Clayton State University’s Center for Strategic Leadership Development Hosts First Leadership Impact Summit
(May 27, 2026) - The Center for Strategic Leadership Development in the College of Business at Clayton State University hosted its inaugural Leadership Impact Summit, bringing together graduate students, organizational leaders, and professionals from across industries to explore how to lead effectively through complexity. Featured speakers included Dr. Artesius Miller, CEO and Founder of Utopian Academy for the Arts, and Ryan Wilson, CEO and Co-Founder of The Gathering Spot.
The summit also featured a dynamic leadership panel including Dr. Georj Lewis, President of Clayton State University; Camye Mackey, Chief People Officer and Executive Vice President of the Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena; Missy Taylor, CEO of Phobio; and Deonte Watters, CEO of LDC Lighthouse. Dr. Melva Robertson, Director of the Center, hosted and facilitated the sessions.
In setting the tone, Dr. Robertson emphasized the importance of leadership identity, noting that understanding who you are as a leader is foundational to leading authentically and showing up with clarity in challenging dynamics.
Dr. Miller reflected on the challenges of building Utopian Academy within an established school system, highlighting consistency, resilience, and a strong belief system as critical to success. He was also honored with the Summit’s inaugural Leadership Impact Award for his unyielding pursuit of bold vision and meaningful impact.
Panelists reinforced the importance of values-based leadership. Mackey shared how the Atlanta Hawks anchored their decisions in a people-first approach during the COVID-19 pandemic, building trust and long-term organizational commitment. As she explained, “Before we make another decision, we’re going to make sure we’re aligned on our values… and our alignment was about people first.”
President Lewis spoke candidly about the reality of leadership, reminding the audience that difficult decisions often require standing alone. He noted, “If you’re not comfortable being on the island every now and then, you’re either going to make decisions because they’re popular or the job of leader is just not for you.”
Taylor emphasized adaptability and intentional communication in building trust within a new industry, while Watters highlighted the role of clear communication and shared mission in navigating uncertainty and leading teams through change.
Breakout sessions deepened the experience, offering practical tools for real-time leadership application. Dr. Keisha Buchanan led a powerful session on navigating high-pressure leadership moments, equipping participants with strategies to make sound, values-driven decisions when the stakes are high. Dr. Robertson’s session on emotional intelligence and leadership communication focused on how leaders can strengthen connection, elevate communication, and intentionally shape a dynamic, high-performing team culture.
The summit culminated in a fireside chat with Ryan Wilson, who shared the courage and authenticity required to build and grow The Gathering Spot. He challenged attendees not to be intimidated by obstacles, but to embrace them as part of the leadership journey:
“It is my duty to be a good steward of this assignment. I see this as the thing that I am supposed to be doing… so even in those moments that it is scary, am I going to serve the fear, or am I going to serve the thing that genuinely feels like what I’m called to do right now?”
The Leadership Impact Summit reinforced a powerful truth: leadership is rooted in identity, clarity, and the courage to lead with intention. Through this work, the Center for Strategic Leadership Development continues to develop leaders who lead with purpose, authenticity, and impact.
View a recap video from the Leadership Impact Summit here: https://youtu.be/sONpZRviJEQ