Delta Omega is the honorary society for graduate students in public health. The Society was founded in 1924 at Johns Hopkins University, School of Public Health. There are currently 48 chapters throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. The national office is located at Association of School of Public Health. Any questions concerning Delta Omega can be sent to the Executive Secretary, Allison Foster. For information about the Beta Gamma Chapter at the University of Kentucky College of Public Health, contact the Dr. Robert McKnight , (859) 323-6836.

 

This Constitution was approved by the inaugural Executive Committee on February 10, 2006.

Name

The name of this organization shall be the Delta Omega Society Beta Gamma Chapter.

Purpose

The purpose of the Society shall be to encourage and recognize excellence in practice, research, education and academic achievement in the field of public health.

Officers

1. Except in the inaugural two years, the officers of the Chapter shall consist of an Immediate-Past President, a President, a President-elect, and a Secretary-Treasurer.

2. The officers shall be elected by a vote of the majority of the Chapter members present at the annual business meeting. Elections will be held every two years for all offices. The President-Elect will serve two years in that position, and then assume a two-year term as President, followed by another two year term as Immediate-Past President of the Society. The officers shall assume their duties as of January 1, following the annual business meeting.

3. If any officer in the Executive Committee (officers) is unable to complete his or her term, the remaining officers shall appoint a replacement who will serve until the next election by the Chapter.

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee of the Chapter shall consist of the national officers, and may include committee chairs or members-at-large appointed by the President, as described in the by-laws.

Membership

There shall be four categories of membership in Delta Omega.

1. Student Membership: Student membership shall be selected by the Executive Committee. Members elected from the student body shall be approved at the annual business meeting. They shall be chosen with due regard to their scholarly attainments, commitment to service, involvement in college activities, and honorary character of Delta Omega. In order to be eligible for membership in Delta Omega in this category, the student shall: Possess a degree equivalent to or higher than the bachelor's degree. Be in the last semester leading to an advanced degree in public health. Intend, so far as can be ascertained, to follow a career in health or public health.

2. A maximum of ten percent (10%) of graduating students shall be elected to membership in any one year. Those elected shall be from the upper twenty-five percent (25%) in class standing and have demonstrated real or potential qualities of leadership in public health. The total student group to be considered for membership shall only include persons who are candidates or who have received an advanced degree in public health during that current calendar year. The term "advanced degree in public health" as used in these By-laws, refers to the following degrees or their equivalents: Master of Public Health, Doctor of Public Health, Master of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy.

3. Faculty Membership: Faculty membership shall be selected by the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee will give particular attention to outstanding public health performance in scholarship, teaching, research and the quality of publications. The total number of faculty members elected in any one year may be up to three percent (3%) of the full-time faculty.

4. Alumni Membership: Alumni membership shall be selected by the Executive Committee. Delta Omega may elect a maximum of ten graduated from the College whose work in the practice of public health would serve as a model for future graduates of the College for membership each year.

5. Honorary Membership: Delta Omega may nominate honorary members to be elected by a unanimous vote of the Executive Committee. This membership shall be limited and conferred only upon persons possessing exceptional qualifications who have attained a meritorious distinction in the field.

Annual Meeting

There shall be held annually a meeting of the Beta Gamma Chapter, at which time officers shall be elected biannually and chapter business conducted.

Emblem

The emblem of the Society shall be a gold key with circular center, with the Greek letters Delta Omega engraved on the obverse.

By-Laws

The Chapter By-laws, established by the Executive Committee, will further define the regulations and operations of the Chapter and amendment procedures.

Amendments

This constitution may be amended by two-thirds vote of the members present at the annual business meeting.

There shall be four categories of membership in Delta Omega.

1. Student Membership: Student membership shall be selected by the Executive Committee. Members elected from the student body shall be approved at the annual business meeting. They shall be chosen with due regard to their scholarly attainments, commitment to service, involvement in college activities, and honorary character of Delta Omega. In order to be eligible for membership in Delta Omega in this category, the student shall: Possess a degree equivalent to or higher than the bachelor's degree. Be in the last semester leading to an advanced degree in public health. Intend, so far as can be ascertained, to follow a career in health or public health.

2. A maximum of ten percent (10%) of graduating students shall be elected to membership in any one year. Those elected shall be from the upper twenty-five percent (25%) in class standing and have demonstrated real or potential qualities of leadership in public health. The total student group to be considered for membership shall only include persons who are candidates or who have received an advanced degree in public health during that current calendar year. The term "advanced degree in public health" as used in these By-laws, refers to the following degrees or their equivalents: Master of Public Health, Doctor of Public Health, Master of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy.

3. Faculty Membership: Faculty membership shall be selected by the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee will give particular attention to outstanding public health performance in scholarship, teaching, research and the quality of publications. The total number of faculty members elected in any one year may be up to three percent (3%) of the full-time faculty.

4. Alumni Membership: Alumni membership shall be selected by the Executive Committee. Delta Omega may elect a maximum of ten graduated from the College whose work in the practice of public health would serve as a model for future graduates of the College for membership each year.

5. Honorary Membership: Delta Omega may nominate honorary members to be elected by a unanimous vote of the Executive Committee. This membership shall be limited and conferred only upon persons possessing exceptional qualifications who have attained a meritorious distinction in the field.

Original Members

Lynne Hall
Mike Samuels

Recent inductee other institution

Ray Garman

Students

Janice Kuperstien
Prayuth Sudathip
Bin Huang
Rachel Hall
Miriam Azuoru
Kia Armstrong
Erin Abner
Jennifer Gatz
Laura Hall
Michael R. King
Robin Cline Vanderpool

Alumni

Regina Washington
Subrina Walsh
Phyllis Bryden
Keisa L. Bennett
Lorie W. Chesnut
Christopher Lee Day
Tourette A. Jackson
Patricia Ann/Ransel Jennings
Peace N. Jessa
Cynthia D. Lamberth
Anthony F. LoBianco
Elizabeth Anne Masterson
Jennifer L. Redmond

Faculty

Scott Prince
Thomas Tucker
Joel M. Lee
Robert H. McKnight

Honorary

Dough Thoroughman
Rice C. Leach
Laverne R. Carter
F. Douglas Scutchfield
John S. Wiggs
Stephen W. Wyatt

The Delta Omega Beta Gama Chapter has induction and annual dues. Induction dues are paid once when students, faculty or alumni are inducted into the Chapter. The induction dues are paid to the Delta Omega National Council to cover the expense of processing each new member into the Society. The National Council is at liberty to change the amount of induction dues. As of May 2007, the fee for induction dues are $40.00.

Annual dues are paid once a year by all members of the Delta Omega Beta Gama Chapter. The annual dues are paid to the Chapter to provide financial support to facilitate scientific activities and recognize students with scholarship awards and research support. The Chapter's Executive Board determines the amount of annual dues