The 2025 National Leader of the Year Applications Are Open!
Find the application links below in “How to Apply”
The Omicron Delta Kappa National Leader of the Year Awards recognize six outstanding undergraduate student leaders each year, chosen by the National Awards Committee. One student receives the Gen. Russell E. Dougherty National Leader of the Year Award, which comes with a $4,000 prize. This honor is named in memory of Gen. Russell E. Dougherty (University of Louisville, 1947). Gen. Dougherty was a one-time staff member with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He also served in the U.S. Air Force as commander in chief of the Strategic Air Command and director of strategic target planning.
The Society also recognizes one student in each of O∆K’s five pillars of campus life: academics and research, athletics, service to campus and community, communications, and creative and performing arts. Each of these individuals receives a $1,000 award.
National Leader of the Year Recipients
Read more about past National Leaders of the Year:
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through Kaleidoscope, an online scholarship and award application platform, and reviewed by the National Awards Committee. Applications will include personal essays, a resume, a transcript, and a recommendation. To review the application instructions, click here.
To apply for an award, click the link below:
- Gen. Russell E. Dougherty National Leader of the Year
- National Leader of the Year – Academics and Research
- National Leader of the Year – Athletics
- National Leader of the Year – Communications
- National Leader of the Year – Creative and Performing Arts
- National Leader of the Year – Service to Campus and Community
Applicant Webinars
The National Headquarters will host three webinars, during which applicants can learn more about the application process and gather tips for building a competitive application. Click the links below to register – all times are in Eastern.
Award Categories
Below are examples of leadership that would qualify an applicant for each award. As collegiate leadership experiences can be very diverse, these examples should not be considered exhaustive.
- Gen. Russell E. Dougherty National Leader of the Year
This award is designed to honor the top student leader within Omicron Delta Kappa’s undergraduate membership. This person often has multiple significant leadership positions, and their leadership has created positive change on their campus and the community. - National Leader of the Year – Academics and Research
Leadership in this pillar can be demonstrated by holding positions in academic organizations, delivering research presentations, submitting research publications, participating in undergraduate research projects, teaching, or tutoring. - National Leader of the Year – Service to Campus and Community
Leadership in this pillar may be demonstrated through serving in student government or other collegiate organizations, creating or leading a community service program, or other involvement in campus-wide initiatives such as task forces and committees. - National Leader of the Year – Creative and Performing Arts
Leadership in this pillar may be demonstrated through serving as the director or creator of an arts production, leading an arts-related student organization, or curating student art shows. - National Leader of the Year – Communications
Leadership in this pillar could include, but is not limited to, serving as an editor for a campus media outlet (newspaper, radio/TV, or yearbook), leading marketing efforts for organizations, or developing podcasts, blogs, and social media to support causes important to students and the campus. - National Leader of the Year – Athletics
Leadership in this pillar may be demonstrated through serving as a team captain, instructor, coach, or trainer and other leadership positions, such as a role on a Student-Athlete Advisory Council.
Eligibility
All undergraduate members are eligible to apply for the National Leader of the Year Awards. Applicants must be enrolled as an undergraduate student at the time of their application but may graduate and/or transition to graduate school during the selection process. Applicants must have a 3.25 GPA (cumulative, as listed on their submitted transcript) to qualify. Applicants may apply for as many awards as they desire but will not be selected for more than one award. Multiple students from one institution may apply. (Note to advisors: There is no longer a requirement for students to be designated Circle Leader of the Year prior to applying for NLOY.)
Students currently serving on O∆K’s Board of Trustees are not eligible to apply for NLOY (O∆K Policies & Procedures, 740.4).
For more information regarding the National Leader of the Year awards, please email programs@odk.org.
