Home > Awards and Recognition > Georgia Southern student group wins Outstanding Leadership Program of the Year award

Georgia Southern student group wins Outstanding Leadership Program of the Year award

February 26, 2021

Southern Leaders work closely with staff advisors and other students to plan and execute service projects and community events throughout the year.

The Southern Leaders Program at Georgia Southern University was named Outstanding Leadership Program of the Year by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators’ (NASPA) Student Leadership Programs Knowledge Community.

Southern Leaders member Mary Salter said the award symbolizes the direct effect that the program has on the life of the Georgia Southern student body.

Salter has served on the Student Leadership Advisory Council (SLAC) within the Southern Leaders for two years. It has been one of the most impactful experiences she’s had on campus.

“Working hands-on with the directors of the program and the other members of SLAC allowed me to grow as a person and achieve things within the program that I never thought would be possible,” Salter said. “I was worried that I would not find my niche or group of people at college, but through the Southern Leaders Program, I have found people who have shaped and molded my life for the better.”

The Southern Leaders Program was previously awarded the NASPA Gold Level Excellence Award in 2019 and the Outstanding Program of the Year Award from the Association of Leadership Educators in 2018.

“This award demonstrates the dedication our knowledgeable and talented staff have to keep the Southern Leaders Program continually evolving,” said Jodi Kennedy, director of the Office of Leadership and Community Engagement (OLCE). “I’m continually impressed by how our team works to create spaces for students to explore their leadership talents while also learning how to use them to better their communities.”

John Egan, Ed.D, leadership educator within OLCE, said the awards serve as further inspiration to the students in the program.

“Our office is thrilled to be recognized and confirms that Southern Leaders is a special program,” Egan said. “This encourages us to continue pressing into our work as we strive to empower students in leading positive change.”

For more information on the Southern Leaders Program, visit https://students.georgiasouthern.edu/southernleaders/.