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The University of Phoenix Chapter is protected by copyright.
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Selena Oliver -Editorial Assistant | Vice President of Communications
Jaime Blair, CPhT -Contributing Writer| Director of Social Media
Tim Hugh O’Neil- Contributing Writer
THE NATIONAL SOCIETY OF LEADERSHIP AND SUCCESS
ABOUT US
The University of Phoenix NSLS chapter was founded in January 2020 and currently has over 60,110 members. We aim to become the #1 university chapter in the nation.
Thank you, students, and alumni!
Selena Oliver, Editorial Assistant, Vice President of Communications
J.D. Candidate
EDITOR’S LETTER
Welcome to the 6th edition of our Summer season newsletter. In this edition, you'll find an inspiring message from Timothy James, our chapter president. This is followed by a feature of Natasha Howell, secretary to our chapter president. This Member Spotlight is special as it showcases my youngest brother, Al Cosby, a University of Phoenix Alum and NSLS Member. Additionally, this edition will feature an article by contributing writer Jaime Blair. There will also be a special introduction from our NSLS and University of Phoenix Founding Advisor Dr. Richard Schultz as he shares his vision for our chapter. Followed up with a Juneteenth spotlight featuring our president Timothy James and NSLS Advisor and University of Phoenix Dean Dr. John Ramirez, who represented our chapter at the Juneteenth Celebration Event. Furthermore, the Career Tools page will offer valuable information to guide you on your career journey. If you're a new member, check out the "5 Steps to Induction" guide for the next steps after accepting your nomination. For any questions, click the page to visit the members' dashboard directly. Lastly, take a break and have some fun with our "Something Fun" section, which offers opportunities to enjoy games individually or with family and friends.
We extend our congratulations and a warm welcome to all new members, alumni, and inductees.
President‘s Corner
Greetings fellow National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) members.
I want to thank all of you for your continuous hard work and dedication to our society’s success. Summer has arrived, and for many, a much-needed vacation. As we relax from the academic year and prepare for the upcoming academic year, let us continue to develop and push ourselves professionally as leaders. I hope everyone got a chance to determine their leadership style. Knowing which type of leader you are will allow you to target developmental stages and enhance skills for your professional growth. Strengthening your professional leadership skills gives you an advantage in professional motivation to your team and allows you to improve active listening techniques. You might ask why so much focus is on active listening. In short, it is because a truly effective leader motivates a team or individual and understands their team members’ needs through listening. As leaders, we often presume we know our team members through observance and discussions, but we sometimes forget to allow our fellow members to express themselves and listen.
It can be difficult sometimes because, as leaders, we naturally want to solve any issue or concern. It is second nature, but if we take the time to actively listen and focus on what our team members are discussing, we can sometimes see that there is more to the issue or concern than what we presumed. It truly takes practice to master. So, if you have not yet found your leadership style, I would like to rechallenge everyone in August 2024 to see their leadership style. I also would like to challenge those who have identified their leadership style to start engaging with their local community on team-building projects. What better way to spend your summer relaxing and enjoying recreational festivities than with your local neighborhood community? As you relax this summer from the academic year, continue your journey to enhance yourself professionally and personally. Push yourselves to new boundaries and allow yourself to discover more of those hidden leadership qualities that you might not have thought existed.
Sincerely,
Timothy James President UoPX Chapter
National Society of Leadership and Success
Welcome Members and Alumni
SECRETARY/NATASHA
HOWELL
Natasha joined the University of Phoenix NSLS Chapter in 2022 and currently serves as the Secretary to the chapter president. As an executive board member, her goal is to see the chapter achieve more student engagement in NSLS, degree completion, and increased student participation, with the potential of advancing to the executive team.
Professionally, Natasha currently works as a CMA at the University of Alabama, Birmingham Campus for the past five years. She finds strength in her children, inspiring her to persevere and strive for excellence despite facing two significant losses. Through resilience, Natasha has turned her pain into unwavering determination.
Natasha's dream travel destination is Hawaii, which holds a special place in her heart since childhood. She has a passion for seafood and soul food, and she finds solace in reading and cooking, with cooking being her sanctuary during challenging times.
Almumin Cosby
Al Cosby is a graduate and alumnus of the University of Phoenix who joined the NSLS in 2019. Al graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications/Entertainment. After graduating, Al took his career to the next level by becoming an actor, entrepreneur, and casting director. During his journey to a successful career, he assisted well-known high-profile actors and entertainers who shared wisdom on how to remain successful and always remain humble. Al started his career at La Creme Modeling and Acting as an actor, and casting director, along with assisting in the La Creme Fashion Show and La Creme NJ Fashion Week. In 2019, Al's acting career took flight when he appeared as the main character in a horror movie. As he became more well-known, loved, and highly requested by those in the fashion and entertainment industry, he became part of the crew on the set of Latino Grammy-winning artist Romeo Santos and Grammy-nominee artist Elvis Martinez's music video. Al has been a shining example of leadership and integrity. He truly lived his best life without apology. To my family, he was a son, brother, cousin, uncle, and legend. Preceded in death by our brother, Al will always hold a special place in our hearts and will be a cherished angel whom we were fortunate to have loved.
Professional Growth through NSLS Membership: A Personal Journey
My induction into the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) was pivotal in my professional journey. Through the NSLS, I sharpened my leadership skills and underwent profound personal growth. The experiences I gained were not just valuable; they were life-changing and have significantly propelled my career forward.
