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NSLS Induction Ceremony Inspires New Leaders at STCC

Thirty-three students were inducted into the National Society for Leadership and Success (NSLS), joining more than 1,000 Southwest students who have already embraced the nationally recognized program. The NSLS is a leadership honor society that empowers top-performing students through a comprehensive program of self-reflection, SMART goal-setting, leadership training, and exclusive networking opportunities. 

Dean of Health and Natural Sciences, Dr. Sheila Bouie, advises NSLS inductees on three qualities leaders need.
Dean of Health and Natural Sciences, Dr. Sheila Bouie,
advises NSLS inductees on three qualities leaders need.

The event, held May 1 at the Macon Cove Campus, celebrated academic and personal achievement while encouraging participants to become leaders in every sense of the word.

That is exactly what Dr. Sheila Bouie, dean of Health and Natural Sciences, did during her address. Speaking directly to the new inductees, Dr. Bouie outlined the qualities critical to sustained leadership success. 

“There are three things every leader must demonstrate: integrity, compassion, and clear sight,” she said. Dr. Bouie stressed that integrity means doing the right thing even when no one is watching. “It’s the hard work you do when you know no one else sees you—whether it’s holding a door open or offering help without expecting anything in return,” she said. 

She recalled a personal anecdote involving a missed greeting in an elevator to illustrate her point. “Sometimes, the small choices we make define our character,” she remarked.

She then turned her attention to compassion. Emphasizing that leadership is about understanding and encouraging the inductees to see the humanity in every person. “Compassion goes beyond simple acts of kindness. It requires empathy and a genuine commitment to help others,” Dr. Bouie explained. “It’s the golden rule accelerated—a way for leaders to build bridges even when things get challenging.”

Her third point, clear sight, detailed the importance of maintaining focus amid distractions. “Clear sight distinguishes between leveraging influence and simply wielding power,” she said. “It’s about knowing when to push forward and when to adjust your course. If you’re walking and you’re supposed to be leading and you look over your shoulder and you don’t see anybody, you’re not leading. You’re lonely.”

The evening of celebrating personal milestones was also a call to join a larger community dedicated to leadership beyond the classroom. “Your journey as a leader is just beginning,” she told the gathering. “The skills you develop here will guide you well beyond your college years.” 

Inductees included: Destiny Coleman, LeGerald Collier, Marquez Daniels, Philip Dawson, Yusuf Edhah, Hana AdAway, Asia Knox, Erica Fleming, Britney Gatewood, Victoria George, Jaqueline Gillis, Nicholas Hampton, Sanderlin Hardaway, Phillip Harper, John Michael Jones, Kameron Loving, Robyn Morris, Deidre O’Neal, Oscar Perez, Jared Plummer, Ahmard Stephen, Lakitha Taylor, Nina Thompson-Irvin, Terrius Tucker, Marquez Vester, Christyle Walton, Jasmine West, Durrelle Wilhite, KaAleiyha Wilkes and Jaylan Wilkins.
Inductees included: Destiny Coleman, LeGerald Collier, Marquez Daniels, Philip Dawson, Yusuf Edhah, Hana AdAway, Asia Knox, Erica Fleming, Britney Gatewood, Victoria George, Jaqueline Gillis, Nicholas Hampton, Sanderlin Hardaway, Phillip Harper, John Michael Jones, Kameron Loving, Robyn Morris, Deidre O’Neal, Oscar Perez, Jared Plummer, Ahmard Stephen, Lakitha Taylor, Nina Thompson-Irvin, Terrius Tucker, Marquez Vester, Christyle Walton, Jasmine West, Durrelle Wilhite, KaAleiyha Wilkes and Jaylan Wilkins.