Shelton Center

After four years in the Shelton Scholars program, Jacob Martin, graduated in May with a degree in nuclear engineering. He took some time to reflect on how his view of leadership transformed throughout his time as a Shelton Scholar.

Jacob is now beginning his career as a Nuclear Engineer. Congratulations on your next steps Jacob. We can't wait to follow along with your continued leadership journey!

Our Shelton Challenge partner site, the Robert and Janice McNair Educational Foundation, has officially kicked off their Shelton Challenge week!

We are so grateful for this long-standing partnership that brings the Shelton Challenge to more North Carolina communities and emerging values-based leaders.

Check out their page to follow along and see photos from throughout the week ⬇️

While our Director, Debbie, wasn't able to join us in person for this year’s National Doughnut Day celebration, you know we couldn't leave her out of the tradition! We found a creative way to make sure she was still part of the fun. Swipe through the photos ➡️ to see if you can spot Debbie!

For many years at the Shelton Leadership Center, our Shelton Challenge interns have kept one very important, very delicious tradition alive: celebrating National Doughnut Day with a sweet trip to Krispy Kreme!

We love seeing our staff team bond, recharge, and bring that energy back to our leadership programs.

Happy National Doughnut Day! 🍩

Meet our Summer 2026 Shelton Challenge Intern Team 🤝

We're excited to introduce you to Jordyn, Bella, Cameron, and Davion. If you're joining us this summer at the Red Hat Shelton Challenge, you'll see them throughout the week supporting program operations and communications.

They're already busy producing great work and preparing for our first Shelton Challenge programs of the summer to launch!

Jordyn Balam is an undergraduate student at UNC-Chapel Hill double majoring in advertising/public relations and psychology.

Bella Fleming is an undergraduate student at UNC-Chapel Hill majoring in management & society.

Cameron O'Hara is an undergraduate student at NC State with intended majors in neurobiology and psychology. Cameron has participated and volunteered at the Shelton Challenge for a combined total of 5 years.

Davion Washington, Jr. is a doctoral student at NC State in educational leadership, policy and human development. Davion served as a Facilitator in 2024.

What does it actually take to successfully lead a team?

It’s a question our Year 3 Chancellor's Leadership Development Program cohort spent the past year deep-diving into. They didn't just talk about leadership—they lived it by heading program committees, spearheading service projects, hosting social events, and executing planning meetings. It all culminated in an incredible week-long international experience (more on that soon)!

Swipe through to check out their top takeaways on what leading a team looks like in action ➡️

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/