Student Leadership Institute Graduates 26 New Student Leaders to Organization
The newest graduates of Southwest’s Student Leadership Institute were
honored during a ceremony Dec. 4 on the Macon Cove Campus and
presented official SLI jerseys.
Twenty-six students were recognized Dec. 4 at a reception on the Macon Cove Campus after completing the Student Leadership Institute, a program that develops leadership skills through workshops, service projects, and mentorship.
The Student Leadership Institute (SLI) helps participants identify their leadership style, strengthen communication and teamwork skills, and apply those lessons through campus and community engagement. Students complete seminars on topics such as conflict resolution and ethical leadership, participate in service projects, work with mentors, and present a capstone project before graduating from the program.
Dr. Jose da Silva, interim vice president for
Academic and Student Affairs, speaks to
students about having a leadership mindset.
Dr. Jose da Silva, interim vice president for Academic and Student Affairs, served as the guest speaker. He emphasized that leadership begins with mindset and encouraged graduates to focus on positivity and opportunity.
“Congratulations to all of our SLI graduates, many of whom are graduating from Southwest this fall or spring 2026,” da Silva said. “While they may have completed their SLE experience at Southwest, the leadership journey does not stop here. Take all that you learned and change the world with it.”
Graduates recognized at the reception were: Ariana Cowans, Goodness Abengowe, Jeremiah Hayes, Joshua Burleson, Beonka Smith, Taylor Williams, Amerie Hubbard, Davida Smith, Danniegirl Alexander, Jacqueline Gillis, Dominique Ivy, Antonia Hall, Zaria Scott, Ava Love, Tyson Jones, Jamira Meades, Ruba Barakat, Shantel Bonner, Arshdeep Kaur, Jonathan Coleman, Jakirah Freeman, Simranpreet Kaur, Navpreet Kaur, Kyleia Mosby, Amya Sallee and Christian Carter.
To learn more about the Student Leadership Institute, visit the Student Leadership & Engagement webpage.