Eastern Kentucky University honored its newest Omicron Delta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi inductees this spring, celebrating students whose academic excellence, leadership and service place them among the university’s top achievers.
Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) inducted its newest members into the Omicron Delta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi honor societies this spring, recognizing academic excellence. EKU offers two prestigious all-discipline honor societies, Omicron Delta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi, each focused on unique aspects of educational achievements and success.
“Academic excellence creates opportunity,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “The honor societies at EKU celebrate outstanding student achievement while opening doors to leadership, service and lasting connections that support student success.”
Omicron Delta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi are part of the Honor Society Caucus, a consortium of the most prestigious honor societies in the country. Invitations into these honor societies recognize distinguished performance in scholastics, research or leadership, sustained over a students’ time at EKU.
Omicron Delta Kappa was the first collegiate honor society to recognize leadership, service and involvement outside the classroom. Only juniors, seniors and graduate students who rise to the top 35% of their class and demonstrate leadership are eligible.
The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society. Membership is by invitation only to the top 7.5% of juniors and the top 10% of seniors and graduate students.
“Induction into Phi Kappa Phi and Omicron Delta Kappa showcases the students’ academic performance and leadership that define Eastern Kentucky University,” said EKU Provost Sara Zeigler. “As the School of Opportunity, we pride ourselves on nurturing talent that will help students thrive and grow throughout their lives. These outstanding student-leaders are a perfect example of our mission in action. I am incredibly proud to congratulate our Spring 2026 inductees, who truly embody excellence.”
Speaking to the inductees, incoming Phi Kappa Phi President Dr. Chris Butcher, coordinator of the Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning at EKU, emphasized the value of academic community and mutual encouragement.
“To me, it isn’t just about reading books or writing papers; it’s being curious enough to nudge the person next to you,” said Butcher. “Don’t just pursue excellence in a silo or by yourself. Bring others alongside you! The most successful people aren’t the ones who have every single answer. They’re the ones who know how to ask the right questions. In other words, prioritize curiosity over certainty.”
In addition to the chapter inductions, Madelynn Linet, who graduated from EKU in May with a degree in homeland security, was selected as a 2026 Phi Kappa Phi Fellow. Linet, from Louisville, received a Fellowship award to support her upcoming graduate studies.
EKU Honor Societies 2026 Inductees
(Lists separated by honor society and sorted alphabetically by state and hometown, then by last name)
Omicron Delta Kappa:
- Jason Lewis – Cottondale, AL
- Cassandra Jones – Hanceville, AL
- Abigail Hope Blair – Berea, KY
- Adam C. Roberts – Berea, KY
- Morgan A. Petraska – Cecilia, KY
- Abigail Kennedy – Goshen, KY
- Hannah Simpson – Harrodsburg, KY
- Helen Meredith Brennen – Hebron, KY
- Ava Larrian Noble – Jackson, KY
- Lawrence Kibet Lagat – Lexington, KY
- Stephen Parker Myers – Lexington, KY
- Corea Rose Murphy – Louisville, KY
- Kori Abigayle Murphy – Phelps, KY
- Ameris Parks – Richmond, KY
- JoWanna Jackson – Shepherdsville, KY
- Samantha Thompson – Somerset, KY
- John A. Caines – Varney, KY
- Alyssa Bird – Versailles, KY
- Alison Lauren Wood – Vine Grove, KY
- Mason Bland – Winchester, KY
- Candace Nicole Hebert – Winchester, KY
- Matigan Evans – Elrama, PA
Omicron Delta Kappa Alumna:
● Dr. Deborah Alexander
Phi Kappa Phi Undergraduate and Graduate Students:
- Amara Combs – Tell City, IN
- Brooke Boyer – Florence, KY
- Shayla Grubb – Berea, KY
- Elisabeth Komma – Berea, KY
- Emily Dutton – Georgetown, KY
- Taylor Gant – Perryville, KY
- Izabela Gaworski – Nicholasville, KY
- Alice Harkins – Mount Vernon, KY
- Alyssa Hicks – Lancaster, KY
- Maegen Hines – Louisville, KY
- Benjamin Legowski – Louisville, KY
- Kelsey Harris – Richmond, KY
- Aracely Hernandez – Richmond, KY
- Cara Makinen – Richmond, KY
- Sol Branscum – Whitley City, KY
- Jesse Stapleton – Cleveland, NC
- Laura Schoultheis – Winchester, OH
- Holden VanDemark – Hanover Township, PA
- Tiffany Allen – Watertown, TN
Phi Kappa Phi Faculty and Professional Staff Inductees:
● Dr. Chris Butcher
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