Two roles within the NSLS were vital to this transformation: my position as a Mentor for Success Networking Teams and as the Director of Social Media. As a Mentor for Success Networking Teams, I developed a deeper understanding of leadership and collaboration, which has been instrumental in my career. As the Director of Social Media, I gained digital communication and content strategy expertise, which proved beneficial in presenting ideas and campaigns to a broader audience.
The leadership experiences I gained through the NSLS were instrumental in securing my dream role: establishing an anticoagulation unit for HarmonyCares' new pharmacy division. The skills I acquired in leadership, strategic planning, and communication were directly applicable to this role, allowing me to build and lead a competent team dedicated to providing exceptional care.
One of the most significant outcomes of my NSLS journey has been boosting my confidence, particularly in presenting to groups. This newfound confidence was evident when I successfully presented a comprehensive wellness and wellbeing program to HarmonyCares management.
Being inducted into the NSLS has been more than just a milestone in my professional development; it has been a foundation, a bedrock upon which I have built my career. Take advantage of every opportunity the NSLS offers, no matter how small. The skills you will gain are invaluable.
Jaime Blair, CPhT
Dr. Richard Schultz, Program Chair, College of Health Professions
NSLS/UOPX Founding Chapter Advisor
Greetings, NSLS/UOPX chapter members! Along with Dean, John Ramirez, I am one of the two founding Chapter Advisors. I am so excited seeing our chapter growth over the past few years ever since our chapter started in January 2020. Our chapter accomplished so much in such a brief time with our chapter members, local communities, our chapter leadership, and our vision to support lifelong learners like you! Both John and I continue evaluating the needs of our chapter and discover opportunities to lend a helping hand from our journey through the early onset of COVID-19 offering a multitude of free memberships, generous scholarships directly from our chapter funds, and continuing to find opportunities to serve our current students (new members) and our Alumni.
I cannot be prouder of our E-Board members! We have wonderful communication from the top down starting with our NSLS Chapter Advisor (Caryn Crane). Dean Ramirez and I have a wonderful and supportive relationship as well and together, Caryn, John, and I brainstorm ideas for our E-Board members, our chapter, and our members.
I was recently asked what my vision for our chapter is. That is a great question, right? My vision through your support is to become the largest chapter within NSLS! We are so close to becoming the largest chapter and continue being within striking distance – typically about five to six thousand members short of overcoming the largest chapter. So, yes, while we are the second largest chapter within NSLS, my goal is to become the largest chapter and when we achieve the goal, we will remain the largest chapter overall. With your help to not only becoming a member but also completing your SNT’s (each of the next steps) toward induction, we can achieve even more though your efforts.
We have expanded our SNT facilitators to better assist you in your successful completion of each next step toward induction. Please review the newsletter and evaluate where your status is within the infographic illustrating next steps toward induction. Speaking of induction, I get the question frequently “Where’s my stuff”? In reference to your membership fee of only $95.00, your kit will be sent to you once you complete the steps and become an inducted member. We want more than just card members we want active and fully inducted members that will take their leadership and as life-long learners become change agents in their respective industries and disciplines.
Lastly, as we focus on life-long learners, I am proud to remind you that we now have three perpetual scholarships that come directly from your chapter in the amount of $5,000 for two of our original scholarships and a new scholarship in the amount of $2,500. Together, our chapter sponsors $12,500 in scholarship opportunities each year along with the National chapter of NSLS that sponsors an even greater amount. Ever since we started our chapter, just four years ago, both the National chapter of NSLS and your UOPX chapter continue sponsoring scholarships and other local community support representing your community support throughout the USA! Thank you!
In closing, as one of your original Chapter Advisors, I look forward to working hard to support our chapter as we continue growing and supporting you in several ways. I encourage you to read our monthly newsletters as well as stay informed via the national NSLS emails with additional opportunities, events, and breaking news!
NSLS UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX JUNETEENTH EVENT
On the 18th of June, 2024, the NSLS University of Phoenix chapter organized a captivating Juneteenth celebration at the Phoenix Arizona campus. The event garnered overwhelming support, with tickets selling out quickly. Distinguished speakers such as the Arizona Governor, Phoenix Mayor, Congress, and council members, and the Black Chamber of Arizona graced the occasion. Notably, our chapter president, Timothy James, and our esteemed advisor and Dean of Operations, Dr. John Ramirez, were present, alongside alumni members. The Juneteenth event received media coverage from ABC15 and NBC12 news, marking a significant milestone for our chapter and signaling the promise of more impactful community events in the future.
CAREER TOOLS AND TIPS
As we return to school in the upcoming season, here are some career tools to consider this fall. Create a list of goals you would like to accomplish in the next 3-6 months. Setting up SMART goals can help you achieve the next promotion, get a raise, and potentially move to a desired neighborhood. Here are 5 tools and tips to consider in the upcoming season:
Use a goal-tracking app to get started today on your SMART goals with the free goal-tracker app, Clockify.
1. Utilize the #1 resume proofreader with Grammarly to eliminate spelling and grammar errors. 2. Check out the USA salary estimator database for jobs and locations at ZipRecruiter salaries to get a better idea of the salary before you apply. 3.
Use the cost of living calculator at Nerdwallet to determine affordable housing options. 4. Reach out to alumni at the University of Phoenix for mentoring and career advice. Join an Alumni chapter today! 5.
Do you have an article or essay you’d like to share with our members?
Share your story about the value and impact of being a member of the 2nd largest prestigious honor society in the NSLS. Send your article or poem to phoenixleaders@nsls.org to be considered in our future editions.
SOMETHING FUN
WEAR YOUR NSLS SWAG AND PROMOTE YOUR ACADEMIC SUCCESS
