Member Achievements – February 2026

Phylicia Atherley
(Adelphi University, 2025)

Phylicia Atherley recently walked in three shows during New York Fashion Week, marking an exciting milestone in her modeling career. Just months after beginning her professional journey, she showcased designs for brands including Aubrey Apparel, known for sustainability and upcycling, opening the show with a striking outfit titled “What if I don’t want to fly.” Atherley credits her confidence and drive to the support of Omicron Delta Kappa and Adelphi University, which encouraged her to pursue bold opportunities. Her participation highlights a commitment to creativity, self-expression, and seizing opportunities that elevate both her career and personal growth.

Leah Brown
(University of Georgia, 1996)

Dr. Leah Brown has been named to the Class of 2026 Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, recognizing her extraordinary achievements as a member of the UGA GymDogs. A 14-time All-American, Brown made history as the first NCAA gymnast to score a perfect 10.0 in her first collegiate meet and earned national recognition across multiple events. After earning her genetics degree, she served with distinction as a U.S. Navy orthopedic surgeon, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, receiving the Bronze Star and other honors. Inducted into UGA’s Circle of Honor in 2016, Brown continues to impact her community through medicine and leadership.

Pierce J. Ippolito
(United States Military Academy, 2015)

Pierce J. Ippolito recently published his first academic research article in the Journal of Values-Based Leadership, exploring how servant leaders cultivate psychological safety to enhance employee commitment and engagement. Co-authored with Dr. Kevin Hurt and fellow O∆K member Joshua Kay (United States Military Academy, 2022), the study presents a conceptual model linking servant leadership, work engagement, and individual commitment, providing a framework for future research. Drawing on his experiences across diverse leadership contexts, Ippolito examines how leaders can create environments where people feel safe to speak up, take risks, and be themselves. His work demonstrates a strong commitment to understanding and advancing healthy team cultures and values-based leadership.

Rollin Johnson Jr.
(James Madison University, 2023)

Rollin Johnson Jr. has been named director of belonging at James Madison University, where he will lead the Center for Multicultural Student Services and campus initiatives that foster connection and community. With more than 16 years of experience in strategic planning and civic engagement, Johnson has advanced community impact through leadership roles at the University of Michigan, Johns Hopkins University, Coe College, and Madison House. A former Peace Corps volunteer and AmeriCorps VISTA alum, he is also a member of the Omicron Delta Kappa Madison Circle. Johnson is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Strategic Leadership Studies at JMU, reflecting his deep commitment to collaborative leadership and student success.

Anne B. Kerr
(Florida Southern College, 2005)

Dr. Anne B. Kerr has been appointed interim president of Polk State College, bringing decades of distinguished higher education leadership to the role. During her 20-year presidency at Florida Southern College, she expanded academic programs, launched doctoral degrees, added and restored campus facilities, and led significant growth in enrollment, retention, and student success, with 98% of graduates employed or in graduate school in her final year. A Tampa Bay Business Hall of Fame honoree, Kerr now focuses on sustaining Polk State’s strong momentum, strengthening community partnerships, and advancing student opportunity across its campuses and workforce programs.

Jasmine Kiley
(Tulane University, 2023)

Jasmine Kiley, the 2024 Omicron Delta Kappa National Leader of the Year for Service to Campus and Community and a PhD candidate at Cambridge University studying pregnancy in women with heart disease, recently attended and presented at the Hong Kong Laureate Forum. Supported by the Lee Shau Kee Foundation, Kiley engaged with Laureates and young scientists from around the world, exploring cutting-edge research and innovative approaches in science and medicine. She described the Forum as an inspiring platform that blends academic excellence with cultural vibrancy, offering unique opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and intellectual growth.

Michele C. Murray
(University of Maryland, College Park, 2005)

Michele C. Murray has been appointed president of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities, becoming the organization’s first lay president on June 2, 2026. With three decades of leadership at Jesuit institutions, Murray currently serves as senior vice president for student development and mission at the College of the Holy Cross. She has also held senior student affairs roles at Seattle University, Loyola University Maryland, and the University of Vermont. A scholar and educator, Murray holds a Ph.D. in education policy and is deeply committed to Jesuit higher education’s mission of holistic student development and service to the common good.

