Student Leadership Academy Helps Mold Future Leaders
La La Sneed is proud to be among the 75 students who make up the inaugural cohort of the Gordon State College Student Leadership Academy.
Sneed, a junior theater major, said participating in the three-day, two-night Academy will help her develop leadership skills.
“I think I will learn a lot about myself as well as the campus and what it takes to be a leader,” she said as she joined other Academy members at the GSC Ropes Course in team-building exercises. “I can take what I learn and use it on the stage or in my everyday life.”
The Academy, an initiative of GSC President Kirk A. Nooks and Vice President for Enrollment Services and Student Affairs John Head, came to fruition in the spring.
“I got together a group from the student division to conceptualize the Student Leadership Academy, and together we discussed what it could be and what the students would take away,” said Matthew Robison, GSC Dean of Students. “The Academy is an intense summer leadership training course that takes students who have been identified as leaders and gives them time to connect with each other, explore the leader within themselves and determine how they can make a positive impact on the Gordon State College campus.”
Students in the Academy were nominated by faculty and staff.
In his address during the group’s opening session, GSC President Dr. Kirk A. Nooks recounted an experience during his freshman year and told the students that, “We would not have a vibrant campus experience without you. You are the leaders; you have the ability to change the lives and direction of your fellow students.”
On the second night of the Academy, the future leaders came together for a Community/Corporate Leader session. Participants included Nooks, GSC Foundation Chair Lucinda Dallas, GSC Foundation members Dr. Waine Kong, Kike Seda, Don Neuner, Lamar County Schools Curriculum Director Andrea Scandrett and Zaxby’s franchisee Curtis Weaver.
Sneed found the session very enlightening saying she enjoys hearing tips and information from proven leaders.
Back at the rock wall, excitement built as she watched others climb.
“This proves that with teamwork and strong leadership you can accomplish just about anything,” she said. “Even climb a rock wall.”