Shelton Center

Congratulations to Parker Watson, SLC Assistant Director for Pre-College Programs and First Year Experiences, for completing Leadership Triangle's Regional Program, a 3.5 month experience centered on civic leadership.

This accomplishment reflects Parker's commitment to community leadership and her passion for supporting North Carolinians across the state. She now is a member of Leadership Triangle's 2026 Regional Leadership Goodmon Fellows.

🎓 Introducing the 2026 Regional Leadership Goodmon Fellows!

The Regional Program is a 3.5 month cohort-based civic leadership deep dive. It helps residents who are new to the Triangle — or who seek to be newly engaged in the Triangle — develop an understanding of our region and build critical connections. Participants meet bi-weekly at locations across the Triangle, gaining firsthand insight into the people, places, and systems that shape our communities.

Participants leave with stronger strategic awareness, a community-wide network built on real relationships, and potential wins in local engagement or advocacy.

Please connect with and help us celebrate the 2026 Regional Graduates!

Amy Kennemur Hall, SPHR, Angela Daniels, Asia Sternstein, Cheyanne Murdock, Dr. Francemise Kingsberry, Heather Hamby, Heidi E. Austin, EdD, MCHES, CFLE, J Richardson, Jameya Jones, Ed.D., Janine Hawkins, Jasmine Lubbad, Kalishia McLean, Kashon DuBose, Kathleen Kramer, Kristi Short, La Shell Wooten, LMSW, CMSW, LaDana Reid, Lydia Dudley, Margaret Presnal, Mel Wright, Melodie Carter, MBA, Parker R. Watson, Patricia Burch, Scott Powell, Shakema McClean, Shanell Smaw, SHANTELL N. THOMAS, Stephanie Schaben, CNP, Steven Heatherly, Steven Joiner, Taylor Strange, Terri S., Tracey Smith

https://medium.com//introducing-the-2026-regional-leadership-goodmon-fellows-9e64f41a8fd1

In memory of many. In honor of all. Thank you.

On this Memorial Day, the Shelton Leadership Center remembers all who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country.

As the academic year comes to a close, we are so grateful for all of the members of our community who made the past year great!

In April, we gathered to celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of our student leaders, scholarship recipients, and community members at our End-of-Year Celebration.

This event was a moment of reflection on the past year at our Center. We recognized our 2026 graduates and Values Award recipients as well as held our Student Poster Showcase where students shared insights into the many projects they worked on throughout the year.

Find a full list of values awards recipients and nominees, photos from the evening and student poster titles ➡️ https://sheltonleadership.ncsu.edu/2026/05/14/celebrating-the-2025-26-academic-year/

As we continue to celebrate NC State graduation, we're featuring graduating students from our 2025-26 academic year intern cohort! From pursuing a career in finance to teaching abroad as a Fulbright scholar and continuing education through an MBA program, these leaders are taking the values of the Shelton Leadership Center into the world.

Meet Lance, Sonia, and Jordan, and hear their advice for the next generation of leaders ⬇️
https://sheltonleadership.ncsu.edu/2026/05/05/leadership-that-lasts-meet-our-graduating-interns/

The Shelton Leadership Center congratulates Shyheim Stafford, Graduate Assistant for College Programs, on his upcoming graduation from the NC State College of Education, where he will receive a Master of Education in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling.

For nearly three years, Shyheim has supported the Chancellor’s Leadership Development Program (CLDP) at the Center. During this time, Shyheim has played a vital role in growing and uniting the CLDP community. He led the group with a focus on compassion, serving over 60 students who have come through the program during Shyheim’s time here. He meets with students individually and in groups regularly, not only to develop them as leaders but also to provide them with emotional and social support.

In 2025, Shyheim was honored with the Values-Based Leadership Award after earning multiple nominations from the Shelton Center community. This award recognizes a community member who truly exemplifies the Center's core values.

Congratulations, Shyheim! Our team and community are deeply grateful for your dedication and passion, and we look forward to following your next steps!

Learn more about the incredible impact Shyheim he has made ⬇️
https://sheltonleadership.ncsu.edu/2026/05/07/leading-with-heart-congratulations-and-thank-you-to-shyheim-stafford/

📣 We’re Looking for Red Hat Shelton Challenge Facilitators!

Are you ready to inspire the next generation of values-based leaders? The Red Hat Shelton Challenge is seeking dedicated volunteers for this summer, and it could be the most rewarding week of your year.

Openings Available:
☑️ Week 2: June 27 – July 2 (2 facilitator openings)
☑️ Weekly Alternate Facilitators: Life happens! In case one of our confirmed facilitators can no longer attend, an alternate is available.

This is more than volunteering—it’s selfless service in action. Many of our facilitators return each year because the experience is truly life-changing. You’ll mentor energized students, pass on your career wisdom, and gain a fresh perspective on your own leadership journey.

Ready to lead by example? Visit go.ncsu.edu/sheltonchallenge

Know someone who would be perfect? Tag them below or share this post!

This week, the Chancellor’s Leadership Development Program brought the community together for its annual networking event at The Pointe!

Attendees included CLDP students, alumni, mentors, Board of Advisors members, donors, and many friends from across the Shelton Center community.

We are grateful to Chancellor Howell, Mrs. Howell, and the Chancellor’s team for graciously welcoming everyone into their home for such a memorable evening.

We would also like to thank our CLDP student alumni committee for planning and facilitating a great evening filled with fresh opportunities and meaningful conversations.

Gatherings like these inspire us to learn, grow, and connect with others who share a commitment to values-based leadership.

View more event photos ➡️ https://canva.link/b28pt9tnjmglzbw

As NC State University College celebrates 10 years this year, they are featuring members from across the community.

This week, they featured our very own Annaka Sikkink, Assistant Director for Scholars and Special Programs at the Shelton Leadership Center.

Read her Q&A with University College ➡️

Celebrating University College Staff and Faculty: Annaka Sikkink As we celebrate a full Decade of Discovery at University College (UC) we are taking a moment to honor the incredible individuals who serve as the heartbeat of the community.

Maylan Maxwell, a Spring 2026 Global Leadership Minor student, looked back on her study-abroad experience in Scotland, one of the destinations GLM students visited this semester.

"What stood out most during my time in Scotland was the way leadership was consistently rooted in relationships."

Maylan shared her reflections with the University of the West of Scotland, a partnering institution for the GLM experience during the Scotland segment.

Read more about how her approach to leadership changed while abroad ⬇️

What Scotland Taught Me Maylan Maxwell, a third-year student studying Fashion and Textile Management with minors in Global Leadership and Business Administration, came to Scotland ready to learn

Happy Graduate Student Appreciation Week!

We have two amazing Graduate Assistants in the Shelton Leadership Center office who create incredible learning experiences and leadership development opportunities for the undergraduate students across our community!

Shyheim Stafford is the Graduate Assistant for College Programs, and he has been with our Center for three years! He is pursuing a Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the NC State College of Education.

Yampiere Lugo-Acosta joined our team in Fall 2025 as the Graduate Assistant for the Interdisciplinary Leadership Lab. He is pursuing a Master of public Administration with the NC State College of Humanities and Social Sciences!

We are so grateful for all of the care and passion they bring to our Center!

NC State University Graduate School