Wallace State welcomes new members to the National Society of Leadership and Success

Hanceville, Ala. — Wallace State Community College welcomed more than 50 new members to its chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) during the Spring 2025 semester.

“Congratulations, students. We celebrate your continued leadership experience,” said Kristen Holmes, Vice President for Students. “Each NSLS student member has gained personal insight and perspective in leadership as you have learned from national leaders and completed the steps to induction. You have made commitments to yourself, to each other, and to your communities to contribute your talents to create positive change, and to inspire others to do the same.”

Lewis shares story of hope and encouragement

Local chiropractor Dr. Nathan Lewis was the keynote speaker for the program. Her urged attendees to embrace their identity not just through achievements, but through authenticity and purpose. Drawing from his own life journey—including triumphs, trauma, and transformation—Dr. Lewis emphasized the importance of recognizing oneself as a “human being, not a human doing.”

“Your ‘what’ will take many forms in life, but your ‘why’—that will always be people,” Dr. Lewis shared. “And your ‘what’ has more impact when you know your ‘why.’”

Central to his message was the concept of a “two-degree shift”—a small change in direction that, over time, leads to a profoundly different destination.

“A two-degree shift may seem negligible, but over time, it’s the difference between landing in New York City or Washington, D.C.,” he explained. “That shift in perspective changed my life.”

Dr. Lewis also spoke candidly about his personal struggles, including a period of deep emotional pain and healing, underscoring the importance of vulnerability, community, and asking for help.

“I spent a lifetime asking people to regard me by what I had done. But I was scared for people to see the real me,” he said. “It’s okay to ask for help. You don’t have to have it all together.”

NSLS Student Success Story

Chapter president Chaden Hill reflected on his unconventional educational path, personal challenges, and the power of perseverance.

“In my 18 years, I have had a very unusual pathway to where I am today,” Hill began, recounting his early years of homeschooling, which included a wide range of educational methods. His story took a poignant turn as he shared the health challenges which led to developmental setbacks and learning difficulties.

Despite these obstacles, Hill emphasized resilience: “It took years of working hard for me to get back to where I was.” He credited his recovery and growth to the support of his family, mentors, and the opportunities he found through hands-on work experiences, including several seasons on a local farm.

At age 16, Hill made the decision to pursue a GED instead of a traditional high school diploma. That decision led him to Wallace State, where he found a supportive environment and a renewed sense of purpose. “The best thing about Wallace is the people who really care—who care about the students,” he said, highlighting the encouragement he received from his GED instructor, Juanita Hill.

Hill’s journey continued through the Mechatronics program, part-time jobs, and leadership roles on campus. “Helping solve problems, assisting classes, and keeping equipment running smoothly has helped me grow,” he said of his work in the college’s mechatronics lab.

Impact Leader Awards were presented to Wallace State staff members Tina Jones, Pat Horton and Logan Edmonds for their commitment, dedication and support of college programs and events.

Students inducted into Wallace State’s NSLS chapter include:

Addison: Hannah Oliver

Albertville: Yeseni Martinez Gonzalez

Altoona: Jacob Chaviers

Arab: Dakota Fitzsimmons

Baileyton: Kaley Burden

Bessemer: Bridgette Jones

Birmingham: Amanda Parker, Ashley Watson

Blountsville: Chasity Hunt

Bremen: Anzlee Chaney

Cherokee: Ridge Stephanie Branum

Crane Hill: Kyle Serio

Cullman: Madison Bagwell, Ana Mena, Erica Jo Quick, Lillie Raburn, Aubrey Robertson, ReAnna Rusk, Amanda Shivers, Ashley Uptagrafft, Bailee Weissend, Heather Winger

Decatur: Mindy Ditzler

Dora: Brayden Howard

Elkmont: Franklin Vicente

Eva: Blaire Drummond, Brooke Drummond

Fultondale: Daniel Carr

Gadsden: Emily Foster

Gardendale: Darryl Miles, Taylor Abney

Hanceville: Kyra Smith

Hartselle: Sarah Beason, Cassidy Nance

Harvest: Nylaa Fuller, Amber Palmtag

Hayden: Hayley McMurrey

Horton: Lexie Gregg

Huntsville: Catherine Raby

Jasper: William Johnson

Jemison: Unique McGuire

Madison: Madalyn Reno, David Terry

Morris: Kaitlyn Ferino

Muscle Shoals: Kameryah Taylor

Oneonta: Jamie Germana, Shelton Hill, Mariana Jimenez, Karen  LeAnn Taylor, Sunè Zocher

Pinson: Robin Muniz

Remlap: Raven Sanders

Warrior: Michelle Honeycutt, Morgan Ward

Wellington: Lauren Weber

Registration for the summer and fall semesters is currently underway. Summer classes begin May 27 and fall classes begin Aug. 19. For more information, visit www.wallacestate.edu, call Lion Central at 256.352.8236 or come by the Hanceville or Oneonta campus centers. Current and incoming students may schedule an advising session with the Center for Student Success at www.wallacestate.edu/advising