Beaumont, Texas (March 2, 2022) – Lamar University’s petition to establish a circle of Omicron Delta Kappa, the National Leadership Honor Society, was approved recently by the organization’s Board of Trustees. O∆K President and Chief Executive Officer Tara S. Singer will preside at the chartering ceremony scheduled for March 3, 2022.
Willie L. Banks, chair of the Society’s Board of Trustees, made the following announcement saying, “Omicron Delta Kappa proudly welcomes Lamar University as our newest campus circle. Collegiate, faculty, staff, administrative, and alumni leaders may now be recognized for exhibiting O∆K’s positive vision and ideals within the Lamar University campus and community. In addition, student members will be eligible to participate in the Society’s national opportunities, including scholarships, internships, campus grants, and leadership development programs.”
Brenda Nichols, Lamar’s provost and vice president for academic affairs, commented on the college’s excitement about receiving a charter from Omicron Delta Kappa. She said, “As one of the fastest growing Texas colleges and universities, the addition of O∆K to our campus will allow our students to gain valuable leadership skills that will help prepare them for their future careers. It will be a great honor to be the first university in the Texas State University System to be a part of O∆K.”
Lamar University’s charter group of more than 40 members will include faculty, staff, administrators, and student leaders as founding members of the circle.
Omicron Delta Kappa Society, the National Leadership Honor Society, was founded at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia, on December 3, 1914. A group of 15 students and faculty members established the Society to recognize and encourage leadership at the collegiate level. The founders established the O∆K Idea—the concept that individuals representing all pillars of collegiate life should collaborate with faculty and others to support the campus and community. O∆K’s mission is to honor and develop leaders; encourage collaboration among students, faculty, staff, and alumni; and promote O∆K’s leadership values of collaboration, inclusivity, integrity, scholarship, and service on college and university campuses throughout North America. The headquarters are located in Lexington, Virginia.
Contact
Brandie Van Zanden, director of new student and leadership programs, Lamar University (409) 880-7001, bzanden@lamar.edu
Tara S. Singer, president and chief executive officer, Omicron Delta Kappa, (540) 458-5340,
tara@odk.org
