The OSU Institute of Technology chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success completed its third trimester and inducted 27 more members this spring.

As of the end of the spring 2021 trimester, 27 students met induction status, which equates to a 40% induction rate. Induction status indicates these students had completed the required leadership training to become lifetime inducted members of the organization and be eligible for many member benefits, including scholarships.

Anna Woodell, a Bachelor of Technology in Applied Technical Leadership student from Henryetta, was recently inducted into NSLS.

"I feel honored to have been inducted in NSLS," said Woodell. "It was not simple, but it was worth it. The connections I made here will be lasting, and the lessons I learned will forever change my character and how I interact with others. The lessons you learn here will make you feel accomplished and paint a picture of a brighter tomorrow."

The NSLS is the nation's largest leadership honor society. With 722 chapters, the NSLS currently has 1,425,997 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.

"Our OSUIT NSLS program teaches the foundations of leadership; effective communication, understanding how to set a goal and effectively reach that goal, teamwork and working with others from different backgrounds and communication styles," said Kamie Crawford, director of Student Life and NSLS advisor. "This supplements all of the technical skills that OSUIT students are learning in the classroom with communication and soft skills that they will continue to use in their daily lives as well in their careers as they leave OSUIT and become contributing members of society."

This leadership society allows students to interact that with peers of differing backgrounds, experiences and educational programs. They are provided the opportunity to learn about themselves, what motivates them, drives and excites them in life and their careers while also learning those same things about their peers.

"I wanted to be a part of something greater than myself," she said. "I believe people are more influential when they work together."

NSLS welcomed guest speaker broadcasts from Erica Dhawan, Dr. Bernice King, Martin Luther King Jr.'s youngest daughter, Mark Cuban, Bill Gates and former President George W. Bush this term. All speaker broadcasts are an opportunity for NSLS members to listen to a wide array of individuals who give a view and perspective on a range of topics surrounding leadership.

Woodell said she learned several things through the NSLS program. "I learned a lot about myself, working in teams and that motivational levels vary from person to person."

She also gained insight into real-world issues. One that stuck out was the issue of global warming. "I learned that it is a very real issue and that we have a choice about the future we will live in-- either a dry, dying world or one where we all work together for a cooler future where our children will get to experience the world as we know it now."

Each inducted student 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.

"The impact that this program has on students is greater than I could have ever expected and is very rewarding for those who dive into the program and apply it to their lives, educations and careers," said Crawford. "It's definitely providing something to the students that they need, and I get to hear that from the members who go through the program each semester so far, which is my favorite part."

The induction and whole program for the spring trimester were held online, virtually to coincide with campus instruction methods and COVID-19 safety guidelines.

"NSLS is an investment in a student's long-term potential in life or their pursuit of a long-term career," said Crawford. "It teaches them skills they can use and apply right away in their educational journey, as well as long into the future as they grow and develop in the workforce. They gain so much more than a membership to a nationally recognized honor society and a good item to add to your resume. Joining the OSUIT NSLS chapter and completing the program is a fantastic start on that investment in themselves."

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, and students who attend internships during their time at OSUIT. Invitations for the fall semester will be sent out in August.