December 17, 2004

For more information, contact: Kimberly Stark (901) 333-4023

SOUTHWEST HONORS ACADEMY SENDS STUDENT TO “SCHOLAR LAUAREATE”
LEADERSHIP SEMINAR
Release written by: Pat O’Brien

“Tosin” Kayode will start 2005 with 24 other top honors nominees from across the country in a five-day seminar expanding on the art and challenges of leadership. “Students invited to participate already have well-demonstrated leadership qualities,” according to Clarence Christian, director of the Honors Academy at Southwest Tennessee Community College. Kayode will attend the 2005 International Scholar Laureate Program January 4-9, 2005 in Washington, sponsored by Envision Institute.

Oluwatosin Kayode came to Southwest from Nigeria, West Africa to study Radiologic Technology. After graduation in Spring 2005, he will continue his studies to complete a bachelor of science degree in radiology, then spend 16 months in additional training in radiology specialties before beginning medical school to complete his M.D. “I plan ultimately to open radiology clinics here and in Nigeria,” Kayode said.

Kayode holds a BS in Nautical Science from the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology in Nigeria. After a harrowing, four-months “marooned at sea” in 1998-99, when his research vessel lost all navigating and communication systems, he returned home with chronic pneumonia-like symptoms, eventually receiving treatment that began with the first X-rays he ever had. “That brought about the restoration of my health, and I wanted to ‘pay back’ what I had gotten. I changed directions, and am pursuing a completely new life. Southwest is helping me do that.”

The seminar introduces students, first, to “power tools” for systematic development of personal strengths and abilities, setting sights, and forming goals. Day two delves into meaning and characteristics of leadership and development of communication skills. Leadership arts and pedal-to- the-metal actions for creation of personal leadership style are covered the third day; the demands for courage and “grace under stress” qualities are investigated during the fourth session; and personal leadership plans are articulated in the wind-up on the fifth day. Successful completion will earn a certification as a “Scholar Laureate.”

Kayode, a full time student, carries a 4.00 average while working “almost full-time” – 33 hours per week – at LeBonheur Children’s Hospital in the X-ray department. He also acts as tech assistant to Christian in the Honors Academy, and tutors fellow students through the Academic Support Center.

“Tosin is a brilliant student and his contributions to the Honors program are innumerable,” according Christian. He is a leader par excellence already and has represented the College at all levels in the National Collegiate Honors Council – state, regional and national – and led our Model UN Delegation that represented Iraq at the National Association of African American Honors Programs. We are certain he will prove a ‘leader among leaders’ at the seminar.”