Academy promotes leadership in students

About 20-30 students gathered on NE Campus Sept. 2 to learn about the student leadership academy.

The academy meets twice a week to teach students how to make a positive change in the student community, build a team and develop better leadership traits.

Shewanda Riley, English assistant professor and Phi Theta Kappa honor society adviser, said she encourages students to complete the program.

“If you commit to the program by the end of the fall into the spring, you can earn a leadership certificate,” she said. “Starting this semester, students can enroll free of charge.”

The academy, sponsored by Phi Theta Kappa, helps students understand the importance of what it means to be a leader.

“Our goal is to have a really strong leadership team and leadership class by the end of year,” Riley said.

NE student Marquita Wilson said she learned about the event through an email and was interested.

“So what can we learn within the weekly meeting this semester?” she asked.

Riley answered.

“Developing students into leaders and taking it into a new level,” she said. “It is an investment you’re making in yourself. It helps you articulate your own vision and make it a reality.”

Certification for the free course will take about a year to complete.

— Lariza Moreno