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Southwest inducts 68 students into inaugural leadership class

By Diana Fedinec

Southwest’s National Society of Leadership and Success chapterCongratulations to the inaugural class of 68 student leaders inducted into Southwest’s National Society of Leadership and Success chapter! Student Development Director Phoenix Worthy hosted the virtual induction ceremony Jan. 13, 2021. Established in July 2020, the Chapter will provide students an additional opportunity to develop the leadership, communication and team building skills needed to advance their academic and future professional careers.

Students who qualified for induction into the Chapter completed five steps:

  • Chapter orientation and personality assessment
  • Leadership training day including planning future goals
  • Viewing speaker broadcasts on various leadership topics
  • Participation in networking team meetings
  • Attending chapter’s induction ceremony

Southwest President Tracy D. Hall welcomed and congratulated the inductees on their achievements, despite challenging times. “This is an auspicious occasion, and I am proud to be here with you to share in this moment,” said Dr. Hall. “It could not be more appropriate for us to have a celebration of leaders today. Our country has faced wars and threats from foreign lands and here at home and we have overcome them all thanks to people of purpose, people like you,” she said. “That is what and who leaders are. They are people who know, embrace and walk in their purpose each day – to not only transform their lives but the lives of others.”

NSLSVice President of Student Affairs Jacqueline Faulkner was the event’s keynote speaker. She said leadership starts with the heart. “It’s heart work and it takes leading from within to be an effective leader,” Faulkner said.

Her presentation, “Leading Beyond Southwest: Becoming a Person That Others Would Want to Follow,” drew upon some of the leadership qualities identified in one of her favorite books on leadership, The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader: Becoming the Person Others Will Want to Follow, by John C. Maxwell. “This is a first step in leadership for many of you,” Faulkner added. “As a former student leader, I understand how student leadership can be a springboard for your future endeavors.”

In addition to the membership induction, several faculty and staff were honored with awards:

Honorary Membership Award - Jacqueline Faulkner, Vice President of Student Affairs

Excellence in Teaching Award - Professor John Abadie, Adjunct Faculty, Business and Legal Studies

Excellence in Service to Students (non-faculty member) - Jhona Gipson, Professional Academic Advisor

Worthy said he had reservations about students participating in an online leadership program during a pandemic, but that quickly faded when he saw the determination of the students. “You students, you inductees, you as student leaders, have demonstrated your appetite for student development and student leadership,” said Worthy. “This is just the beginning of your leadership journey, and our chapter.” To watch the keynote address and induction ceremony, click here: https://youtu.be/c2ebh7INIxs

NSLS