National Society of Leadership and Success

National Society of Leadership and Success
Name	National Society of Leadership and Success
Founded	2001
Founder	Gary Tuerack
Headquarters	Wayne, New Jersey
Focus	Leadership development
Website	www.nsls.org

National Society of Leadership and Success. It is a prominent honor society in the United States dedicated to cultivating leadership skills and fostering community among college students. Founded in the early 21st century, the organization has grown to include hundreds of chapters at institutions of higher education across the nation. Its structured program is designed to provide members with practical tools for personal growth and professional success.

History

The organization was established in 2001 by founder Gary Tuerack, who envisioned a society that would make leadership training accessible to a broad student population. Its initial growth coincided with the expansion of co-curricular programs at many colleges and universities seeking to enhance student engagement. Over the subsequent decades, it expanded rapidly, forming chapters at major public universities like Arizona State University and private institutions such as New York University. This growth mirrored a national trend in student affairs focusing on experiential learning and leadership development outside the traditional academic curriculum.

Purpose and Mission

The stated mission is to build leaders who make a better world, with a core purpose of providing a life-changing leadership program that fosters personal growth and collective action. This is operationalized through a commitment to concepts like goal setting, team building, and community service. The philosophy aligns with contemporary leadership theories emphasizing transformational leadership and social change model of leadership development. Its objectives are distinct from purely academic honor societies like Phi Beta Kappa, focusing instead on the application of leadership principles in real-world contexts.

Membership and Induction

Membership is by invitation, typically extended to students who have achieved a specific grade point average or academic standing as determined by their local chapter at their university. The induction process is multi-staged, beginning with an orientation, followed by participation in core leadership training events. Notable members have included individuals who later gained recognition in fields such as politics, entrepreneurship, and nonprofit work. The society maintains a lifetime membership model, offering continued access to resources and an alumni network after graduation.

Programs and Services

The cornerstone of its programming is the **Leadership Training Day**, an interactive event focused on core competencies. Members also participate in **Success Networking Teams**, small peer groups that employ action learning to achieve set goals. The **Speaker Broadcasts** feature live talks and Q&A sessions with influential figures such as Barack Obama, Malala Yousafzai, and Steve Wozniak. Additional resources include an online platform with exclusive content, access to scholarships, and partnerships with organizations like Forbes for career development tools.

Chapters and Locations

Chapters are established at accredited colleges and universities across all fifty U.S. states, including large systems like the University of California and the State University of New York. The society maintains a significant presence at community colleges and online institutions such as Southern New Hampshire University, reflecting its commitment to accessibility. Each chapter is advised by a faculty or staff member and is run by student leaders, operating under the guidelines of the national headquarters in Wayne, New Jersey. International expansion has included pilot chapters in Canada and the United Kingdom.

Impact and Achievements

The organization reports inducting hundreds of thousands of members, contributing millions of hours of community service through organized initiatives. It has formed strategic partnerships with major entities like NBCUniversal and the American Cancer Society for large-scale service projects. Recognition for its model has included features in publications like U.S. News & World Report. The long-term impact is often measured through member testimonials and studies on student retention and graduation rates at participating institutions, suggesting a positive correlation with student success outcomes.

Category:Honor societies in the United States Category:Student organizations established in 2001 Category:Organizations based in New Jersey