Today we’re thinking about success outside of the traditional box. On this episode of ScholarScoop, host Steve Loflin sits down with Jeff Summer, former Board Chair of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, a former partner at Deloitte, and current managing partner of Nexus-OD, to explore the value of education beyond conventional routes.

Jeff’s journey is far from typical: from construction worker and restaurant manager to psychology student and eventually an influential management consultant and entrepreneur. He shares powerful lessons about pursuing your interests, adapting to various professional environments, the necessity of mentorship, and the impact of philanthropy.

If you’ve ever wondered about creating your own path or turning your curiosity into a fulfilling career, this conversation is filled with insights to inspire your next move.

Join Steve and Jeff as they challenge conventional career narratives and offer a refreshing take on finding purpose and fulfillment in your professional life.

What does it take to start over, and truly thrive? On this episode of ScholarScoop, Steve Loflin sits down with Dwayne Wiggins, President Emeritus of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) at Full Sail University and founder of "A Human. Being!" coaching. Dwayne shares his journey of returning to college in his early 30s, overcoming personal challenges, and discovering his purpose as a passionate advocate for mental health, leadership, and education.

From navigating his path in higher education to becoming a powerful voice for mental wellness, Dwayne discusses the transformative role NSCS played in his life. Steve and Dwayne explore essential topics like prioritizing self-care, setting boundaries, and creating supportive spaces for vulnerability. Dwayne’s remarkable story highlights the strength of perseverance and the power of second chances, proving it's never too late to rewrite your story and positively impact others.

Tune in for an honest conversation that offers valuable lessons on resilience, self-discovery, and the importance of putting your mental health first.

Welcome to Scholar Scoop! Join our host Steve Loflin, founder of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, as he connects students and recent grads with the mentors, leaders, and innovators who’ve shaped his journey. This isn’t just another success podcast—it’s your backstage pass to real stories, honest advice, and powerful connections to help you thrive in college, career, and life.

In this special episode of ScholarScoop for Mental Health Awareness Month, host Steve Loflin sits down with Alison Malmon, Founder and Executive Director of Active Minds. Alison shares her personal journey of turning tragedy into a transformative national movement after losing her brother Brian to suicide during his freshman year at the University of Pennsylvania.

Steve and Alison discuss the evolution of mental health conversations over the past two decades, the unique challenges high-achieving students face, and practical strategies for creating supportive environments. Hear powerful insights on early intervention, destigmatizing mental health struggles, and leveraging campus resources like the impactful “Backpack Project” and the ASK model.

Whether you’re a student, educator, or advocate, this conversation highlights the importance of mental health support in achieving personal and academic success.

Learn more about Active Minds at activeminds.org.

Wondering how AI might change your path through college, your career choices, or even your everyday life? In this episode of ScholarScoop, host Steve Loflin sits down with AI pioneer and entrepreneur Anne Balduzzi, who’s spent decades at the forefront of innovation with companies like AOL and Apple.

Anne shares practical insights into how students can harness AI to gain an edge - whether applying to college, selecting a future-proof major, or landing the perfect internship. She reveals how AI is reshaping industries, what majors might be disrupted, and how you can best prepare for these rapid changes. Plus, Anne offers invaluable tips on navigating privacy, security, and integrity concerns related to AI tools like ChatGPT.

If you’re a student, parent, or recent graduate looking for clarity and confidence in the AI-powered future, this episode is your guide to thriving in a quickly changing world.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• How AI tools can improve your college applications and academic experience
• Majors and careers most likely to be transformed by AI
• Practical AI tools every student should explore today
• Why embracing entrepreneurship and creative thinking is critical for future success

Tune in and let Anne Balduzzi and Steve Loflin provide some serious insight into how AI can empower your next steps.

In this episode, How Saying Yes Can Change Your Life, William A. Keyes IV, PhD (known to many as Bill) shares some ScholarScoop with Steve Loflin, Founder and CEO of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS).

Dr. Keyes is the founder of the Institute for Responsible Citizenship and author of The Stories They Hear: Expecting Greatness as the Key to Success. He reflects on the power of saying yes, the role of relationships, and why expecting greatness from students can lead to meaningful change.
This conversation offers insight for students navigating college, leadership, and what it means to build a purposeful life.

Learn more about The Stories They Hear: Expecting Greatness as the Key to Success: https://www.amazon.com/Stories-They-Hear-Expecting-Greatness/dp/1646871839

Subscribe for more conversations on College, Career, and Life.

#ScholarScoop #NSCS #Leadership #Mentorship #StudentVoices #CollegeCareerLife

Read more at the NSCS 3 Pillars Blog at https://nscs.org/leadership-advice-for-college-students-from-dr-keyes/

In this episode, Steve sits down with career coach and author Marlo Lyons to talk about how college students can take charge of their professional journey. They explore strategies for landing internships, aligning skills with the right industries, and finding purpose in your first job after graduation.

Marlo is the author of Wanted → My First Career, a career guide designed to help students and recent grads successfully transition from college to the workforce.

In this conversation, Marlo shares insights on:
• Leveraging values, interests, and passions to guide career decisions
• Gaining experience through internships and volunteer work
• Preparing for the job market with strong resumes and interview strategies

🎧 Watch the full episode to hear Marlo’s advice for building a career that’s both strategic and fulfilling.

📘 Learn more about Marlo and her book: https://www.marlolyonscoaching.com/wantedmyfirstcareer

#ScholarScoop #CareerSuccess #CollegeToCareer #Internships #NSCS #CareerDevelopment #jobsearch

For more information about NSCS scholar benefits, visit https://nscs.org/membership/

Hosted by Steve Loflin, Founder & CEO of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS), ScholarScoop features conversations with professionals, alumni, and student leaders to help you navigate college and beyond.

ScholarScoop Episode 1: How College Shaped My Life
In this debut episode, Steve reconnects with longtime friend and Global Leadership Development Specialist Karin Wiedemann. Karin reflects on her time at Penn State—how stepping into leadership roles as an RA and orientation leader helped shape both her personal growth and professional path.

They also revisit their experience working together on Semester at Sea, and how travel, community, and taking chances can lead to lifelong connections and opportunities.

🎧 Watch the full episode and get your ScholarScoop!
#ScholarScoop #CollegeCareerLife #Leadership #SemesterAtSea #nscs

Learn more about NSCS 3 pillars - scholarship, leadership, and service at https://nscs.org/3-pillars-blog/