle.