WKU News

Three Western Kentucky University (WKU) students joined family and consumer sciences students and professionals from across the country in early October for the 2026 Phi Upsilon Omicron National Conclave, hosted by Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas.

Representing WKU were Kalee Stevens, Kaitlyn August, and Adanely Ambriz Velasquez, accompanied by Melissa Martin, Phi Upsilon Omicron Executive Director (Beta Delta member and WKU alum), and Angela Gott, WKU Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher Educator.

Phi Upsilon Omicron is a national honor society dedicated to scholarship, leadership, professional development, and service within the field of family and consumer sciences. The National Conclave provides collegiate members with opportunities to develop leadership skills, build professional connections, learn from fellow members, and explore the many career possibilities within family and consumer sciences.

The 2026 Conclave was hosted by the Omega Chapter at Texas Tech University. Texas Tech has a long history with Phi Upsilon Omicron, having established the first Phi Upsilon Omicron chapter in Texas in 1938.

The WKU delegation highlighted the accomplishments and leadership of three students who are actively involved in Phi Upsilon Omicron at the university.

Kalee Stevens, a Nutrition and Dietetics student graduating in Spring 2027, serves as Beta Delta President for Fall 2027–Spring 2028. Stevens is a recipient of the Douglas and Mary Keach Scholarship (Spring 2025), the Susie Pate Scholarship (Spring 2026), and the Karen P. Goebel Conclave Award (Fall 2026). Her involvement in Phi Upsilon Omicron reflects her commitment to leadership, academic achievement, and continued professional development in nutrition and dietetics.

Kaitlyn August serves as a Phi Upsilon Omicron National Office Social Media Specialist and is a member of WKU's Beta Delta Chapter. August earned a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics in Fall 2025 and is pursuing an MBA and Dietetic Internship, with anticipated completion in Spring 2027. She previously served as Beta Delta Vice President during Spring and Fall 2025 and received the Evadine Parker Scholarship in Fall 2025. Her national leadership role provides an opportunity to contribute to Phi Upsilon Omicron while developing professional communication and leadership skills.

Adanely Ambriz Velasquez, a Fashion Studies student graduating in Spring 2027, serves as Beta Delta Vice President for Fall 2027–Spring 2028. She is a recipient of the Mary and Douglas Keach Scholarship (Fall 2026). Adanely was also elected by Region 2 Phi U Chapters to serve on the Phi U National Council from 2026-2028 as the Region 2 Collegiate Rep. Through her involvement in Phi Upsilon Omicron, Adanely is developing leadership experience while preparing for a career in the fashion studies field.

Throughout the three-day event, the WKU students participated in professional development, networking, service opportunities, and activities focused on the history and future of Phi Upsilon Omicron. The experience provided opportunities to connect with collegiate members, alumni, faculty, and professionals from across the country.

The students also experienced the Lubbock community and Texas Tech University through excursions to the Buddy Holly Center, American Windmill Museum, National Ranching Heritage Center, and Museum of Texas Tech University.

Participation in a national professional organization gave the WKU students the opportunity to represent their university, expand their professional networks, learn from students and professionals from across the country, and gain a broader understanding of the diverse opportunities available through family and consumer sciences.

“National professional experiences such as the Phi Upsilon Omicron Conclave give our students an opportunity to see the profession beyond the university classroom,” said Angela Gott, WKU Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher Educator. “Kalee, Kaitlyn, and Adanely are developing as leaders through their involvement in Phi Upsilon Omicron, and experiences like this allow them to build confidence, make professional connections, and envision the many ways they can contribute to the future of family and consumer sciences.”

For August, the Conclave also provided a valuable opportunity to connect her national role with the broader Phi Upsilon Omicron community.

“Phi U Conclave 2026 was such a special opportunity to learn from and connect with professionals in the field of Family and Consumer Sciences. I gained a whole new perspective and appreciation for the community that is embedded within the honor society. As Social Media Specialist for Phi U, I have the honor of representing the organization on social media. I spoke with several chapters and brainstormed ways to continue growing our online presence and reach new members. Conclave 2026 inspired me in many ways, and I'm so grateful I had the opportunity to attend,” said Kaitlyn August, Phi Upsilon Omicron National Office Social Media Specialist and WKU Beta Delta member.

The WKU students' participation demonstrates the value of student involvement in professional organizations and the important connection among education, leadership, scholarship, service, and career preparation.