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:
- Human-centered
- Values-driven
- 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, Workshops, Summits & Training for internal and external audiences
Our Four Pillars – L.E.A.D.
The Center for Strategic Leadership Development is guided by four core pillars that shape every initiative, partnership, and learning experience.
Leadership – Inspiring purposeful influence. We cultivate ethical, self-aware leaders who lead with integrity, courage, and clarity across diverse environments.
Engagement & Excellence – Creating experiential learning and collaborative opportunities while setting the standard. We foster meaningful connections across campus and community while delivering high-quality, high-impact leadership development experiences.
Achievement – Turning vision into impact. We equip leaders with practical tools, strategic thinking skills, and accountability structures that translate ideas into measurable results.
Development – Growing leaders at every level.
We are committed to continuous growth, by supporting emerging and experienced leaders through coaching, mentorship, and intentional learning experiences.
Current Initiatives
- SLD Coaching Collaborative
- Guest Speaker Series
- Emerging Leaders Initiative – High School and Community Partnerships
- Corporate and Community Leadership Workshops
- Leadership Impact Summit
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.
Shauna Bennett-Boyd
Student Alumni Advisory Board Member - MSLD 25'
Justine Barnes
Student Advisory Board Member - MSLD 26'
Dr. Nikichelle Tanks
Student Alumni Advisory Board Member - MSLD 24'
Shiyla Lubin
Student Advisory Board Member - MSLD 26'
Synae Coleman
Student Advisory Board Member - MSLD 26'
Mikelyn Willis
Student Advisory Board Member - MSLD 25'
Sherise Smith
Student Advisory Board Member - MSLD 24'
Tyler Parham
Student Advisory Board Member - MSLD 24'
Jerald Butler
Student Advisory Board Member - MSLD 22'
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.