CCU's NSLS Chapter Earns National Recognition for Transforming Student Leadership Through Institutional Innovation, Community Impact, and Academic Integration
MIAMI, FL – The National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), the nation's largest and only accredited co-curricular leadership honor society, has named Coastal Carolina University (CCU) its Strategic Chapter Partner of the Year, a national distinction recognizing the CCU chapter's exceptional commitment to student success, institutional collaboration, and community impact.
The award was presented to Dr. Daphne Holland, Associate Provost for Student Success, alongside Academic Coaching Specialists Megan Grandey and Jordan Ross, who have led the chapter's transformation into one of the NSLS's most recognized programs in the country. University President Dr. James Winebrake was also honored for his institution's commitment to embedding leadership development at the highest levels of CCU's academic mission.
A Chapter Built on Infrastructure
When CCU's NSLS chapter launched in December 2021, it joined an already vibrant campus environment home to more than 10,300 students, 70+ undergraduate majors, and a culture of excellence that includes South Carolina's only Top Producing Fulbright U.S. Student institution. More than 2,800 students would eventually join the NSLS chapter, but building meaningful engagement required more than enthusiasm.
In Spring 2023, with the chapter's induction rate at 28% — well below the 40% benchmark the team had set as their standard — Dr. Holland and her advisors made a decision: invest a full year in building the kind of student leadership infrastructure that would last beyond any single semester.
That decision changed everything.
What Made the Difference
Under the guidance of Dr. Holland, Grandey, and Ross, the chapter assembled and trained a dedicated Executive Board capable of functioning as true operational partners. Student leaders, including Chapter President Abigail DeVico, were equipped with NSLS Facilitator Guides, clear role responsibilities, and the skills to support hundreds of members simultaneously. During peak induction periods, the team managed more than 120 member inquiries without sacrificing programming quality.
The chapter also pursued institutional partnerships that elevated its standing from student organization to academic asset. Working through Dr. Holland's office, the chapter established a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Coastal Carolina University, allowing NSLS Advanced and Executive coursework to earn university credit — a first for CCU. Alyssa Ciccarelli, a first-generation college student, became the first CCU student to complete that coursework and receive credit reciprocity, an achievement celebrated publicly at the Spring Induction Ceremony with Dr. Gibbs Knotts, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, in attendance.
In partnership with the United Way of Horry County, NSLS members served as trained interns in local schools, delivering early literacy instruction through the Heggerty Phonemic Awareness initiative. Richard Williams, Jr., Director of Education at the United Way of Horry County, described the impact directly: "Having these Coastal Carolina University NSLS interns embedded in our partner sites has been a game-changer… The interns are trained, prepared, and passionate, and because of them, we're able to reach more students with high-quality early literacy instruction while lightening the load on our teachers."
Voices from the Chapter
Member Meghan Ford captured the personal impact: "The NSLS speakers have helped me to change my life because I wake up every day with a new attitude."
For Alyssa Ciccarelli, the experience carried particular meaning: "As a first-generation college student, navigating everything on my own has been a journey, and the NSLS made the process easier, less stressful, and empowering. I am beyond grateful for the confidence, growth, and leadership experience I gained."
Recognition from the NSLS
"Coastal Carolina University exemplifies what it means to be a true strategic partner," said Maryanna Laferriere, Strategic Chapter Manager. "Dr. Holland and her team didn't just run a chapter; they embedded leadership development into the fabric of their institution. They built community partnerships, created academic pathways, and developed student leaders who are making a measurable difference both on campus and beyond. This is exactly the kind of impact the NSLS was built to support."
About the National Society of Leadership and Success
The National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) is the nation's largest and only accredited leadership honor society, with more than 2 million members across 800+ chapters nationwide. The NSLS develops leaders through a proven, research-based program that builds the skills employers seek and the confidence students need to succeed. Learn more at nsls.org.
About Coastal Carolina University
Coastal Carolina University is a public liberal arts and sciences university located in Conway, South Carolina, serving more than 10,300 students. CCU is South Carolina's only Top Producing Fulbright U.S. Student institution and competes in NCAA Division I. Learn more at coastal.edu.
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