Our members participate in volunteer events and take part in a wide range of community service initiatives. Upon graduation, they apply the interpersonal skills they’ve acquired to start businesses, pursue promotions, and more, using what they have learned to Build Leaders Who Make a Better World.
Check out the headlines made by NSLS members who used their leadership skills to level up in their careers, earn outstanding academic honors, and help make a positive impact on their communities this month.
Police Chief Honored for Academic Excellence and Lifelong Service
At just 19 years old, Keith Jackson’s life changed forever when a devastating car accident left him fighting to survive. The Faulkner University member sustained injuries severe enough to nearly put a stop to his lifelong goal of becoming a police officer, but Jackson refused to let adversity define him.
Supported by his family and driven by a steadfast commitment to service, he rebuilt his life and ultimately achieved his dream, rising through the ranks of law enforcement over the course of a distinguished multi-decade career. Today, Jackson serves as Chief of Police for the Homerville Police Department in Georgia, a culmination of years spent serving at the federal, state, county, and municipal levels in positions including corrections officer, narcotics investigator, detective, corporal, sergeant, captain, and now chief.
In 2024, he earned a master’s degree in justice administration from Faulkner University, where he was awarded the prestigious Doctor Lou Harris Academic Achievement Award for his exceptional performance.
Read More from Faulkner University > >
Veteran, Scientist, Entrepreneur Recognized for Global Impact in Health Innovation
Retired U.S. Navy Supply Corps Officer and biomolecular scientist Clare Persad, National University, has earned widespread recognition for her extraordinary contributions to health innovation, poverty alleviation, and global entrepreneurship.
As Founder and CEO of CLARECO Biohealth LLC, she is celebrated for her groundbreaking research in CBD science and nutraceuticals, including pioneering formulations designed to reduce inflammation and pain in autoimmune conditions.
Beyond scientific innovation, Persad empowers communities through multiple ventures, creating holistic healing programs for thousands of patients, helping veterans achieve property ownership, supporting other entrepreneurs internationally, and launching a successful ice-cream franchise that expanded to six locations in its first year.
Her decade of Navy service, marked by exemplary logistics leadership and millions in operational savings, reflects her lifelong mission of service, mentorship, and human advancement. Currently pursuing a PhD in biomolecular psychology, Persad continues to shape the future of health and business.
Read More from Marquis Who’s Who >>
Veterinary Leader Receives Prestigious Professional Merit Award
Jena West, University of Tennessee, Knoxville chapter, has been awarded the Randy Evans Veterinary Medical Technology Merit Award from Lincoln Memorial University’s (LMU) College of Veterinary Medicine, an honor recognizing exceptional career achievement.
West’s journey began in 1995 at LMU, where she earned her degree in veterinary technology on both academic and cheerleading scholarships. She later completed a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in public health with a focus in veterinary medicine at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
For more than 19 years, West has served at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, where she became Tennessee’s first Veterinary Technician Specialist in Cardiology. Her leadership extends across the veterinary field, including service as president and treasurer of the Tennessee Veterinary Technicians Association and membership on multiple diversity, equity, career advancement, and professional committees.
Read More from Lincoln Memorial University >>
Author and Life Coach Recognized for Transformational Youth and Community Work
Military veteran, author, educator, and life coach Sonny Weathersby, Walden University chapter, has been celebrated for his wide-ranging impact across youth development, athletics, wellness, and public service.
Since 2021, he has served as president of I Have WIT, a nonprofit that supports youth wellness and development. In addition to mentoring students across Atlanta-area schools, he trains young fighters and professional athletes at Buckhead Fight Club, drawing on more than a decade of coaching experience.
Weathersby’s journey includes service as a U.S. Army corporal, time as a surgical technician assisting with essential medical procedures, and a remarkable athletic history that includes being drafted by the Kansas City Royals in 1993 and playing Division I football at Bowling Green State University.
He is also an author whose published works promote health, personal growth, and mental resilience. Today, he is pursuing a doctoral degree in health psychology at Walden University and plans to open a wellness center to provide creative and athletic enrichment for Atlanta youth.
Read More from Marquis Who’s Who >>
Healthcare Leader Celebrated for Excellence in Medical Laboratory Science
Virginia G. Erwin, University of Texas Medical Branch chapter, has been honored as a top healthcare professional for her leadership and achievements in medical laboratory science.
As Section Head for Hematology, Coagulation, and Urinalysis at Aspen Valley Health, Erwin oversees critical clinical operations that support accurate diagnoses and patient care. Her success reflects not only technical expertise but also years of disciplined academic advancement.
Erwin holds degrees from Hinds Community College, the University of Cincinnati, and the University of Texas Medical Branch, where she completed a master’s degree in 2024. She also maintains an impressive portfolio of specialized credentials in her field.
Read More from Marquis Who’s Who >>
Other NSLS Members Receiving Recognition this month:
Kimberly Watkins, Louisiana State University–Shreveport, has been honored by Influential Women 2025 for her outstanding accomplishments as a senior business development consultant in the insurance industry. Her expertise spans workers’ compensation underwriting, B2B marketing, and client relationship management. Full Story >>
Savannah Szalanski, Lakeland University, completed a highly selective internship with the Mayo Clinic’s Summer Lab Science Program, where she helped prepare kidney stone samples for research analysis as well as other tasks. On campus, she serves in numerous leadership positions, including president of the Student Government Association. Full Story >>
Janette Singletary, Columbia Southern University, was featured in Influential Women 2025 for her leadership in perioperative scheduling at Tampa General Hospital, where she manages operations for more than 60,000 annual surgical and procedural cases at a Level 1 trauma center. Full Story >>
Heidi L. McKinney, National University, has been recognized for more than 20 years of service in family therapy and integrated behavioral health. In addition to teaching at National University, she serves as a behavioral health specialist at PeaceHealth and contributed to a major psychiatry research study through the University of Washington. Full Story >>
Clinton Bradley, Immaculata University, ran for a seat on the Toms River Township Council in New Jersey. A military veteran and Magna Cum Laude graduate, Bradley’s campaign highlights his commitment to local service and civic leadership. Full Story >>
Julie Ramsey, University of Phoenix, has been named to the Influential Women 2025 for her achievements in procurement and supply chain management. As a Procurement Manager at Ecobat, she applies her supply chain expertise to drive operational excellence. Full Story >>
Bill Kawaka, Middlesex Community College, was named a 2025 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar, receiving a $1,000 scholarship. Kawaka is vice president of the Computer Science Club and an active member of many other organizations. Full Story >>
Kaylee George, Jacksonville State University, has been named to the 2025 Homecoming Court in recognition of her leadership, service, and school spirit, having been active across many campus organizations. Full Story >>
