WKU News

WKU's chapter of The National Society of Collegiate Scholars was recognized for its activities that include WKU Integrity Week (left) and the March to College event for middle school students (bottom right). Leslie North (top right) was recognized as the Regional Faculty Advisor of the Year.

The WKU chapter of The National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) recently earned the Gold Star Status Award for its outstanding achievements around scholarship, leadership and service. The Chapter also received the Integrity Award, and faculty advisor Leslie North was recognized as the Regional Faculty Advisor of the Year.

“I commend both the student officer board and the advisor for their hard work and commitment in honoring, inspiring and engaging the campus community and student scholars,” said Stephen E. Loflin, CEO and Founder of NSCS. “Attaining a Star Status level is no easy feat for a full-time undergraduate student and officer. Western Kentucky University should be proud of this accomplishment as we continue to build a national community of first and second year high-achieving scholars.”

“I could not be more proud of the accomplishments of our WKU NSCS Chapter or more honored to serve as their faculty advisor,” said Dr. North, Associate Professor of Environmental Geoscience. “I am constantly impressed by the hard work of the Chapter members to serve their community, support their peers and prepare the next generation of Hilltoppers for success. The WKU NSCS Chapter is very young compared to most of the chapters established at universities in our region, yet our Chapter consistently has accomplishments that these other Universities have never been able to achieve. This is purely a testament to the spirit, dedication and drive of our NSCS Hilltoppers. I can’t wait to see what achievements will be reached in the coming years.”

NSCS chapters can attain one of six Star status levels for completing a series of activities and programming to include the NSCS New Member Induction Ceremony, March to College™ Day, Integrity Week, professional development, community service, and leadership. Levels include: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Certified Gold, Platinum and Diamond. Each level is determined by the quantity and quality of events a chapter held the previous year. Only the most exceptional chapters are awarded Platinum and only one chapter each year is awarded the coveted Diamond status. Based on the ranking, chapters will receive a trophy, additional funds for chapter programs, and a letter to the President of their university to showcase their exceptional work, and the impact that they have made on their campus.

The chapter at WKU received the Certified Gold Star Status and Integrity Awards for its contributions to NSCS and the community.

Dr. North said she was surprised and honored to receive the Regional Advisor of the Year Award. “As a member and officer of the University of South Florida NSCS Chapter during my time as an undergraduate student, I had always hoped I would be able to continue to serve the organization which offered me the opportunity to make a difference in my community and across the USF campus,” she said. “The WKU Chapter has given me the opportunity I had hoped for and so much more. Credit for the successes of this Chapter are not my own. This group of students makes my advisor job easy. I simply feel blessed to be able to watch them come into their own as leaders in the organization and exemplary members of the Bowling Green community.”

Follow the WKU Chapter on Facebook: @nscs.wku

About NSCS: The National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) is an honors organization committed to recognizing and elevating high achievers. NSCS is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies and membership is by invitation only, to eligible first and second year college students based on grade point average and class standing. NSCS awards more than a million dollars in scholarships every year. NSCS offers members exclusive access to scholarships, career resources, and leadership and networking opportunities and has more than a million lifetime members and 330 chapters across the country. Learn more about NSCS at www.nscs.org or the NSCS Facebook page www.facebook.com/nscs94 Contact the NSCS Headquarters through Steven Mandurano at (202) 454-0981 or mandurano@nscs.org.

Contact: Leslie North, (270) 745-5982 or leslie.north@wku.edu