Among student leaders and staff from 47 HBCUs, Alcorn State University’s delegation stood out. Its members left a national leadership institute with awards in hand.
The group attended the National Association of Student Affairs Professionals (NASAP) Student Leadership Institute at Claflin University in Orangeburg, S.C., from May 26 to June 1.
The six day program trains new HBCU student leaders to work with student organizations, administrators, faculty and one another. It is interactive by design, and it is demanding.
Alcorn’s representatives came from the Royal Court, Student Government Association, Student Ambassadors and National Pan-Hellenic Council.
They networked and took part in professional development alongside students and staff from 47 HBCUs.
“We are immensely proud of our students and staff for representing Alcorn State University with such excellence and distinction on a national stage,” said Dr. Edward Rice II, vice president for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. “Their achievements reaffirm the strength of our institution and our continued commitment to developing leaders who embody character and purpose.”
Several Alcorn representatives earned recognition at the institute.
Jordan Davis, student engagement coordinator, was named Female Advisor of the Year. National Pan-Hellenic Council President Bryan Alvarez received a pair of Meta smart glasses. Kelunda Thomas-Robinson, assistant director of student engagement, received a Michael Kors bag for her work teaching students’ practical lessons in financial success.
Miss Alcorn Erin Nichols, won the institute’s “Best Smile” award, given to a student who brightens a room.
“This award is more than physical praise,” Nichols said. “It is an acknowledgement that I was able to brighten the lives of many I encountered through my kindness and my smile.”
She called the week impactful. “My NASAP SLI experience was nothing short of amazing,” she said. “NASAP has allowed me to build confidence, knowledge and meaningful connections. I am grateful to be recognized for having the best smile at the institute.”
Sessions ranged from fundraising and grant writing to Greek life, hazing prevention and leadership style.
NASAP’s Student Leadership Institute develops student leaders holding roles from student government and class officers to Greek councils, student ambassadors, programming boards and royal courts, who are committed to strengthening their organizations and their universities. NASAP was founded in 1954.
