Dyersburg State Community College is proud to announce the inauguration of the President’s Student Leadership Academy (PSLA), an initiative designed to foster leadership skills among its students. Under the guidance and support of DSCC’s President, Dr. Scott Cook, and a newly established committee, the PSLA aims to enhance student engagement, educational enrichment, and leadership development through a comprehensive nine-month program.
The first cohort includes ten students: Finley Canada of Dyersburg, Courtney Currie of Ripley, Lexi Gearin of Bradford, Shyauna Hood of Covington, Kaiden Ketchum of Dyersburg, Lilly Mooney of Cedar Grove, Wesley Mott of Caruthersville, Mo, Makayla Parker of Dyersburg, Destani Pettie of Dyersburg, and Carlton Willis of Newbern. Students are identified and recommended to the PSLA by DSCC faculty/staff. They are encouraged to identify students who currently exhibit leadership skills, but perhaps even more importantly, students who have the potential and would benefit from exploring and developing leadership skills. Students may apply to be a part of the PSLA; however, a faculty/staff member must provide a letter of recommendation for the student to be considered.
The PSLA, now in its inaugural year, was created in response to the recognized need for extracurricular and co-curricular activities that contribute to the well-being and overall development of DSCC students. The academy prepares students to confidently take on future challenges by focusing on leadership and cultural development.
Dr. Scott Cook, President of Dyersburg State Community College, expressed his enthusiasm for the program, stating, “I am excited to launch the President’s Student Leadership Academy at Dyersburg State Community College. This program, which launched with its first class in August, teaches students about leadership and their leadership styles, provides access to college and community leaders, and teaches them valuable lessons about leading and working with others. Dyersburg State is committed to shaping future leaders, and this experience is designed to empower them with confidence and the vision to become the next generation of great leaders, to meet the challenges of the future, and to have a lasting impact on our communities.”
Starting with an orientation and team-building session in August and concluding with a reception and award presentation in April, the PSLA offers a diverse curriculum that includes getting to know DSCC’s campus leadership, job acquisition skills, meeting management, event planning, social networking etiquette, communication, conflict resolution, and influence. Students will also engage in a group project over the nine months, allowing for practical application of the skills learned.
DSCC is eager to see the PSLA’s impact on the students, staff, and campus community. Julie Griggs, Student Life Committee Chair, echoed this sentiment, saying, “I’m excited for the countless number of DSCC students that will benefit from this incredible opportunity now and in the future. As they learn, they share their knowledge with others, and the benefits simply keep rolling from there.” The PSLA is co-chaired by committee members Renee Long, Assistant Director/Academic Coordinator of TRIO/Student Support Services, and Hannah Yawn, Coordinator of Student Life at the DSCC Jimmy Naifeh Center in Covington. The PSLA subcommittee’s full membership and its co-chairs have worked tirelessly to develop and implement an academy that will have a lasting impact on our students.
For more information about the President’s Student Leadership Academy, contact Renee Long, Committee Chair, at rlong@dscc.edu or 731-286-3376 or Hannah Yawn, Student Life Coordinator, at yawn@dscc.edu.