The Morlan-Bishop Outstanding Circle Advisor Award recognizes an outstanding Faculty Advisor or Circle Coordinator for his or her dedication to the ideals of OΔK.
Who qualifies for the award?
To qualify for the award, the nominee must have been an active voting faculty or staff member of the circle for at least five years and have served as a faculty advisor or circle coordinator for at least three years. The nominee must currently serve as a faculty advisor or circle coordinator.
The Nomination Process is completely online. The online nomination process requires the following:
- Completion of an online nomination form
- Submission of the nominee’s resume or curriculum vitae
- Submission of a letter of endorsement
- A second letter of endorsement may be submitted as supporting documentation.
All documents must be submitted via the web form at the time of nomination. Incomplete nominations will not be accepted.
Nominations Open: January 2, 2025
Nominations Close: 11:59 p.m. on March 1, 2025
To submit a nomination, please fill out the nomination form here. Nominations are due by 11:59 p.m. on March 1, 2025.
Who were Morlan and Bishop?
Robert L. Morlan was a 1941 collegiate initiate of the Denison University Circle. He spent many years as a professor of political science at the University of the Redlands. He served Omicron Delta Kappa as its national president from 1984 until the time of his death in 1985. He received the Meritorious Service Key (now the Eldridge W. Roark, Jr. Meritorious Service Award) in 1996.
Robert Bishop was a 1931 initiate of the University of Cincinnati Circle, an institution at which he served as the dean of men and a professor. From 1937 to 1964, Bishop served the Society as its national executive and editor of The Circle. In 1947, the position title was changed to executive secretary. In 1961, this office was divided into two offices, with Bishop continuing to serve as executive secretary and with the appointment of Maurice Clay as the national administrative secretary for circle relations. Bishop went on to serve as national president from 1964-68.
Past Recipients of the Award
Since 2012, The Robert L. Morlan and Robert Bishop awards have been merged into the Morlan-Bishop Outstanding Circle Advisor award. Prior to 2012, two awards were distributed. The Robert L. Morlan award recognized outstanding faculty secretaries (now circle coordinators). The Robert Bishop award recognized outstanding faculty advisors.
Past Recipients Morlan-Bishop Outstanding Circle Advisor Award
Trinity University
Joel D. Hermann (2022)
Fontbonne University
Sheridan W. S. Henson (2021)
Cumberland University
Susan M. Lyons (2020)
Middle Tennessee State University
Leslie A. Werden (2019)
Morningside University
Brooke Lecky Supple (2018)
University of Maryland, College Park
Alan L. Sickbert (2017)
Hamline University
Florida Southern University
C. Elaine Freeman (2015)
Missouri Southern State University
Gregory R. Singleton (2014)
Austin Peay State University
Jamie F. Bouldin (2013)
Stephen F. Austin State University
Krista L. Wilhelm (2012)
East Carolina University
Outstanding Faculty Secretary Award
Dale A. Coleman (2010)
Auburn University
Elizabeth J. Conrad (2009)
University of Albany
Charmaine B. Tomczyk (2008)
Coastal Carolina University
James M. Osteen (2007)
University of Maryland, College Park
Joanne A. Goldwater (2006)
St. Mary’s College of Maryland
Robert W. Squatriglia (2005)
Coastal Carolina University
Don E. Robertson (2004)
Marshall University
William D. Laundry (2003)
Plattsburgh State University
Richard A. Mateer (2002)
University of Richmond
W. Samuel Sadler (2001)
William & Mary
Ronald S. Beer (2000)
Oklahoma State University
Paul P. Fidler (1999)
University of South Carolina
Joseph D. Smith, Jr. (1998)
Wagner College
Drury G. Bagwell, Jr. (1994)
University of Maryland, College Park
Cheryl M. Hogle (1992)
SUNY Plattsburgh
W. Ivan Hoy (1990)
University of Miami
Richard R. Burnette (1989)
Florida Southern College
Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award
Anne B. Fairbanks (2010)
Hastings College
James E. Miller (2008)
Transylvania University
J. Roderick Davis (2007)
Samford University
Theresa C. Beebe-Novotny (2006)
Georgia Southern University
Jane P. Hall (2005)
Murray State University
Littleton M. Maxwell (2004)
University of Richmond
Judith Raggi-Moore (2003)
Emory University
Eleanor M. Rogg (2002)
Wagner College
Donna M. Brown (2000)
University of Wyoming
