A group of Biola students are looking forward to the long-anticipated start of their own chapter of The National Society of Leadership and Success.

Biola’s entrance into the Society next semester will make it the first Christian university in California to participate. Most colleges in the United States that participate are secular. The unique goal of Biola’s chapter of the Society is teaching how to incorporate goal setting and leadership with a Christ-like servant’s heart instead of the self-seeking mentality often mirrored in society.

“Students will be keeping each other accountable for their actions in achieving short-term or long-term goals,” said sophomore Nohea Pinkerton, the chapter’s president. “This is a great opportunity to make long-lasting friends that will sharpen each other as they figure out God’s plan for their lives.”

The Society is designed to help students stay motivated and have the resources to potentially reach any dreams or goals they might have. From getting on the Dean’s List to ending world hunger, NSLS is the place to outline, and put into action, the steps that are necessary to accomplish the goal.

The chapter’s executive board members have been attempting to launch the new chapter since spring 2009. However, they lacked a faculty sponsor to be considered an official Society on campus by AS and failed to meet the requirements at NSLS headquarters.

The Society recently gained optimism when Joanne Jung, biblical studies professor, agreed to be the faculty sponsor. Jung brought the chapter through administration and gained the approval it needed to progress.

Members will hear from speakers of all backgrounds — even ones with controversial views — and discuss what elements are applicable to living a Christ-like life.

“I think the discussions following the [speakers] will play a significant role in growing us as servant leaders,” said sophomore Jamie Krumland, community service chairwoman. “We will be able to take what we learned from the speakers concerning leadership, and be sure to apply them as Jesus would as a servant.”

The Society will also create small groups known as Success Networking Teams. The members are divided into their teams at the beginning of the year, and each individual picks a specific goal for the future.

These SNT groups meet at least three times a semester. After each meeting, the groups will turn in a form to the national office that tracks their progress and keeps them accountable.

“This small-group support is used in many of the opportunities within the Christian community, so I think it is awesome to be able to incorporate this into the Society, which is not a Christian organization,” Krumland said.

The relationships built in the SNT groups can strengthen the community of Biola and give a purpose-driven place with the overarching goal of impacting the world for Jesus Christ.

The Society was founded in 2001, when there were 45 members on 16 campuses across the United States now, in 2009, the number has grown to over 73,000 members on 218 college campuses, including UC Irvine, USC and Saddleback College.

Jessica Boynton, internship coordinator at NSLS, said the impressive growth in numbers is most likely due to recognition of the need for leadership skills in today’s society and the power of word of mouth.

Some students will receive letters in their mailboxes inviting them to the group, and anyone interested can contact Ben Otte, the chapter’s vice president, via BUBBs.

Pinkerton was enthusiastic about Biola’s opportunity to join this greater cause.

“I think it’s important for Biola students to know about this opportunity so that when they’re about to receive their diploma, they’re not wondering, ‘OK, what’s next?’” Pinkerton said. “Instead, they will have the resources and well-thought-out plans to conquer what God has in store for them.”