[484] April 4 ODK event seeks True Blue student leaders

MURFREESBORO — Business leaders H. Lee Martin, David McGowan and Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett will headline the second Omicron Delta Kappa True Blue Leadership Day.

The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Friday, April 4, in Simmons Amphitheatre (Room 106) of the Paul W. Martin Sr. Honors Building. For the full schedule, visit http://capone.mtsu.edu/mtsuodk/tbd2014_html/trueblueday.html.

The ODK True Blue Leadership Day highlights the core values of the "True Blue Pledge" by educating participants about multiple aspects of leadership.

The event schedule is based on the standard course scheduling time, so students can attend sessions that fit within their class schedule.  It is free and open to all students, faculty and staff.  Refreshments will be provided throughout the sessions, and a reception will close out the day.  Students who pre-register with Susan Lyons will receive a commemorative certificate of attendance. To reserve a spot in the sessions, email Susan.Lyons@mtsu.edu.

“ODK’s True Blue Leadership Day is a great way for students to learn more about different aspects of leadership from experienced speakers who will present a series of exciting sessions,” said graduate student Matthew Hibdon, ODK secretary and former president, and a member of ODK’s National Advisory Council.

“We are thrilled to have speakers from the university as well as off-campus who will be able to provide valuable insight into how to become better leaders,” added Hibdon, who graduates in May with a master’s degree in administration and supervision in higher education. “In addition to the excellent speakers, students will also have the opportunity to network with other student leaders on campus.”

Martin is president of Trinity Foundation of East Tennessee and clinical professor of entrepreneurship in the College of Engineering at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. McGowan is president and CEO of Regents Homes LLC and Regent Development Company. Hargett is CEO of the Department of State, with oversight of nearly 400 employees.

Martin, a Murfreesboro native, and his brother, MTSU alumnus Paul W. Martin Jr., gave a $2 million gift matched by the university to help build the honors building.

MTSU faculty members Dusty Doddridge, Deana Raffo and David Foote will conduct other sessions.

ODK held the inaugural True Blue Leadership Day in 2012. Hibdon said the organization decided to bring the event back this year to celebrate ODK’s Centennial Celebration this year.

ODK is sponsored on campus by the University Honors College. Honors Dean John Vile serves as adviser, and Honors College Associate Dean Philip Phillips is faculty secretary. 

MTSU’s ODK Circle is actively seeking new members. Juniors and seniors are eligible for initiation, and sophomores are eligible to be part of the Squire program.

University President Sidney A. McPhee is an ODK member. ODK faculty and staff members include Provost Brad Bartel, Vice President of Student Affairs Debra Sells, former Provost Kaylene Gebert, College of Education Dean Dr. Lana Seivers, College of Business Dean David Urban, College of Liberal Arts Dean Dr. Mark Byrnes; College of Liberal Arts Associate Dean Dr. Karen Petersen and Jim Williams, director of the Albert Gore Research Center.