In an attempt to highlight people who lead colleges and universities throughout the country, we arrived in the square to Jackson State University and interviewed Caleb Pickens, 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. Pecins, public health specialist, from Jackson, Mississippi.
We met Caleab Pickens 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 learned as SGA president is that driving revolves around the balance – between advocating students, working with management, and making difficult decisions that may not be always common but necessary for progress. I realized that you cannot satisfy everyone, but if you remain focusing on the largest image and remains honest with your goal, the effect will talk about itself. Communication, patience and flexibility are the key, and above all, driving with integrity and originality leads to all the difference.
What made you decide to join Jackson State University for university students?
I chose Jackson State University because I wanted to be in a place I felt at home – a society that would support me, challenge me and help me grow. Coming from Jackson, I have always seen JSU as more than just a university; It is the cornerstone of the city, and it is a place where black excellence flourishes. I knew that the presence of HBCU, especially one with a strong legacy like JSU, would provide me with opportunities to lead, serve and make an effect.
JSU is also part of my family’s legacy-I am going through the fourth generation. Knowing that I am walking in the same halls as those in front of me make my experience more feasible. It is not only about getting a degree. It comes to imitating excellence, service and leadership.
How did the Jackson State University formed the person you are today?
Jackson State University has formed me in the leader, defender and the person I am today by challenging me to go out of my comfort area and really embrace my goal. From my time as head of a student category to work as SGA president, JSU has provided me with opportunities for growth and service and a concrete impact on my colleagues and the campus community.
Beyond driving, JSU has strengthened the values of flexibility, excellence and service. Culture has taught me the importance of using an audio to raise others, standing in my beliefs, and always seeking to leave a better place than I found. The support provided by faculty members, employees and colleagues was invaluable, and was surrounded by black Daily, nourishing my engine to achieve success.
More importantly, Jsu gave me a deeper feeling. You have prepared me not only academic, but personally and professionally, ensuring that wherever I go after that, I carry the legacy of this institution with me.
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 focused on initiatives that enhance students’ lives, enhance civil participation, and address critical needs within the campus community. Some of the main initiatives that have led or currently plan:
1. Voters ’registration and civil participation – I organized a campaign to register voters in partnership with NPHC and CAB to ensure that students are informed and prepared to participate in the upcoming elections. In addition, I worked to raise awareness of the polling site on the campus, making students more able to.
2. Mental and well-being events-we are preparing for the dear conversations and dear sister, in cooperation with the campus organizations and the Latasha Norman Center, to provide students with an area to discuss mental health, access to consulting services, and participate in self-care activities.
3. Educating sexual health and safety – I planned to think I love: Sex Talk 101, an interactive event that includes a sex specialist and local health organizations to educate students about safe sexual practices and available resources. In addition, I asked the preparatory manual of the homeland to speak to educate students about safety, know their rights, and to cancel the escalation.
4. Vocational Development and Academic Development-established the Roar Internal Training Program to link students to the real world’s work experiences. I also host a biography and a scholarship that happened to provide students with tools for academic and vocational success.
5. Support for a student and transportation student-to better serve students and transfer students, hosted a traveler and transfer student breakfast such as the seizure and specifications, ensuring that they feel inserting and supporting in the JSU community.
6. Menstrual Rights Initiative – We have successfully installed menstrual products that work in the field of flow throughout the campus, ensuring that students enjoy free access to basic hygiene products. This initiative enhances healthy rights and supports needy students.
7. Building the community and the old building – planned to have a presidential lunch to return the former SGA presidents, enhance the guidance and maintain the legacy of the JSU leadership.
Each of these initiatives directly affects students’ welfare, safety and success while strengthening the relationship between JSU and the surrounding community. My goal is to leave a permanent effect by improving the student’s experience and creating a university standard that gives the priority of students’ needs.
How does your SGA management/school currently attend the mental health of students?
Mental health has been a top priority for my administration, and we have followed a pre -emptive approach to ensuring the safe resources and spaces to discuss their well -being. Some of the main initiatives that we have implemented or currently work on:
1. Dear talks and dear sister-we host these-class mental health discussions in cooperation with campus organizations and the Latasha Norman Center. These sessions provide students with space to speak publicly about mental health challenges, self -care strategies, and available counseling services.
2. Expanding mental health resources – we are working closely with the Lazha Norman Center to call for access to consulting services and increase the clarity of mental health specialists on campus. Our goal is to ensure students know where and how to seek help.
3. Events that focus on wellness-we integrated the elements of self-care in our programs, such as mental health massage, relaxation activities, and vigilance exercises to encourage students to give priority to their well-being.
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5. Open doors policy and support for boils SGA- We have strengthened the open door culture in SGA, where students can express their concerns and request guidance from student leaders who can help link them with appropriate resources.
By implementing these initiatives, we are working to create an environment on the campus where priority is given to mental health, and students feel their support in their academic and personal lives.
What does driving mean to you?
For me, driving is a deep figure – it relates to service, sacrifice and responsibility for raising others. It was never about titles or confession, but to ensure that the people whom I represent feel vision, hearing and appreciation. Leadership means even when it is difficult, making difficult decisions with integrity, and setting the needs of others before my country.
My journey has taught me that real leadership is not related to all answers – it is related to listening, learning and willingness to grow. It comes to standing on my purpose, even when the path is uncertain. More importantly, driving revolves around the effect. If I can inspire someone to believe themselves, struggle for what is right, or create opportunities for those who come after me, I have done my work. Because at the end of the day, the leadership is not only what you accomplish – it’s the legacy you leave behind.
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 should focus on creating a strong and authentic existence online that reflects their values and culture. This means sharing students ’real experiences, achievements and campus life through social media and web sites. Communication should be clear and accessible, allowing students to easily find resources and interact with school. Schools must also give priority to mental health by providing easy access to online consulting and support services. By doing this, schools can enhance a supportive and comprehensive digital environment while maintaining a focus on the experience of personal campus.
Why do you think watching the courtyard is important for black students and the culture of the kidney?
Watch The Yard is important for black students and the culture of the kidney because it inflated our voices, celebrates our accomplishments, and highlights the unique experiences we face. It creates a platform where we can display history, traditions and rich contributions to black students, organizations and faculty members in higher education. By sharing success stories, conflict and society, it helps to enhance the feeling of pride and belonging. It also enhances the link between colleges and historical black universities (HBCUS) and the broader black society, which encourages unity and support across generations. In essence, watch the scene play a decisive role in preserving our legacy and distinguishing black excellence within the academic circles.
What do you plan to do after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to follow the law school to continue my journey to invite others, especially children and families facing challenges like those I faced. I am enthusiastic about the family law, events and civil rights, and I ultimately hope to become a federal judge to help form a more just and fair society. Besides, I also plan to earn Business Master, where I think the combination of law and business will give me the tools needed to create more opportunities for those in deprived societies.
We would like to praise Calip Picins because he works as a president of SGA University at Jackson University.
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