Sioux City, IA – Leslie Werden, professor of humanities and faculty advisor to Morningside College’s chapter of Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK), was awarded the 2019 Morlan-Bishop Outstanding Circle Advisor Award by the national Omicron Delta Kappa office. 

The Morlan-Bishop Outstanding Circle Advisor Award recognizes an outstanding faculty advisor or circle coordinator for their dedication to the ideals of ODK. 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, have served as a faculty advisor or circle coordinator for at least three years, and must currently serve as a faculty advisor or circle coordinator.

ODK is an interdisciplinary honor society with 317 circles throughout the United States. To become a member, initiates must display excellence in five ideals: scholarship, service, integrity, character, and fellowship. Unlike many honor societies, ODK membership is open not just to undergraduate students but to faculty and staff as well. Werden, who was nominated by student members of Morningside’s ODK circle, has served as either faculty secretary or faculty advisor for the group since 2009.

Werdhttps://www.morningside.edu/about/directory/leslie-werden/en teaches first-year writing courses, public speaking, and persuasive writing. She earned her B.A. at the University of Minnesota, M.A. at Winona State University, and Ph.D. at the University of North Dakota.

ODK is one of several honors organizations that Morningside students can be involved in. Morningside’s honors programs recognize students within their respective programs and offer unique opportunities for academic growth, civic engagement, and professional development. Learn more by visiting our honors organizations page.