NSLS comes to Liberty
New, all-inclusive honor society seeks to train students to become leaders
Leadership — The Liberty chapter of NSLS has offered students several opportunities to develop skills to prepare them for the future. Photo provided
“Everything rises and falls on leadership.”
To help students learn to be effective leaders and understand John Maxwell’s famous saying, which has been around since World War II, the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) is an honor society new to Liberty’s campus, which allows students to explore the qualities and necessities of capable leaders.
According to NSLS leadership, this society offers students the means necessary to become better leaders. Students will gain new knowledge through leadership seminars, learn from successful business leaders and network with peers.
NSLS is a nationally recognized society with chapters spanning across the United States. Currently, there are 440,420 members nationwide, according to the
society’s latest research.
The founder and president of Liberty’s chapter of NSLS, David Leite, said his main goal for Liberty’s chapter is to train leaders to impact their field. NSLS also provides them opportunities to learn the skills necessary to impact their workplace.
“Many want to be doctors, nurses, write books or be in politics,” Leite said. “NSLS provides stability and enhances a path for them to be successful in their field. This chapter is known for that.”
Leite explained that students from all majors are welcome to join NSLS. This society prides itself on having a variety of majors represented. Undergraduate students as well as graduate students are able to be a part of this society.
“The society is open to everyone,” Leite said. “From nursing to biblical studies, everyone is invited. Our goal is to help you reach your goals.”
To be inducted into NSLS, students must attend a series of nine leadership-training sessions. These consist of three leadership seminars, three webinars and three Social Networking Teams.
After those steps are completed, a formal induction ceremony will be held and students will receive a certificate and all the benefits NSLS offers. The first induction ceremony will be held in May 2015.
According to NSLS, the society offers a plethora of benefits to its members. These benefits include scholarships, nationwide networking, speaker broadcasts, interview skills, personalized recommendation letters and résumé improvement with lifetime access to these benefits.
Leite said he has taken advantage of these resources offered by NSLS. The society created a personalized recommendation letter for Leite when applying for a doctoral program. He has also benefited from the leadership training seminars by getting formal training in leading large groups.
“NSLS has enhanced my leadership skills, shown me how to manage time and people, then unite them toward a common goal, which, in this case, is to help students of Liberty University achieve better professional skills,” Leite said.
Liberty sophomore and chair member of NSLS Tyler Bernas said he has learned a great deal from the society already. He has been working behind the scenes to help prepare the society for the students of Liberty.
“This society has given me a wonderful avenue to expand my skills within my (English) major,” Bernas said. “Not only has it developed the execution of my writing, but the professionalism as well. That’s what I like most.”
According to Leite, NSLS is an official club registered through the Student Government Association. Currently, Liberty’s chapter can accept 300 members.
NSLS hosted its first event in January in the Terrace Conference Room at the Jerry Falwell Library. The purpose of this event was to make the student population aware of NSLS. The next event will be held at the end of February. NSLS will be providing more information for this upcoming occasion.
FROST is a news reporter.