In an attempt to shed light on people who lead colleges and universities throughout the country, we got to the yard to Edward Waters University and interviewed with Travales Woodard, President of the Student Government Association 2024-2025.
The position of SGA president is a great respect, and there is a special pride in their election by their peers to lead. Woodard, who specializes in biology/pre -MED, from Kissimmee, Florida, is proud in the fall of 2022 of Phi Beta Sigma.
We met Travales Woodard and talked to him about his position, goals and future, and what it means to occupy this type of leadership in 2024-2025.
Read the full interview below.
What is the biggest thing you learned as SGA president so far?
The biggest thing I have learned as SGA president so far is the importance of mastering the art of authorization, taking advantage of political acumen from both members and faculty, and understanding that real change takes time and effort to implement. The delegation taught me how I trust in my team and enable others to obtain ownership of their roles, which was necessary to manage many moving parts of the student government. Political growth helped me to move in complex relations and build a consensus among stakeholders, from my colleagues to faculty and administration members. In general, I have learned that the change has a meaning that does not happen overnight – it requires stability, patience and a clear vision to see it through. These lessons were effective in helping me grow as a leader and the best community service.
What made you decide to attend Edward Waters University for university students?
I decided to attend Edward Waters University to conduct my university studies because she felt the perfect suitability from the beginning. As younger in my family and a first-generation college student, I wanted a place where I could feel support and arrest-Edward Waters presented it completely. From the moment I went up to the campus, I made the atmosphere directed towards the family and welcoming it as a house far from the house. The interconnected community was not limited to students only; Soon, friends and faculty members became like the family, as professors and mentors feel that they are aunt and uncles who have honestly interested in my success.
I also appreciate that Edward Waters is not a large university. The smaller preparation allowed me to build meaningful relationships and feel more than just a number. Moreover, the display of a full ride scholarship was a blessing that made my dream of higher education possible without financial pressure. The choice of Edward Waters University was one of the best decisions that I have ever taken – it’s a really a place of nurturing, challenging me, and helped me grow in ways that I never imagined.
How did Edward Waters University formed the person you are today?
Edward Waters University has formed me in the person I am today by providing me with the basis for support, growth and opportunity. As a university student of the first generation, Edward Waters equipped me with the tools needed to overcome challenges, critical thinking, and defend myself and others. Not only did you help the sizes of smaller classes and personal interest in building confidence in my abilities, but also developing leadership skills I did not think I did not get it. The university has taught me the importance of leadership with sympathy and integrity, embracing the strength of my voice and my personality, and seeking to achieve excellence in everything I do. More importantly, the values of service, perseverance, and excellence that were planted here formed my personality and prepared me to make a meaningful effect beyond the campus. I am very grateful for how to take care of Edward Waters University in a more identified, emotional and purposeful person, ready to lead and make a change in the real world.
What are the specific initiatives that you went to this year (or planning), and how do you think it will improve the school and the surrounding community?
This year, I had the honor to lead many initiatives aimed at improving Edward Waters University and the surrounding community. One of my main projects was to organize weekly academic workshops to help students enhance their skills, excel in the courses, and prepare better for their future professions. I also called for better academic opportunities, resources and tools to ensure that students are not successful only in their specializations, but they are also fully equipped with prosperity after graduation. This includes efforts to enhance job development programs, access internal training, and support vocational certificates.
In addition, I am helping to lead the youth guidance program with a local elementary school, where Edward Waters for younger students’ students focuses on academic support, developing leadership, and enhancing learning passion. This initiative was incredibly rewarding, as it blocks our university deprivation and the surrounding community with the inspiration of the next generation.
I have also worked on community service engines, such as food donations and clothing for services deprived of services, and have given the priorities of efforts to expand campus resources for mental health and wellness, ensuring that all students feel academic and personal support.
Most importantly, I am committed to leaving a legacy by creating a scholarship to support future students. This scholarship will help provide opportunities for the needy, ensuring that the values of service and empowerment continue to prosper at Edward Waters University long after my time here.
How does your SGA management/school currently attend the mental health of students?
At Edwardwater University, mental health and welfare of our students are a top priority for our SGA administration. We are committed to ensuring the support and resources they need to prosper, academically and personally. This year, one of our main initiatives was cooperating with the well -being office, access, and comprehensiveness to develop meaningful programs that deal with mental health for students. We planned together for a net wellness week, designing to provide students with practical tools to manage stress, build flexibility and give priority to their mental health. The week will contain a set of activities including mind workshops, and open discussions with mental health professionals. In addition to the wellness week, we have organized resource exhibitions where students can explore a variety of health services available inside and outside the campus. Since our university has become increasingly diverse, we are also working to create a corporate support network to provide students with support and emotional guidance in a safe and secret environment. Through these initiatives, our goal is to develop a culture of campus that appreciate mental health, encourage students to seek help when needed, and to enhance a comprehensive and supportive society.
What does driving mean to you?
Leadership means a major impact on those around you by leading faith and deep faith in the capabilities of the individual. It comes to inspiring others to recognize their capabilities and enable them to make a change. As a leader, I understand that my role is not only for guidance, but also to develop and care for future leaders who will continue to work. These individuals will serve others with integrity, lead the goal and approach their duties with intent, knowing the importance of creating a positive and permanent influence.
We are now living in a digital world, what do you think of schools that you should do to represent themselves online in 2025?
In 2025, schools need to remain relevant by creating an attractive and original presence online. This means maintaining active social media accounts on platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and LinkedIn to communicate with students, graduates and society. The participation of a mixture of campus events, students ’stories, faculty and communication with the community will make the school feel more character and relationship. It is also important for schools to be transparent about their values and infrastructure, which indicates their commitment to inclusion. Moreover, schools must use modern digital tools-such as video lectures, interactive forums online and resources that work with artificial intelligence materials-to enhance personal learning online. Once students start their journey, schools need to provide strong research opportunities and pre -professional Noura to guide them towards job tracks and practical experiences that put them to success after graduation.
Why do you think watching the courtyard is important for black students and the culture of the kidney?
Watch The whole thing is to highlight the traditions of black Greek life, student organizations and unique experiences that we have on the campus. Often, the voices of students in the weak institutions do not get the shine they deserve, but the annihilation witness makes sure we have heard. It draws attention to the various ways that black students contribute to the life of the campus, helps to build communications, and gives us space to be proud of who we are and from where do we come. It is a place where our stories are concerned and where we do not forget.
What do you plan to do after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to apply for a medical college with the aim of becoming an emergency doctor. My leadership and growth inside SGA prepared me for this next step, as I learned how to defend others, work under pressure, and lead to sympathy – abandoning the lack of medicine. I am excited to make a difference in the lives of those who resemble me and fight healthy variations. Emergency medicine raises me because it allows me to provide immediate care with the call to better access to health care, especially for deprived societies. My mission is to reduce health inequality and make a permanent impact in this field.
We would like to praise Travales Woodard for his work as the head of SGA University of Edward Waters University.
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