The OSU Institute of Technology chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success inducted its first members into the national honor society this spring.

As of March 30, 57 students met induction status, which equates to a 48 percent induction rate. Induction status indicates these students had completed the required leadership training to become a lifetime inducted member of the organization and be eligible for many member benefits, including scholarships.

Tasha Lorenzo, a Pre-Professional Studies student from Bixby, first thought that NSLS was just another organization and had nothing unique to offer. Once she learned more about the benefits and opportunities, she was immediately interested.

"When I researched it, I found it's a lifetime membership with benefits like leadership seminars, resume building, job boards, discounts on retailers and other features that will help you grow as a leader in the career field of your choice," said Tasha.

Kamie Crawford, director of Student Life and NSLS advisor, said that she loves being the NSLS advisor.

"One thing that drives my passion for working in higher education is creating opportunities for students. Opportunities that provide memories, connect them with long-lasting friendships and that will make a lasting impact on their success after OSUIT," said Crawford. "This program, and my position as an advisor, allows me to provide all three of those for our students. I love being the NSLS advisor because I truly do see the growth in each student."

Beginning in the 2020 spring term, Student Life partnered with NSLS to bring a leadership program to OSUIT as an option for students to better themselves and their ability to lead others. 

One thing that Lorenzo valued about NSLS was learning how to lead people without changing who you are.

"You do not have to change your personality to manage a group of people but rather understand what DISC they fall under and adjust your approach," she said.

"As we continue to educate the students attending OSUIT, we pride ourselves on equipping those students with the tools and skills necessary to be successful and contributing members in the workforce and society," said Crawford. "This leadership program enhances their education in a way that will impact the student's success in life far after graduating from OSUIT."

The NSLS is the nation's largest leadership honor society. With 704 chapters, the NSLS currently has 1,192,683 members nationwide. In addition to honorable distinction, the NSLS provides a step-by-step program for members to build their leadership skills through participation at their campus or online.

As classes on campus switched to an online format, the same is true for the remaining NSLS program events.

"With the switch to online, we were unable to do a spring induction ceremony, but I intend to hold an induction ceremony during each fall and spring semester," said Crawford.

Those individuals who would have participated in the spring induction will get an invitation to the Fall 2020 induction ceremony where they will be able to celebrate their accomplishments.

Each student inducted gains benefits such as resume enhancement, Leadership Training Certification and custom recommendations from NSLS and their NSLS induction items. Each student will receive a leadership certificate, t-shirt, car decal and insignia pin for induction.

"I've seen passionate, determined, compassionate and resilient students come through this program, all displaying the ability to work on themselves as a way to become better people, harder workers, and servant leaders," said Crawford. "Congratulations to the students receiving induction status for the Spring 2020 term, you met the challenge and rose to the occasion. We are truly proud!"

The NSLS Leadership Program will run during the fall and spring trimesters at OSUIT. Students enrolled for those trimesters will receive an invitation to join NSLS by meeting the nomination criteria of holding a 2.75 grade point average and having six or more credit hours on their college transcript. This program is available to both on-campus students and online students, as well as students who attend internships during their time at OSUIT.

"I'm very proud to be a member," said Lorenzo. "I am so honored to be recognized as an NSLS member. I have connected with three other ladies through the SNT groups. These groups were apart of the induction process. We hold each other accountable and keep on encouraging each other. Shout out to Kori, Destini and Keysha!"