The University of Cincinnati’s Kappa Delta Pi earns national recognition

What started as a small group of five future educators has grown into an award-winning community within the University of Cincinnati’s (UC) College of Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services, and Information Technology (CECH).

UC’s Zeta chapter of Kappa Delta Pi  (KDP), a national honor society and professional association for educators, was recently recognized with the Phoenix Award for chapter improvement—an honor that highlights the organization’s rapid growth and impact. 

Under the leadership of

president and CECH ambassador Erika Flynn, the chapter expanded from just five members to 33 in one year.

The 2025 Phoenix Award for Outstanding Chapter Growth awarded by Kappa Delta Pi. Photo: provided

“I was really anxious at first,” Flynn says. “Even though it wasn’t a large group at the time, it was a group that needed a lot of support and care.” 

KDP focuses on inspiring and equipping future educators through community, leadership and professional development. With more than 650 chapters nationwide, over 20,000 active members, and a network of more than one million alumni, the organization provides students with resources and connections that extend far beyond the classroom.

For Flynn, joining KDP was about finding belonging. 

“I wanted to connect with other people in my major, as well as other education majors who share the same passion for teaching,” she says.

That sense of connection has become central to the chapter’s success. Through intentional outreach, events and a welcoming environment, the organization has created a space where students feel encouraged to get involved—even if they’re unsure at first. 

“My biggest advice is to just come to a meeting,” Flynn says. “We talk, play games, do crafts and just have a good time. It’s a welcoming environment.”

"I wanted to connect with other people in my major, as well as other education majors who share the same passion for teaching."

Erika FlynnKappa Delta Pi Zeta Chapter president, CECH Ambassador

Beyond community-building, the chapter has prioritized community service. One of its signature initiatives is a donation drive supporting Crayons and Beyond, a Cincinnati-based organization that provides classroom supplies to teachers. 

Members collect donations across campus and from their personal networks, ensuring local educators have the resources they need—especially during critical times of the school year.

“This is really important to me because we’re giving back to our future and helping set schools up for success,” Flynn says. 

Faculty advisors say the chapter’s growth reflects a deeper connection between leadership, research and real-world impact.

“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to mentor Erika Flynn, Ellie Glover and Halle Haigis,” says associate professor Kim McCormick. “Kappa Delta Pi provides an incredible outlet for extending research, leadership and professional growth, and I truly believe the best is yet to come.” 

That growth has not only strengthened the chapter but also shaped its members. For Flynn, serving as president has been a transformative experience.

“Being in a leadership role teaches you a lot about collaboration and patience,” she says. “It’s also helped prepare me for teaching because you have to make sure everyone is supported.” 

Looking ahead, the chapter plans to expand its focus on professional development while maintaining the close-knit, family-like environment that fueled its success.

As the Zeta Chapter continues to grow, its mission remains clear: to build a strong, supportive community for future educators—one that empowers teachers to lead both inside and outside the classroom. 

Featured image at top: Members of the Kappa Delta Pi Zeta chapter display their Phoenix Award for Oustanding Chapter Growth. Photo/Provided