Center for Strategic Leadership Development
Transforming Leadership. Empowering Futures.
Who We Are
The Center for Strategic Leadership Development (CSLD) builds on the legacy of the former Center for Women in Leadership and the impact of the Master of Strategic Leadership Development (MSLD) program—recognized as a cornerstone of the College of Business’s leadership curriculum.
We serve as a dynamic resource for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the community, delivering leadership development that is:
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Human-centered
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Values-driven
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Intentionally designed to cultivate authentic, purpose-filled leaders
Our Mission & Vision
Vision: To be a catalyst for leadership that transforms individuals, institutions, and communities.
Mission: Housed within the College of Business, CSLD advances workforce readiness, career mobility, and institutional excellence through:
- High-impact programs
- Coaching and mentorship
- Strategic engagement opportunities
Our Impact
CSLD delivers value through:
- Leadership Certificate Programs
- Coaching & Mentorship Models to strengthen individuals and team capacity
- Experiential Learning Initiatives
- Strategic Community & Corporate Partnerships
- Customized Professional Development & Training for internal and external audiences
Guiding Values
Our programs reflect a commitment to developing grounded, courageous, and forward-thinking leaders, ensuring every participant gains skills that last a lifetime.
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Upcoming Events |
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Date: Thursday, September 25, 2025
Time: 6 pm – 8 pm
Location: Innovation Center, Clayton State University
Address - 5823 Trammell Rd, Morrow, GA 30260
The evening will highlight the Center’s commitment to transforming lives and empowering futures through coaching, mentoring, and experiential leadership opportunities. Our students and alums are taking the lead in planning this launch, which will feature:
A panel discussion on “The Center for Strategic Leadership Development: Shaping the Future of Leadership,” with participation from university leaders, graduate and undergraduate students, and community representatives.
An introduction to the Laker Student Coaching Collaborative, a pilot program funded by a Strategic Initiative Grant that pairs graduate student coaches with undergraduate coachees.
Networking, conversation, and celebration of this exciting new chapter for Clayton State.
We hope to see you there!
Please RSVP by Friday, September 19, 2025
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Meet The Board
The Center for Strategic Leadership Development (CSLD) is supported by a Student & Alumni Advisory Board comprised of volunteers from the College of Business’s Master of Strategic Leadership Development (MSLD) program. Representing a blend of emerging and experienced leaders, the board works in partnership with CSU faculty and staff to position the Center as a dynamic hub for leadership development, professional growth, and community engagement.
Advisory Board Members:
- Shape Programming Strategy: Offer invaluable insights and ideas to enhance the CSLD initiatives
- Mentor & Support: Provide guidance through coaching, mentoring, and leadership development
- Amplify the Center: Serve as brand ambassadors by promoting CSLD initiatives to internal and external communities
- Build Connections: Cultivate relationships with external stakeholders who support and embody CSLD's four pillars
- Create Impact: Contribute to the growth and success of future leaders
- Advance the Mission: Champion CSLD’s vision of transforming lives and empowering futures.
Shauna Bennett-Boyd
Student Alumni Advisory Board Member - MSLD 25'
Bio:
Shauna Bennett-Boyd is a dedicated administrative leader with a proven track record
of 25+ years of experience, overseeing complex academic operations, serving as a strategic
liaison across leadership levels, and leading innovative HR issues, process improvements,
and high-impact events to boost organizational effectiveness and engagement.
Justine Barnes
Student Advisory Board Member - MSLD 26'
Bio:
Justine Barnes, Manager of Prospect Strategy at South Texas College of Law with over
12 years of experience in Advancement Services, leads data-driven strategies in prospect
identification, portfolio optimization, and donor intelligence to support major gift
fundraising while also giving back through mentoring youth across Greater Houston.
Dr. Nikichelle Tanks
Student Alumni Advisory Board Member - MSLD 24'
Bio:
Dr. Nikichelle Tanks is an accomplished healthcare executive and community advocate
with expertise in behavioral health, care management, and organizational accreditation,
dedicated to advancing community-based wellness and leadership development.
Shiyla Lubin
Student Advisory Board Member - MSLD 26'
Bio:
Shiyla Lubin is a dynamic operations leader with 10+ years experience in operations
and logistics, specializing in film and TV, known for building equitable teams and
driving innovation that empowers people to thrive and organizations to scale.
Synae Coleman
Student Advisory Board Member - MSLD 26'
Bio:
Synae is a dynamic HR professional with extensive experience in Learning and Development,
dedicated to fostering talent and driving organizational growth through innovative
coaching.
Mikelyn Willis
Student Advisory Board Member - MSLD 25'
Bio:
Mikelyn serves as a Corporate Training Manager for The Coca-Cola Company with a strong
passion for driving impactful learning and developing initiatives to enhance employee
performance and growth.
Sherise Smith
Student Advisory Board Member - MSLD 24'
Bio:
Sherise Smith is a strategic, results driven leader with a passion for administrative
leadership and organizational planning. With over a decade of management experience,
she excels at aligning people, purpose, and performance to achieve meaningful outcomes.
Tyler Parham
Student Advisory Board Member - MSLD 24'
Bio:
Tyler Parham is a talent development professional at Chick-fil-A, Inc., where he supports
learning, leadership, and organizational growth through training and strategic development.
He is passionate about empowering others, bu/.ilding meaningful connections, and helping
people navigate change with confidence and clarity.
Jerald Butler
Student Advisory Board Member - MSLD 22'
Bio:
Jerald Butler is a communications leader with over a decade of experience shaping
executive messaging and strategic campaigns across higher education, media, and enterprise
technology. A two-time graduate of Clayton State University (B.A. ’14, M.S. ’22),
he is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and was recently recognized in
the university’s inaugural Top 40 Under 40 class.
Meet the Director
Dr. Melva Robertson is an accomplished leader, coach, author, and award- winning communicator with over two decades of experience in leadership, branding, and communications. An Assistant Professor of Management in the College of Business at Clayton State University, she specializes in leadership, organizational behavior, employee engagement, and branding.
Recently recognized as Teaching Professor of the Year, Dr. Robertson is also a Certified Gallup Strengths Coach and Associate Certified Coach (ICF), known for her engaging keynote speeches, workshops, and subject matter expertise at national conferences and in media.
Her coaching approach is rooted in collaboration, helping individuals develop personalized strategies to achieve their goals with confidence.
Dr. Robertson holds a bachelor’s degree from Morris Brown College, a master’s from Kennesaw State University, and a doctorate in Strategic Leadership Development from Regent University.