Alcorn State University student leaders recently participated in the National Association of Student Affairs Professionals (NASAP) Student Leadership Institute, an intensive six-day program held May 27-June 2, 2025, at Claflin University. The institute brought together newly elected student leaders from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) across the country to enhance their leadership skills and foster collaboration.
The NASAP Student Leadership Institute is designed for a variety of HBCU student leaders, including those from student government associations, class officers, Greek councils, student ambassadors, programming boards and royal courts. The program aims to equip participants with a deeper understanding of the mission and necessity of HBCUs, the role of student leaders, and an appreciation for strategic planning and organization.
Jordan Davis, student engagement coordinator and recipient of the “Best Female SLI Advisor” award, emphasized the immediate impact of the institute on Alcorn’s student leaders. “The NASAP experience helped our student leaders gain confidence, make new connections, and learn new leadership skills from different universities,” Davis said. “Each student attended workshops that catered to their specific leadership roles; therefore, the effectiveness of leadership will grow as they apply the skills they learned.”
Davis expressed her honor in receiving the advisor award, stating, “I have a true passion for assisting, uplifting, and caring for students. I like to create a safe and encouraging environment where they feel seen and heard. This award reaffirmed that when you consistently show up for students, they will show up for you in return.”
Naundra Lyon-Heidelberg, director of student engagement, led a “Tribal Group” that secured first place for their performance, highlighting mental health awareness among college students. “Our Tribal Group focused on the issue of ‘FIZZ’ and the mental health awareness among college students, particularly within historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs),” Lyon-Heidelberg explained. “Through our performance, we aimed to shed light on the silent struggles many students face, such as anxiety, depression, and the pressure to be accepted without any fun or light being made on their personal affairs. We emphasized the importance of open dialogue, campus resources, and creating a supportive community. The message was clear: mental health matters, and the platforms students use for fun in their campus communities have a major impact on their daily lives. And it’s okay to ask for help.”
Lyon-Heidelberg noted that the most valuable lesson for students was “learning how to lead authentically while embracing one’s school’s historical identity.” She anticipates that the skills gained, such as effective communication, strategic planning, conflict resolution, and cultural competency, “will undoubtedly enhance our student leaders’ ability to serve their peers.”
Avantavis T. Carter, the 68th SGA president-elect at Alcorn State University, found the SGA Presidents Consortium to be the most impactful session. “Sitting among fellow SGA Presidents from across the country was truly inspiring,” Carter said. “Being in a room full of student leaders who share a deep commitment to service, advocacy, and student empowerment left a lasting impression on me.” Carter, an elementary education major from Hazlehurst, Mississippi, was also recognized as “Most Likely to Become an Advisor.” He added, “This NASAP experience was my most impactful one yet. In all three years I’ve attended, this was the first time the Alcorn State University delegation was nominated for any awards — and this year, we were nominated for two: Most Congenial Delegation and Most Impressive Delegation.”
Jhada Amelia Wade, the 99th Miss Alcorn State University and a biology pre-physical therapy major from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, highlighted the “Bring the Energy” workshop as most impactful. “It reminded me of the power of presence, enthusiasm, and intentionality in leadership,” Wade stated. She plans to “bring that same energy into every room I walk into — whether it’s a general assembly, a classroom, or a community event.”
Cameron Parker, the fifth Mister Alcorn State University and a business administration major from Heidelberg, Mississippi, found the session on balancing leadership with school and personal life to be highly beneficial. “It really helped me understand that it’s okay to ask for help and to take care of myself while serving others,” Parker said. He intends to implement “servant leadership” on campus, focusing on “leading by helping others and being real about what students need.”
Throughout the institute, Alcorn State University’s delegation engaged in dynamic workshops, interactive sessions, and team-building activities. Two formal award ceremonies were held, recognizing outstanding “tribal group” performances on campus issues and celebrating individual leadership and positive influence.
The National Association of Student Affairs Professionals (NASAP), founded in 1954, is dedicated to promoting excellence in student affairs, particularly for professionals serving minority populations in diverse settings. The annual conference provides opportunities for team building, knowledge sharing, networking, and addressing administrative challenges in student affairs.
