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
Core Pillars – L.E.A.D.
- Leadership: Inspiring purposeful influence
- Engagement / Excellence: Driving meaningful connections and top performance
- Achievement: Turning vision into impact
- Development: Growing leaders at every level
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.
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.