Alcorn State student leaders attended the National Association of Student Affairs Professional (NASAP) Student Leadership Institute to improve their leadership skills and network with peers from across the HBCU landscape.
This year’s Institute was held at Claflin University in Orangeburg, S.C.
“NASAP was the leadership institute that uplifted, inspired, and shaped every leader in attendance and created lifelong bonds,” Kristian D. Bryant, SGA president, said. “It was an amazing learning experience.”
From left to right: Skylia King, SGA NPHC president; Adriana Clark, SGA Senior Class president; Erin Nichols, SGA Sophomore Class president; Kaitlyn Phillips, SGA parliamentarian; Ariel Knott, Miss Alcorn State University; Kristian Bryant, 67th SGA president; Jeremiah Farmer, Mister Alcorn State University; Solomon Bryant, SGA 1st vice president; Avantavis Carter, SGA business manager; and Khari Allen, SGA Junior Class president.
The NASAP Student Leadership Institute is an interactive six-day program designed for newly elected student leaders of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), including Student Government Associations, Class Officers, Greek Councils, Student Ambassadors, and Programming Boards.
“NASAP provided us with an experience that will never be forgotten, said Avantavis T. Carter, SGA business manager! “It gave us the opportunity to network & bond and create families with HBCUs across the globe. This was truly a mind blowing experience. Special shout out to NASAP for helping pave the way for all student leaders.”
The Institute aims to empower leaders to uplift their organizations and universities through enhanced leadership skills and a deeper understanding of their roles on campus.
During the Institute, participants engage in numerous activities related to student leadership and development.
“Not only did NASAP help us understand Black unity, it also taught us how to come together as one HBCU, one body, one unit, to help make all HBCUs productive and beneficial to society,” said Solomon Bryant, SGA 1st Vice President. “It also created special bonds between not only student leaders but it created bonds between our various institutions.
The program’s goals include fostering an appreciation for the mission and significance of HBCUs, promoting planning and organization to better serve students, catalyzing empowerment and positive change on their respective campuses, and building collaborative relationships with other student organizations, faculty, administration, and fellow students.
The NASAP Student Leadership Institute emphasizes the importance of forging meaningful relationships with campus administration to facilitate collaborative solutions and promote holistic growth.
Student leaders from Alcorn attending this year’s event include Skylia King, SGA NPHC president; Adriana Clark, SGA Senior Class president; Erin Nichols, SGA Sophomore Class president; Kaitlyn Phillips, SGA parliamentarian; Ariel Knott, Miss Alcorn State University; Kristian Bryant, 67th SGA president; Jeremiah Farmer, Mister Alcorn State University; Solomon Bryant, SGA 1st vice president; Avantavis Carter, SGA business manager; and Khari Allen, SGA Junior Class president.
“Where innovation meets collaboration, fostering lifelong connections and empowering HBCUs worldwide,” Kaitlyn Phillips, SGA parliamentarian. “It was a transformative experience that transcends boundaries and forges enduring bonds. I really enjoyed the experience.”
Founded in 1954 on the campus of Howard University, NASAP traces its roots back to two parent organizations: the National Association of Deans of Women and Advisor of Girls in Colored Schools, and the National Association of Personnel Dean of Men at Negro Educational Institutions. Today, NASAP is a prominent association that sponsors various programs and events focusing on the needs of students and the professional development of student affairs professionals.
