october 2022
Each month, we share highlights of NSLS members' accomplishments and we hope you find their stories as inspirational as we do.
Our mission at the NSLS is to Build Leaders Who Make a Better World. Our members participate in volunteer events, and take part in a wide range of community service initiatives. Upon graduation, they apply the interpersonal skills they've acquired to start businesses, pursue promotions, and more.
St. Cloud Student Honored With Leadership Award
Jenna Voigt of St. Cloud State University received a 2022 Excellence in Leadership Award from her school. This award is the highest honor in leadership among St. Cloud students. The university evaluates candidates based on their participation in volunteerism and community service, academic achievements, and commitment to progressive leadership skills.
Jenna previously served as a reserve officer and is currently a police officer on active duty with the Becker Police Department in Minnesota. She also serves as the assistant coordinator of the BPD’s Reserve Officer Program. She graduated with an associate degree in 2019 and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice studies. She will also receive her master’s in public administration this semester. All of her academic work included summa cum laude honors.
In addition to her academic achievements, she’s the recipient of numerous scholarships, including the St. Cloud State University Presidential Scholarship and the Greater St. Cloud Public Safety Foundation Scholarship. She was awarded a full-time internship in 2020 as well as graduate assistantships in 2021 and 2022. Jenna was also recognized three years in a row as the Bronze (2019), Gold (2020), and Silver (2021) President’s Volunteer Service Award recipient.
Read the Full Story at Patriot News >>
Savannah State Grad Picked to Head Alumni Association Chapter
Marius Davis, 2006 Savannah State University graduate, has been named the 2022-23 Chapter King for the Savannah State University National Alumni Association. He’s also a professional faculty advisor and adjunct instructor for SSU, has been an active participant in the SSU Staff Support Council since 2015, and was named the 2019 Staff Person of the Year. Additionally, he has helped lead the Faculty-Staff Giving Campaign as co-chair for the past three years, and is committed to mentoring for young men at SSU.
Marius is active in his church, the United House of Prayer for All People, and serves as a deacon. He’s active in the community, serving as co-chair of the Coalition of Concerned Citizens in the Community and co-chair of the McCollough Voters League. He's also a member of the Georgia First Masonic District, participating with his fellow Masons in service to the Ronald McDonald House.
He holds a bachelor’s degree from SSU and a master’s degree in professional communications and leadership from Armstrong State University.
Read the Full Story at Savannah Tribune >>
Honors Student Participates in Prestigious Disney Program
Bria Garvin, Western Kentucky University, was chosen to participate in the Disney College Program (DCP), a national internship with locations in Orlando, Florida and Anaheim, California.
The DCP accepts 20% of the tens of thousands of international students who apply for any given term, offering successful applicants an unparalleled mix of work experience and academic coursework under the Disney umbrella.
Bria is pursuing forensic psychology and paralegal studies at WKU, minoring in political science and criminology. She’s a member of the WKU Mahurin Honors College (MHC) and serves as the president of the MHC Scholars of Color. She was recently named an “HonorsTopper,” recognizing students seeking to build excellence through community by expanding relationships with the MHC community.
Her future plans include pursuing a master’s degree and PhD in forensic psychology, in hopes of obtaining a position with the FBI as a criminal profiler.
Read the Full Story from Western Kentucky University >>
PhD Candidate Recognized for Her Work in Mental Health
Lori Hackett of Aspen University has been named to the Marquis Who’s Who for her work in mental health counseling. Inclusion in the Marquis Who’s Who is based on professional and academic achievement, as well as community service and participation in professional associations.
She earned her associate, bachelor's, and master's in business with a concentration in health care management from American InterContinental University. She received a second master’s in clinical psychology from Walden University and is currently pursuing her EdD in leadership at Aspen University. Outside of her primary work, Lori enjoys her entry into entrepreneurship.
She’s the director of Las Vegas Psych Services, and has also served Greater Heights Behavioral Health as CEO since 2021. She provides professional services to individuals and psychoeducational groups, as well as case management. Previously, Lori worked with Kaiser Permanente for ten years.
Read the Full Story from 24/7 Press Release >>
Facilities Director Campaigns for School Board
Joshua Mattison, Eastern Michigan University graduate, is running for a four-year term on the Tecumseh school board. He’s currently the director of physical plant for Ann Arbor Public Schools (AAPS), which covers schools spread across 125 sq. miles, including Ann Arbor as well as eight contiguous townships. Previously, he was HVAC and building systems control director for AAPS, after serving as the director of facilities for Tecumseh Public Schools.
Joshua attended Washtenaw Community College and Michigan State University before pursuing a bachelor’s degree in construction science at Eastern Michigan. He’s served as a Michigan School Business Officials member, a US Green Building Council member and green classroom professional, a member of Project Management Professionals, and a donor and volunteer for the Tecumseh Center for the Arts.
He’s running for the local school board based on his experience establishing and maintaining appropriate physical environments for students and teachers, and understanding of the needs of school stakeholders.
Read the Full Story at The Daily Telegram >>
Other NSLS Members Receiving Recognition IN OCTOBER:
Gwendolyn Williams, Capella University, has earned her PhD in counselor education and supervision. Dr. Williams is an ordained minister and a member of the American Counseling Association and Association of Counselor Educators and Supervisors. Full Story >>
Kailey Marshall of Western Governors University recently published her book, Leaders Building Leaders: Discovering the How and Why of Leadership. Kailey earned a bachelor’s degree in health information management and an MBA in healthcare management. She also holds several professional certifications. Full Story >>
Brooke Jordan, National Online Chapter, is one of 39 recipients of the Southeastern Illinois College Chancellor’s and Provost’s scholarships. She graduated from Galatia High School in 2021 and made the president’s list at SIC for two consecutive semesters. She’s working toward her bachelor’s degree in criminology and criminal justice, minoring in political science. Full Story >>
Vernell Wilson of Walden University recently published a book, The Poemography of Hellen Hagler: Her Story in Poetic Form, which shares Christmas traditions through the lens of her grandmother. She owns and operates ARight for U, a Michigan company that writes personalized poems for special occasions. Full Story >>
Dr. Desi Roberts, Northcentral University, has been appointed elections administrator by the Bell County Commissioners Court in Belton, Texas. Dr. Roberts earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Coker College, a master’s in criminal justice from Boston University, and a doctorate in business administration from Northcentral University. Full Story >>
