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Omicron Delta Kappa

Omicron Delta Kappa
  • About
    • Mission, Vision, and Values
      • Notable Members
      • Founders’ Day
    • Leading in the 21st Century: FY 2022-24 O∆K Strategic Plan
    • Fast Facts
    • Leadership
      • Board of Trustees
      • Emeriti Trustees
      • Student Advisory Board
      • Staff
    • Governance
      • 2023 Elections for Student and Faculty/Staff Trustees
      • Articles of Incorporation
      • National Bylaws
      • Governing Committees
      • Operating Committees
      • Omicron Delta Kappa Policies and Procedures
    • History of the Society
      • Our Founders
      • Toward a More Inclusive Society
      • Women in Omicron Delta Kappa
      • Former National Presidents, Foundation Presidents, and Board Chairs
      • Circle Installations
    • Commitment to Diversity and Equal Opportunity
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      • Help Our Circles Thrive
      • Become a National Level Volunteer
      • Governance and Fundraising Volunteer Opportunities
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    • Update Your O∆K Record
    • Read The Circle
  • Programs
    • National Leadership and Service Awards
    • Scholarships
    • National Day of Service
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      • Webinars and Training
    • Resources to Promote Leadership Embracing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity
      • Circle Programming and Practices
      • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity Awards
      • Glossary of Terms
      • Key Fund
      • Organizations Advocating for Social Justice
      • Publications Focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity
      • Toward a More Inclusive Society
      • Websites Focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity
    • Establish a New Circle
      • Extension Process
    • Contact Us
  • Shop
  • Donate
    • Give Now
    • The Campaign for Our Second Century
      • Campaign Giving Opportunities
      • Scholarships for Collegiate Members
      • Opportunity Fund (Gift of Membership)
      • Key Fund
      • Developing the Campus Leaders of Today
      • Collaborative Leadership Initiatives
      • Preservation, Renovation, and Expansion of National Headquarters
      • Campaign Initiatives Supported to Date
    • Ways to Give
      • Planned Giving
      • Charitable Gift Annuities
      • Heritage Society
    • Gift Acceptance Policies
    • Endowment Information
    • National Day of Giving
    • State Charitable Registration Disclosures

Henry Louis Smith

Born in 1859 in Greensboro, North Carolina, Henry Louis Smith led a life of leadership and served several institutions of higher learning.

Smith attended and graduated from Davidson College in 1881. He was a member of Phi Beta Kappa as well as Phi Delta Theta. Immediately after college, Smith served as principal of Selma Academy for five years. He received his master’s and doctoral degrees in physics from the University of Virginia. He came back to Davidson as a professor before becoming president of the college in 1901.  Smith was the first president of the Davidson who was not an ordained Presbyterian minister.

During the years he was a professor at Davidson, Smith and his students created one of the first x-ray images. His presidency at Davidson saw the construction of numerous facilities and the implementation of infrastructure projects, including the addition of the first electric light plant in the community.

In 1912, Smith left Davidson and became the president of Washington and Lee University. He was serving as the institution’s leader at the time of the creation of Omicron Delta Kappa and was one of the original 15 founders of the Society. During his tenure as president, there was an increase in the number of academic departments, construction of educational and residential buildings, and growth of the school’s endowment to support faculty salaries.

Smith served W&L as president through 1929 and was named president emeritus. He retired and returned to Greensboro, where he died in 1951. He was 91 at the time of his death.

Sources

Wikipedia

Washington and Lee University

NCpedia

Nichols, Michael. (2014). The Laurel Crowned Circle: Omicron Delta Kappa and 100 Years of Leadership. Omicron Delta Kappa. Lexington, Va.

Omicron Delta Kappa. (1939). Commemorating the Silver Anniversary: Omicron Delta Kappa Fraternity 1914 – 1939.

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About O∆K

  • Mission, Vision, and Values
    • Notable Members
    • Founders’ Day
  • Fast Facts
  • Leadership
    • Board of Trustees
    • Emeriti Trustees
    • Student Advisory Board
    • Staff
  • Governance
    • Articles of Incorporation
    • National Bylaws
    • Governing Committees
    • Operating Committees
  • History of the Society
    • Our Founders
    • Circle Installations
    • Toward a More Inclusive Society
    • Women in Omicron Delta Kappa
    • Former National Presidents, Foundation Presidents, and Board Chairs
    • Timeline of Previous O∆K Governance Transitions

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