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Elyse Warren
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Olivia Danos
Each year, Omicron Delta Kappa, one of the nation’s oldest and most selective leadership honor societies, recognizes only six undergraduate students nationwide as National Leaders of the Year. This year, two of those national recipients, or one-third of all honorees across the country, were Millsaps College students.
Elyse Warren, a senior from Memphis, Tennessee, has been named the Gen. Russell E. Dougherty National Leader of the Year, ODK’s highest undergraduate leadership honor. Olivia Danos, a senior from Houston, Texas, has been named National Leader of the Year in Athletics. Both honors were awarded as part of ODK’s 2026 National Leader of the Year recognition.
Warren and Danos serve as officers of the Omicron Delta Kappa Circle at Millsaps College, with Warren serving as president and Danos as secretary. It is uncommon for two students from the same institution to receive National Leader of the Year honors in the same year.
“These awards are among the most competitive recognitions within Omicron Delta Kappa,” said Megan James, vice president of student life and dean of students and ODK advisor at Millsaps College. “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.”
The recognition comes as Omicron Delta Kappa celebrates a significant milestone at Millsaps College. Founded in 1926, the Pi Circle at Millsaps celebrates 100 years of leadership, service and impact on the school.
The Gen. Russell E. Dougherty National Leader of the Year Award honors the top undergraduate leader within ODK’s national membership, students who hold multiple significant leadership roles, and whose work has created meaningful, lasting change within their institutions and communities.
“I’m grateful to be named a National Leader of the Year by ODK,” Olivia said. “Being part of the Millsaps community, especially on the volleyball 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 grow along the way.”
The National Leader of the Year in Athletics Award recognizes leadership demonstrated through athletics, including roles such as team captaincy, mentoring, coaching or service within student-athlete leadership organizations.
“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,” Elyse said. “The diverse leadership experiences I’ve embraced at Millsaps have profoundly transformed my life and the lives of those 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.”
Both honors include financial awards and reflect sustained excellence in leadership, service and character.
The recognition highlights Millsaps College’s commitment to educating students who combine academic rigor with experiential leadership opportunities. Through close faculty mentorship, campus involvement and a values-centered educational experience, Millsaps students are encouraged to develop the skills and confidence needed to lead and succeed well beyond graduation.