Nineteen University of Lynchburg education majors were inducted into Kappa Delta Pi on Monday, April 22, in a ceremony held in Drysdale Student Center’s West Room.
The keynote speaker for the occasion was Dr. Mac Duis, assistant professor of education and director of the Master of Education in Pre-K-12 Administration and Supervision and Doctor of Education in Leadership Studies programs.
According to Dr. Andrea Beam, chair of the elementary education department and one of Lynchburg’s KDP faculty counselors, the University’s chapter, Eta Tau, is one of 700 student chapters worldwide.
“There are many requirements to be able to proudly boast membership in such a prestigious organization,” Beam said of the honor society, which was founded in 1911. “Students must hold a minimum of a 3.1 GPA, they must involve themselves in fundraising and service initiatives throughout the academic year, and they must attend all chapter meetings.”
Although Lynchburg has had a chapter since 1999, Beam said this was the first year a board of students planned meetings and service and fundraising opportunities — all membership requirements.
“Not only must they demonstrate servant leadership throughout the school and local community, but they are involved in fundraising initiatives that also give back to the local schools,” Beam said. “Part of their mission is to ‘Do good to make a positive impact for our people, communities, and planet.’”
Access student Cecily Jones ’25 described her initiation into Kappa Delta Pi as “just another stop in my path toward becoming an awesome teacher,” adding, “The opportunities that come with being a member of this organization are beyond amazing.
“I’m grateful to be part of something so prestigious, all while taking six classes. As challenging as it may be, it’s well worth the effort.”
In addition to Jones, the following Lynchburg students were inducted into KDP:
- Becca Amiot ’24
- Emily Charlton ’24
- Alexis McQuaid ’24
- Meredith Bornholdt ’25
- Anna Graham ’25
- Ashley Hudson ’25
- Carly Howard ’25
- Erin Howard ’25
- Shakura Jennings ’25
- Tristin Lucas ’25
- Lizzie Price ’25
- Bailey Pugh ’25
- Macie Wright ’25
- Jenna Frazer ’26
- Caleigh Hauser ’26
- Briana Mata ’26
- Anna Yost ’26
- Westover Honors Fellow Davison Chapman ’27