Joseph Pool
(Rollins College, 2023)

Joseph Pool, the 2025 Omicron Delta Kappa Gen. Russell E. Dougherty National Leader of the Year, recently published a chapter in the Bloomsbury Handbook of Religion and Food. Co-authored with Dr. Yudit Greenberg, his chapter, “Culinary Diplomacy: Solving Religious Feuds Through Food,” explores how shared culinary practices can foster understanding across religious and cultural divides. The volume features interdisciplinary perspectives on food’s role in ritual, identity, ethics, and social justice. Pool’s contribution reflects his commitment to scholarship, dialogue, and leadership, demonstrating how thoughtful research can illuminate the ways everyday practices—like breaking bread—build bridges and inspire collaboration in diverse communities.

Daniel R. Porterfield
(Georgetown University, 2004)

Daniel R. Porterfield has been named incoming CEO of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, effective July 2026. Currently president and CEO of the Aspen Institute and former president of Franklin & Marshall College, Porterfield brings decades of leadership at the intersection of education, opportunity, and civil society. He has expanded access for high-achieving students from underrepresented backgrounds, strengthened academic programs, and launched initiatives that support student growth nationwide. A recognized advocate for educational opportunity, Porterfield will lead the Foundation as it enters its next chapter, building on 25 years of scholarships, advising, and programs that empower talented students to reach their full potential.

Corey Seemiller
(Wright State University, 2016)

Corey Seemiller recently released The Soulmate Strategy, a soul-searching LGBTQ memoir exploring heartbreak, self-discovery, and the unpredictable journey to love. Through humor, vulnerability, and candid storytelling, Seemiller shares her experiences navigating dating, healing, and the chaos of life after a breakup. The book also highlights unexpected mentors—from breakup coaches to Eminem—and the lessons they imparted along the way. An award-winning professor of leadership and generational expert, Seemiller has authored multiple books, delivered a widely viewed TED Talk, and co-hosts the Rock That Relationship! podcast. The Soulmate Strategy is available online, offering readers a heartfelt guide to resilience, love, and self-growth.

Charlie Sloop
(Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 2023)

Charlie Sloop, current Circle President for The National Circle, has been honored with the NASPA NOW Professional Recognition for his outstanding contributions as a new professional in student affairs. A graduate of Virginia Tech, Sloop credits his growth to the NASPA Undergraduate Fellowship Program (NUFP), which fostered mentorship, access, and meaningful professional engagement. Committed to inclusion and intentional leadership, he seeks to create affirming environments that support students and colleagues alike. This recognition highlights Sloop’s dedication to advancing equity, opportunity, and participation in higher education while embracing the joys and challenges of student affairs with courage, intention, and purpose.

David Trible Sutton
(University of Lynchburg, 2008)

David Trible Sutton has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who for his expertise and distinguished career in education. Since 2010, Sutton has taught at Old Dominion Job Corps, guiding students in core academics, remedial reading and math, and English, while demonstrating remarkable resilience and dedication. A lifelong learner, he earned a BA in history and secondary education magna cum laude and has completed over 200 college credits toward a master’s in curriculum and instruction leadership. Sutton’s commitment extends beyond the classroom, including civic advocacy, church leadership, and mentoring young people, reflecting his enduring impact as an educator, community leader, and role model.

Athena Vasquez
(Centenary College of Louisiana, 2024)

Athena Vasquez, a 2025 Omicron Delta Kappa scholarship recipient, has been selected for the TAPIF to Teacher program at Université Paris Nanterre in France. This scholarship-supported program allows her to earn a graduate certificate in Teaching French as a Foreign Language while serving as an English teaching assistant in Béthune, France. Vasquez’s participation in TAPIF complements her strong background in teaching and pedagogy, equipping her with modern instructional techniques and cross-cultural experience. She will also begin her master’s program at Louisiana State University this fall, carrying forward her academic achievements, campus leadership, and commitment to student learning on an international stage.