Wallace Fellowship luncheon honors students, offers lessons in servant leadership

Servant leadership isn't defined by position or authority, said Quanshaul Vinson.

Rather, the definition lies in the meanings of action. Of compassion and responsibility towards others. Of helping and serving neighbors.

It's defined, clearly and profoundly, in the parable of the Good Samaritan.

"I realized that this parable connects directly to servant leadership by emphasizing that true leaders are those who advocate for patients, step in during the vulnerable moments and prioritize care even when it requires personal sacrifice and extra effort," said Vinson, a student in Doctor of Pharmacy, Master of Science in Public Health and Master of Business Administration.

Vinson was among a group of 11 Campbell University students honored during The Wallace Interprofessional Leadership & Character Fellowship luncheon Wednesday, April 15.

Vinson was also one of four students who spoke about servant leadership, specifically about its relation to The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), which was read by Wallace Fellows Joshua Allan House, Master of Physician Assistant Practice; Rachel Remick, Bachelor of Science, Nursing; and Asia-La'Rae Walker, who will become a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine when she graduates in May.

Walker will serve her residency in Family Medicine in Rome, Georgia.

She said the program taught her to be a more active listener, to not just think about the grand scope of what needs to be done, but to also think about the individual components that make up how people feel.

About empathy and gaining trust.

"I was able to understand, as a future physician, what is needed for me to be alongside my patients … so that they know that I am helping to lead them, but also not trying to be above them."

Joining them in the program were students Sarah Allena Cruz, a Master of Science in Public Health and U.S. Navy nurse; Sema Ahmad Hammond, Doctor of Physical Therapy; Coleridge Edward Hill, Doctor of Physical Therapy; Megan Matthews, Master of Physician Assistant Practice; Amarah Owens, a Master of Divinity candidate who offered the invocation; Susan Brown-Hylton Propst, a Doctor of Pharmacy candidate and retired teacher who offered the benediction; and Cooper McDaniel Wilson, Bachelor in Nursing.

Among the student speakers, each was asked to answer a different question, though their answers led listeners to follow a common theme and toward a place of compassionate service and love for our neighbors.

Toward the teachings of Dr. Jerry M. Wallace, an ordained minister who served 12 years as Campbell's president. Wallace, who attended the luncheon, has held many leadership roles at the university, including teaching the Wallace Fellowship seminars through 2024-25. As president, Wallace played a crucial role in ushering in Campbell's medical school, which bears his name.

As part of the luncheon, Wallace presented each student with a certificate of completion. He welcomed each to the stage with warm words of congratulations and encouragement. Wallace also specially thanked the 2025-26 Wallace Servant Leadership & Character Founders, those who contributed to The Interprofessional Servant Leadership & Character Scholarship, Bob and Pat Barker for their Servant Leadership Mission Scholarship, as well as the 2025-26 Wallace Scholarship recipients.

Dr. John Roberson, professor of Higher Education Administration, now oversees the Wallace Fellowship. Roberson has had a long career in leadership at Campbell, including as executive vice president and chief operating officer. Leading the fellowship, he said, is among his top five opportunities at the university.

"I don't know how meaningful this has been to students," Roberson said. "But I can tell you, it has meant everything to me, and I look forward to doing this again."

The fellowship, through recognition, support and encouragement, challenges students to accept the call to servant leadership. Nominated by their respective deans, the students develop the skills of servant leadership through coursework, collaborative learning sessions and through practical learning experiences. The fellowship is open to students pursuing degrees in divinity, nursing, osteopathic medicine, pharmaceutical services, physical therapy, physician assistant and public health.

In answering her question, Hammond referenced Robert Greenleaf's 10 Principles, focusing specifically on those most important to her: listening, empathy and commitment.

A traditional leader may focus on results, productivity or outcomes, Hammond says, but a servant leader focuses on helping people grow, develop and succeed.

"Throughout this fellowship and the readings we have completed, I learned that service leadership is not about holding a position of authority, but rather about serving others first and helping them grow.

"I have learned that leadership is not about recognition or titles, but about how we support and invest in others. To me, servant leadership is a daily choice - to listen with intention, lead with empathy and actively contribute to the growth of those around me."

Cruz, speaking on the personal impact of the Wallace Fellowship, said one of the most valuable parts of the program was the opportunity - though seemingly contradictory - to slow down in professional settings.

"The focus is often on achievement, productivity and outcomes," she said. "While these things all do matter, the Wallace Fellowship reminded me that how we lead is just as important as what we accomplish through the books we've read, the discussions we have, the perspectives we all share. I was challenged to think more deeply about character, empathy, humility and the responsibility we have in working with and serving others."

Wilson said the program helped him to gain a new perspective on leadership. True leadership.

"A servant leader is someone who serves the people under them, who takes input from everyone they are leading, and someone who has empathy, awareness and a commitment to the growth of a community.

"I now know that being above someone does not make me a leader," Wilson said. "What has made me a leader, or what can make anyone a leader, is how you serve others. How you truly take a step to be there for the people that you were serving."

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