A national honor that only goes to six undergraduates each year has been awarded to two Millsaps College students – or one-third of all honorees across the country.
The liberal arts college in Jackson announced Friday that seniors Elyse Warren and Olivia Danos were named National Leaders of the Year by Omicron Delta Kappa, one of the nation’s oldest and most selective leadership honor societies.
Warren, from Memphis, Tenn., was named Gen. Russell E. Dougherty National Leader of the Year, the society’s highest undergraduate leadership honor. Danos, from Houston, Texas, was named National Leader of the Year in Athletics for her roles both on and off the volleyball court.
Both Warren and Danos serve as officers of the Omicron Delta Kappa Circle at Millsaps, with Warren serving as president and Danos as secretary.
“These awards are among the most competitive recognitions within Omicron Delta Kappa,” said Megan James, vice president of student life, dean of students, and Omicron Delta Kappa advisor at Millsaps. “Students from across the country are considered, and selection reflects not only exceptional achievement but leadership that positively influences campus culture and the broader community.”
“Elyse and Olivia exemplify how Millsaps prepares students to lead with purpose, integrity, and impact,” James continued.
The Gen. Russell E. Dougherty National Leader of the Year award, which went to Warren, honors the top undergraduate leader within Omicron Delta Kappa’s national membership, students who hold multiple leadership roles and whose work has created meaningful change both on campus and in local communities.
Warren, who is an All-SAA and All-American player on the Millsaps basketball team, previously was up for the National Leader of the Year in Athletics award. But after another year of stellar grades and community impact, she earned the National Leader of the Year award. Warren is a double major in mathematics and neuroscience and was recently named a Rhodes Scholarship finalist.
“As a past applicant for the athletics pillar, being recognized at the national level for the full scope of my leadership – in athletics, academics, research, and service to campus and community – fills me with immense gratitude,” Warren said. “The diverse leadership experiences I’ve embraced at Millsaps have profoundly transformed my life and the lives around me.
“Each day, Nelson Mandela’s powerful words resonate deeply: ‘Education is the most powerful weapon in which you can use to change the world.’ This belief fuels my hope and determination for a brighter future.”
The National Leader of the Year in Athletics award, which was won this year by Danos, recognizes leadership demonstrated through athletics, including team captaincy and mentoring the next generation of athletes.
Danos, a health and exercise science major who has consistently been named to the SAA Academic Honor Roll, serves as a camp counselor and coaches at Campfire Volleyball Camp.
“I’m grateful to be named a National Leader of the Year by ODK,” Danos said. “Being part of the Millsaps community, especially on the volleyball team and other campus leadership roles, taught me the importance of leading with integrity, resilience, and service. I’m thankful for the mentors, teammates, and friends who helped me along the way.”
Both the National Leader of the Year and National Leader of the Year in Athletics awards include financial awards, as well.
