By Ariel C. Emberton, staff writer/photographer, Office of University Communications
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – Campbellsville University has recently become home to a new chapter of The National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS).
NSLS is the nation’s largest leadership honor society and the only honor society to provide a fully accredited leadership development program, Rusty Watkins, dean of students at Campbellsville University, said.
Trent Creason, CU’s director of student activities, will serve as the chapter adviser and help facilitate the five-step leadership program.
Chapter leaders are in charge of determining those who are invited to join NSLS. At Campbellsville University, sophomores and seniors with a grade point average (GPA) of 2.8 or higher were selected for nomination.
Watkins said to students, “Participation in NSLS is a highly sought-after opportunity. Should you receive an invitation, I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to enhance your college experience and develop the skills that will set you apart in your career.”
Creason said serving as adviser for the organization was a good fit for him because this organization often works through the Office of Student Services, and it was an opportunity for the department to intentionally invest and grow student leaders.
According to the society’s website, NSLS is the nation’s largest leadership honor society and collegiate leadership development program. The organization differentiates itself from traditional honor societies in that students must complete a step-by-step leadership development program in order to become inducted.
Through the program, members have the opportunity to develop many in-demand skills such as leadership, communication and team building. They also have the opportunity to complete additional educational modules in order to earn credit for their work with NSLS.
The first step members are required to complete is orientation. This helps members learn more about the program and its expectations. The second step is to attend a leadership training day. Members do this virtually with interactive video training sessions where they identify and overcome obstacles.
In the third step, members will listen to three broadcasted speaker events with leaders, celebrities and best-selling authors. The live streamed events are offered six times a year and are available on demand. In the fourth step, members are assigned to small peer groups and meet bi-weekly to set goals and hold each other accountable.
The last step, induction, is where member receive their Foundations of Leadership Certificate honoring their achievement and lifetime membership into NSLS.
Creason said he believes NSLS will bring great opportunities for student leadership growth, increased engagement, networking opportunities for students, timely online avenues to have meaningful engagement during our current circumstances and regional campus opportunities for campus organization involvement.
“Overall it is a great opportunity to prepare and invest in our students in a way that will open doors and create world changers,” Creason said.
Those students who become members also have additional benefits including, but not limited to, scholarships and awards, professional recommendations and a nationwide network of support and motivation.
NSLS also has college credits. Students desiring to earn credit for the foundations of leadership must first enroll in the credit pathway where they will be given access to five additional leadership modules. Campbellsville University students interested in obtaining this credit and then transferring it to the university should seek approval before taking the course.
Creason said he is looking forward to launching the program, building momentum and providing a quality opportunity for Campbellsville University students. “I would like to see this organization open doors for engagement opportunities at our regional sites and, all in all, provide avenues and tools for our students to be successful wherever the Lord leads them,” Creason said.
Watkins said, “NSLS membership and leadership certification offers you a competitive edge and is a nationally recognized achievement of honorable distinction.”
For more information about the NSLS chapter at Campbellsville University contact Creason at tecreason@forms.campbellsville.edu or nslscu@forms.campbellsville.edu.
Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 11,900 students offering over 100 programs of study including Ph.D., master, baccalaureate, associate, pre-professional and certification programs. The website for complete information is www.campbellsville.edu.
Campbellsville University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award certificates, associate, baccalaureate, masters and doctoral degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the status of Campbellsville University.