Eight members of the University of the Virgin Islands Student Government Association recently received credentials as certified student leaders in Washington, D.C. They were among 169 United States’ college and university students who passed a certification exam administered during the recent National Conference on Student Leadership. SGA Presidents Jaedee Caines and Jessica Taylor were among those receiving certification. They were joined by Vice Presidents Kim Phillip-St. Hall and St. Clair Hodge, St. Croix Campus Treasurer Kelly-Ann M. Joseph, Secretaries Takesia Martinez and Leah Hughes and St. Thomas Campus Public Relations Officer Campbell Douglas. To achieve certification, the UVI student leaders had to pass a test of leadership skills.
Conference spokeswoman Susan Horn said the exam measured the applicants’ abilities in several areas.
“The exam tests candidates on the skill necessary for the effective leadership of student organizations, including running effective meetings, resolving conflicts, creating an inclusive and diverse environment, and launching successful publicity and promotional campaigns,” Horn said.
Several of the subjects found on the leadership exam were also featured in workshops during the three-day event, held Nov. 21-24. Participants received lessons on team building, delegation, time management, strategic planning, inclusion, conflict resolution, meeting management and group dynamics. This year’s conference theme was “The Power of a Student Group.” Over 700 students took part in this year’s conference. The UVI student leaders returned from their Washington trip Nov. 25.
