Case study · Coastal Carolina University

From potential into performance.

How CCU built the infrastructure to turn a struggling chapter into an Innovation Award winner — a 28% induction rate transformed into a sustained 45%+, with a peak of 49.8% and a 9/10 member NPS.

NSLS Research ·Myrtle Beach, SC · 10,306 students

The challenge

A strong launch, a structural gap

When the NSLS chapter launched at Coastal Carolina in December 2021 under Dr. Daphne Holland, Associate Provost for Student Success, it entered a campus already rich with student organizations and school spirit. More than 2,800 members would eventually join — but becoming a standout chapter wasn’t immediate.

The chapter embodied a familiar paradox: strong initial interest, lackluster follow-through. Students were eager to join, but the chapter lacked the organizational backbone to convert enthusiasm into action.

28%

induction rate in Spring 2023 — well below the chapter’s 40% benchmark of excellence

The issue wasn’t student interest, and it wasn’t advisor commitment — it was capacity. How could the chapter maintain momentum, respond to hundreds of inquiries, and deliver quality programming without a trained, dedicated student leadership team?

The solution

Seven strategies that changed everything

CCU’s leadership took a methodical, multi-semester approach — investing in sustainable systems that would outlast any single student leader or academic year.

Assemble & train a dedicated E-Board

Over a full year, Dr. Daphne Holland, Megan Grandey, and Jordan Ross worked alongside student leaders trained in NSLS best practices — each with clear responsibilities and NSLS Facilitator Guides. Student President Abigail DeVico set the tone for consistent, high-quality leadership.

Establish a clear communication cadence

A multi-channel strategy — email, social media, and direct outreach — so no member fell through the cracks. During peak periods the team fielded 120+ inquiries while keeping event quality and personal connection high.

Create consistent event programming

A predictable calendar members could count on: regular Orientations, Leadership Training Days, Success Networking Teams (SNTs), and community service. Consistency built trust and routine.

Maximize campus visibility

Prime placement at OKDay — CCU’s major start-of-year event — plus org fairs and service initiatives kept the chapter visible and reinforced its legitimacy each semester.

Build strategic university partnerships

An MOU for NSLS Advanced and Executive courses let members earn university credit for their leadership development — elevating the chapter from a student organization to an integrated academic opportunity.

Create real-world leadership opportunities

With the United Way of Horry County, the chapter created internship placements on the Heggerty phonemic-awareness initiative in local schools — members developed professional skills while serving the community.

Recognize student achievement

Milestones celebrated publicly: Alyssa Ciccarelli was the first to complete NSLS Advanced & Executive coursework with credit reciprocity, and the chapter won the NSLS Innovation Award and a $1,000 prize at the Summit.

The results

From 28% to a consistent 45%+

After building E-Board infrastructure and consistent programming, the chapter achieved remarkable stability — consistently meeting or exceeding the 40% benchmark that had once seemed out of reach.

Induction rate by semester (40% benchmark)

Sp ’22

29%

Fa ’22

43%

Sp ’23

28%

Fa ’23

41%

Sp ’24

48%

Fa ’24

49.8%

Sp ’25

46%

Fa ’25

47%

49.8%

peak induction rate (Fall 2024)

9/10

average member Net Promoter Score

2,800+

members since the 2021 launch

The MOU for academic credit transformed the NSLS from a co-curricular activity into an integrated part of CCU’s academic ecosystem — with Dr. Holland making it an institutional priority.

Student & partner voices

The human impact behind the numbers

“The NSLS speakers have helped me to change my life because I wake up every day with a new attitude. I am more positive about my dreams and making them a reality.”
— Meghan Ford, CCU NSLS Member

“These SNT meetings have helped me achieve my goals in ways I could never imagine. It helped me set small objectives in order to complete my big goal.”
— Jeremiah Dingui, CCU NSLS Member

“As a first-generation college student, navigating everything on my own has been a journey, and the NSLS made the process easier, less stressful, and empowering.”
— Alyssa Ciccarelli, First to complete NSLS Advanced & Executive at CCU · First-generation student

“Having these CCU NSLS interns embedded in our partner sites has been a game-changer for our Heggerty initiative. The interns are trained, prepared, and passionate — a true win-win.”
— Richard Williams, Jr., Director of Education, United Way of Horry County

Key takeaways

What other chapters can learn

Infrastructure can take time

Student leadership multiplies impact

Consistency builds trust

Visibility matters

Institutional partnerships elevate credibility

Real-world opportunities deepen learning

Celebrate publicly

Leverage advisor expertise

Communication is operational infrastructure

Data drives decisions

First-generation students need support

Community impact strengthens campus standing

Build the same foundation on your campus.

CCU proved the potential is already there. The question is whether you’re building the infrastructure to unlock it — and the NSLS gives you the structure to do it.

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