LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 7, 2026) — The University of Kentucky’s Nu Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa inducted 36 members and recognized student leaders and faculty advisers during its spring 2026 initiation ceremony last month.
Founded in 1914 at Washington and Lee University, Omicron Delta Kappa is a national leadership honor society that recognizes excellence across five pillars of campus life: scholarship, athletics, service, communications and the arts. Established at UK in 1925, the Nu Circle has a long tradition of honoring and developing student leaders.
Maurice A. Clay Awards
Named for longtime UK educator Maurice A. Clay, this award honors an outstanding graduating senior in each academic college for exceptional leadership, service and academic achievement.
2026 recipients
- Malena Hughes, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.*
- Mallory Sparks, College of Arts and Sciences.*
- Amber Mandhyan, Gatton College of Business and Economics.
- Reese Durham, College of Communication and Information.
- Ethan Smith, College of Design.
- Emily Speaker, College of Education.
- .Isaac Madill, Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering.
- Max Gambrell, College of Fine Arts.
- Sophia Drancik, College of Health Sciences.
- Hannah Everett, College of Nursing.
- McKenna Green, College of Public Health.*
- Spencer Payton, College of Social Work.
- Siena Pilati, Martin School of Public Policy and Administration.*
Spring 2026 inductees
College of Arts and Sciences
- Peyton Barrett.~
- Jeffrey Brock.*
- Amia Carter.~
- Aubrey Fugitt.*
- Scarlet Hudgins.*
- Jenna Koura.
- Lauren Moore.*
- Myka Smith-Jackson.~
* Lewis Honors College member
~ Fall 2025 initiate
During the event, the Nu Circle also celebrated the contributions of outgoing student leaders Drew White, past president; and Payton Verespej, communication chair, for their service. Both are graduating seniors.
As Omicron Delta Kappa transfers into new hands, the organization remains committed to developing ethical, inclusive and effective leaders who will shape the future. Follow @ODKattheUKY on social media to join in celebrating this momentous year and to recognize the extraordinary leaders of today and tomorrow. For more information, contact ODKattheUKY@uky.edu.